Pet obesity is a real concern, as with it comes a host of major health issues. It is the responsibility of pet parents to ensure that your furry friend is in the ideal weight range.

Ideal Pet Weight Ranges
When you visit your vet, your pet will be weighed and told his or her ideal weight. This depends on your pet’s breed, gender, and age. For most cats, the ideal weight is between 3 to 5 kg. On the other hand, fluffy-coated Maine Coon cats have a higher range of 4.5 to11 kg.

Prevent Pet Obesity: Portion Control
Avoid overfeeding your dog to best prevent pet obesity. Most pet parents find themselves wondering, How much should I feed my dog? Dogs over 8 weeks old only need to be fed twice a day. Puppies 6 to 8 weeks old should be fed wet food 3 to 4 times a day. The amount of food depends on your dog’s weight:

  • Up to 4.5 kg – 1/4 to 3/4 cup
  • 4.5-11 kg – 3/4 to 1 cup
  • 11-22 kg – 1 to 2 cups
  • 22-34 kg – 2 to 2 1/2 cups
  • Over 34 kg – 2 to 4 cups

Prevent Pet Obesity: Exercise
The amount of exercise your pet needs depends on his or her breed and age. An old Pomeranian has much lower exercise needs than a young Greyhound.

Daily exercise is best, below are some guidelines:

  • 2 to 3 times per week is a must.
  • Pets seeking weight loss need to increase both the frequency and intensity of their workouts.
  • Play fetch, swimming, and jogging are all ways for your pet to shed weight.

Pet Weight Loss Tips

  • Strict portion control. Start by measuring how much you are currently feeding your pet. Gradually decrease that amount over a week until it is at the appropriate portion size for your pet’s age and weight.
  • Move your pet’s dishes. Placing your pet’s food and water dishes at the top of some stairs or further places can add a little exercise to his or her routine. Just make sure you point out the new location to your pet!
  • Use veggies as treats. Surprisingly, most dogs love vegetables! Try substituting a dog friendly vegetables like a carrot, peas, or green beans for a low-calorie, healthy treat

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