It may come as a surprise, but most veterinarians will tell you – about half of our nation’s dogs are overweight. If your four-legged friend is in this group, you’ll want to start getting them back down to a healthy weight ASAP. To help Fido stay happy and healthy for years to come, here are some tips on losing those pup-pounds.<\/p>\n
One of the easiest ways a pet parent can start to get their pup’s weight in check is by portioning out their meals. A simple measuring cup can do more wonders than you’d think. Many owners tend to either fill up the bowl or eyeball the correct amount. What’s even worse is when you create a buffet-type feeding routine for Fido by keeping their container full all day long. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention<\/a>, feeding as little as ten extra kibble pieces a day can cause your pup to gain an additional pound every year. So once you figure out how many calories your canine companion needs<\/a> to consume depending on their size and exercise level, measure that amount out instead of just guessing.<\/p>\n Rewarding your furry friend with a treat here and there is perfectly fine, especially if it’s for the right reasons. But if you have a dog that needs to shed a few pounds, you want to make sure you’re not feeding them junk food treats that will jeopardize their progress. Many popular treats you’ll come across at the pet store are loaded with sugars and fats – because of this, you’ll want to be sure you’re snagging Fido some goodies that are sugar-free and use ingredients such as sweet potatoes, salmon, or blueberries. Another great option is to opt for the 2-for-1 treats that also promote dental health. Still, keep in mind what was mentioned above – you need to be counting those calories and staying within your four-legged friend’s healthy weight range. Giving your pooch even 30 extra calories a day could cause them to gain up to 3 pounds in as short as a year.<\/p>\n A bonus fun and healthy option to consider is making homemade dog treats. With this option, you’ll know exactly what’s going into every treat. There are recipes out there as simple as homemade jerky treats<\/a> to fancy biscuits<\/a> – your possibilities here are endless.<\/p>\nEasy On the Treats<\/h3>\n
Introduce Fido to Fruits and Veggies<\/h3>\n