A
five-step program from fat to fit
by
Audi Donamor
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4. Take a look
at diet
Once hypothyroidism or other metabolic
disorders have been ruled out by your
veterinarian, it is time develop a weight
loss program for your animal. This should
be done with the help of a veterinarian,
and perhaps an animal nutritionist. Try
keeping a food journal for even one week.
(If more than one person feeds your animal,
ask them to note quantities and times.)
The results may surprise you: Fido and
Fluffy may be eating much more than you
thought!
Once you really know how much and how
often your animal is being fed, you may
have to make some changes:
• Only one person should feed the
animal.
• Feeding smaller, more frequent
meals is often beneficial.
•
Throw guesswork out the window: all food
should be measured, and the best way to
do this is by actually weighing your animal’s
daily ration, including treats.
• Consider using fresh fruit or
vegetables for treats, rather than biscuits.
Chunks of fresh apple, carrots and zucchini
are great alternatives for dogs.
• Even many finicky cats enjoy the
taste of fresh melon, but keep in mind
that a cat needs animal-based proteins
and fats and should never be fed a vegetarian
diet.
• If you do give your companion
biscuits, break them into tiny pieces.
He’ll love you just as much, whether
the treat is big or small.
• Dr. Strombeck points out that
fewer calories convert to fat when an
animal’s metabolic rate increases.
You can help your companion’s body
burn more energy by supplementing his
diet with Omega-3 fatty acids from fish
oil sources. Other foods that increase
metabolism include vegetables, whole grains,
legumes, and fruits.
• Check out http://national-academies.org/petdoor,
to learn more about nutrition for companion
animals, and how you can help your dog
or cat lose weight.
Contrary to popular belief, love is not
always spelled f-o-o-d. Free feeding is
a major contributing factor to obesity
in companion animals, so you can’t
give in to those soulful eyes and humming
purrs!
5.
Get him moving
Like diet, exercise is a key tool in the
fight against obesity, so make a daily
activity date with your companion. Going
for regular walks, or participating in
other activities like swimming, can help
dogs become healthier and happier. Dr.
Howard Erickson, Professor of Physiology
and Anatomy at Kansas State University’s
School of Veterinary Medicine, adds that
even a simple game of ball in the backyard
will provide sufficient aerobic exercise
for your dog.
Cats also need regular exercise. You can’t
take her jogging, but you can coax her
off the windowsill for some interactive
play. Consider buying “Da Bird,”
one of the top rated toys for cats, whose
twirling feather action mimics the motion
of a bird in flight. Catnip mice are always
popular, and a foil ball makes a great
little “hockey puck” for your
feline friend.
There is no magic bullet to help your
dog or cat lose weight, but with the guidance
of your vet, you and your beloved companion
can successfully make the trip from fat
to fit, and have lots of
fun along the way.
AUDI DONAMOR
HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY CREATING SPECIAL
NEEDS DIETS FOR DOGS AND CAT FOR TEN YEARS.
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Published
in the February/March 2005 issue of Animal
Wellness
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