We love our pet very much, so we want to see them happy, even when we give them an extra pouch of food. The snacks we lovingly share during our meals or foods rich in calories are just some of the things our pets crave. Unfortunately, this is not good for our furry friend's health, and our love must be reflected in healthy choices for them.
Obesity in dogs is an increasingly common problem, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP). In 2018, they conducted a survey showing that 56% of pet dogs are overweight or obese. Obesity is a serious condition that increases the risk of chronic diseases, shortens lifespan and affects quality of life.
The good news is that it can be managed with a little care, plenty of love and a few simple changes. ❤️
Is my dog obese?
The signs are subtle but important:
- Ribs can no longer be easily felt.
- A barely visible or absent waistline.
- Tiring quickly during everyday activities.
- Difficulty moving or playing.
How can my dog return to their ideal weight?
🔹 Balanced Nutrition:
Dog food designed for weight loss should be rich in protein and fibre, but low in fat. Protein helps stimulate metabolism and increase energy expenditure, while also providing a feeling of fullness so your dog does not feel the need to eat again too soon after a meal. Fibre, on the other hand, helps maintain that feeling of fullness while being low in calories.
Provide a nutritionally balanced meal and reduce daily calorie intake across all meals. Together, these should contain 60-70% calories, with the rest consisting of protein, fibre and fat, as follows:
- Protein: 18%-23% to maintain muscle mass.
- Fat: 10%-15% to reduce calorie density.
- Fibre: 10%-15% to increase the feeling of fullness.
For this, we recommend the cold pressed food Prins ProCare Diet Pressed Weight Control & Diabetic Support because it is rich in crude protein (30%) and fibre (15%), and low in fat (10%). Cold pressed food is also much more filling thanks to its production process. You can find more details here.
🔹 Daily Exercise:
Increasing your dog's physical activity is vital for weight loss. Whether it is a longer walk (15-30 minutes), a run or interactive games, any physical activity will help them burn stored energy. We recommend exercise at least 2 times a day. Before you begin, speak to your vet to make sure your furry friend does not have any conditions associated with obesity, such as arthritis or heart disease, which could limit physical activity.
🔹 Cut Out Uncontrolled Snacking:
Replace treats rich in calories with healthy alternatives. Starterkit baking mix is one option, as it is rich in crude protein (26,4%) and fibre (19,8%) and low in fat (1,9%).
🔹 Personalised Weight Loss Plan:
Work with your vet to create a plan that includes both the right diet for your dog's health conditions and monitoring their weight loss progress. For Prins ProCare Diet Weight Control Diabetes our recommended daily feeding amounts are as follows:
Benefits of a Healthy Weight
A dog who returns to their ideal weight not only looks good but feels better too! You will notice increased energy levels, improved mobility and a reduced risk of conditions such as heart disease or joint problems.
Because We Love Them
Our dogs are part of the family, and the care we take of their health truly reflects our unconditional love. With small, steady steps, we can give them a longer, more active and happier life – exactly what they deserve. 🌟🐶
Let's set out on this journey to better health together! Every step is an act of love. ❤️
