5 Ways to Combat Dog Obesity
Has your pup been putting weight? Obesity can cause a number of health issues in pets, which is why it’s important to keep an eye on their weight and address it if it starts to increase. Combating dog obesity isn’t that different from maintaining a healthy human weight, but here are a few useful tips to help you get started!
Visit Your Vet
If you notice your dog has been packing on the pounds the first thing you should do is bring it to the attention of your vet. This way you can rule out any other health issues. There could be underlying health problems that could explain their weight gain. If there is, your vet will be able to provide you with medication to control the issue or provide you with specific dietary advice to help.
Increase Exercise
Just as with humans, one of the best ways to combat obesity is to increase their exercise. If your dog is struggling with their weight its important that they burn off excess calories. All dogs, even the laziest pups, need daily exercise. If you notice your dog plumping up, start taking them on more walks, including some hikes, try swimming, or even just encourage them to play at home more.
Monitor Food Intake
Exercise is great, but as with humans, diet is important when trying to maintain a healthy weight. Make sure to monitor your pup’s food intake to ensure they’re getting the correct amount. Try to limit extra treats or scraps from the table, as these are often high in calories.
Switch Their Diet
Certain dog brands can be full of unhealthy ingredients. If you notice it’s hard for your dog to maintain a healthy weight on their current food, consider switching. One of the benefits of a raw diet is that it replicates a dog’s natural diet, making it easier to digest and it’s packed full of healthy nutrients and protein. At Just Raw, we offer a number of healthy protein options, including leaner meats such as chicken and turkey which are great for dogs trying to keep the pounds off.
Keep Tabs on It
Once your pup starts shedding the pounds, don’t slack on their maintenance plan! As pet owners, it’s your responsibility to ensure they don’t just get to their healthy weight, but that they maintain it. It can be tempting to slip back into old habits like feeding treats but keeping them healthy and fit requires consistency.
Struggling to fight against dog obesity? Try our Just Raw Meals today, and see how these nutrient and protein-packed meals can help. Order today!