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How to Help Your Overweight Dog
How to Help Your Overweight Dog

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How to Help Your Overweight Dog

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Obesity is a common problem in dogs, but you can help your pet lose weight. Identifying the causes and following a total weight-management program can result in controlled weight loss and maintenance. A total weight-management program includes evaluating the animal, educating the pet owner, modifying behaviors, and tailoring the program to individual situations.

 

 

Definition and Causes of, and Contributing Factors to, Obesity in Dogs

Obesity is defined as an increase in body weight, beyond the limitation of skeletal and physical requirements, resulting from an accumulation of excess body fat.
 

Obesity is caused when caloric intake exceeds caloric expenditure. This simply means that a dog eats more energy (calories) than it uses and stores the excess energy as fat.
 

There are many factors that can contribute to obesity:

  • Overfeeding
  • Inactivity
  • Breed
  • Age and gender
  • Spay/neuter status
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Hyperadrenocorticism
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Owner's weight

 

 

Fat, Fiber, and Fatty Acids in Your Dog’s Weight-Loss Program

Fat

  • Dogs use fat as their primary energy source.
  • A diet that replaces some fat with highly digestible carbohydrates offers a good low-calorie alternative. Digestible carbohydrates contain fewer than one half of the calories of equal quantities of fat and do not have the disadvantages of indigestible fiber.

 

Fiber and Fatty Acids

  • A normal fiber level, provided in a moderately fermentable fiber source, helps create and maintain a healthy gut. This is especially important to the dog on a weight-reduction regimen.
  • Some weight-loss products for dogs dilute calories with high levels of fiber. High-fiber foods might reduce the digestibility and absorption of many nutrients, including fat. These foods reduce weight by providing what could be considered poor-quality nutrition. These high-fiber diets also might result in large, frequent stools, and decreased skin and coat condition.
  • Diets that provide an adjusted fatty-acid profile maintain the pet's healthy skin and coat, despite lowered fat levels.

 

Carbohydrates and Special Ingredients in Your Dog’s Weight-Loss Program

Carbohydrates and Special Ingredients

  • Feeding a diet that contains the carbohydrates corn, sorghum, and/or barley can result in lower blood sugar and insulin levels as compared to feeding a diet that contains rice as the primary carbohydrate source. Lower blood sugar and insulin levels also can help with maintaining a proper weight.

 

In addition, a diet that contains L-carnitine can help dogs metabolize fat. L-carnitine is a vitamin-like compound that helps burn fat.

 

 

Weight Loss for Your Dog Should Be Gradual

  • The goal of a good weight-loss-management program should be gradual weight loss. This is especially important in cats, because severe nutrient restriction can result in hepatic lipidosis (abnormal fat accumulation in the liver).
  • Dogs should lose 1 to 2% of their initial weight per week.
  • A good way to begin a weight-loss program is to reduce caloric intake by transitioning to a weight-control or reduced-fat formula. Dogs and cats that do not respond quickly should see their veterinarian for a special weight-loss program.

 

A total weight-management program can lead to successful weight reduction in the obese dog. Complete evaluation by the veterinarian is always recommended, and owner compliance is essential to success.
 

IAMS™ and professional veterinary products provide optimum nutrition for animals that can benefit from a weight-management program.

  • All About Vitamins for Puppies
    All About Vitamins for Puppies
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    All About Vitamins for Puppies

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    Welcome to our pet care blog, where we delve into the intricacies of fostering the well-being of our four-legged friends. In this edition, we shine a spotlight on a fundamental aspect of puppy care—nutrition. As conscientious pet owners, understanding the role of vitamins in the early stages of a puppy's life is essential for promoting robust health and vitality. In this blog, we study the key nutrients that contribute to the overall development of our furry companions.
     

    Vitamins for puppies

    During the crucial phases of growth and development, puppies have distinct nutritional needs, and vitamins play a pivotal role in ensuring they thrive. If you are looking for vitamins for puppies in the Philippines, IAMS has you covered with some of the best puppy vitamins in their range of dog supplements. 
     

    From supporting bone formation to bolstering their immune systems, each puppy multivitamin contributes uniquely to a puppy’s well-being. A well-balanced diet is paramount for setting the stage for a lifetime of happiness and vitality. Next, let us uncover the essential components that will help you make informed choices to ensure your puppy receives the nutrients necessary for a healthy and vibrant start to life. 
     

    Are vitamins good for puppies?

    Puppy vitamins are essential for the health and development of puppies, just as they are for humans. While a balanced diet is crucial, factors such as rapid growth and specific life stages may necessitate additional vitamin support. In the following section, we will explore the importance of vitamins tailored to the unique needs of puppies, examining how these nutrients contribute to their overall well-being. Understanding the role of vitamins in a puppy's diet can guide pet owners in providing the best possible start for their young companions. 
     

    Benefits of vitamins for puppies

    Ensuring your puppy gets the right vitamins is not just about being a nutrition expert, it is about setting the stage for a life filled with tail wags and playful antics. From bone development to a glossy coat, these little powerhouses contribute to your pup's well-being in a big way. Below is a break down the perks with a quick list of pointers that highlight how vitamins can make your puppy's world a whole lot brighter: 

    • Supporting growth

    Essential vitamins, such as vitamin D and calcium, play a pivotal role in bone development, ensuring that puppies develop strong and healthy skeletal structures during their rapid growth phases. Proper bone formation not only supports their current well-being but lays the groundwork for a lifetime of agility and mobility.

    • Boosting immunity 

    Vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin E contribute to a robust immune system, helping puppies defend against infections and illnesses as they encounter new environments and experiences. A strengthened immune system provides a crucial defense mechanism, aiding in the puppy's ability to adapt and thrive.

    • Cognitive development

    B vitamins, particularly B12 and folate, are crucial for neurological development. These vitamins support cognitive function, aiding in the formation of a puppy's developing brain and nervous system. An enriched cognitive foundation sets the stage for improved learning, memory, and overall mental acuity.

    • Healthy skin and coat 

    Vitamins A and E are essential for maintaining healthy skin and a glossy coat. These vitamins contribute to skin cell integrity and help prevent issues such as dryness and flakiness. A radiant coat not only enhances a puppy's appearance but is indicative of their overall health.

    • Energy metabolism 

    B-complex vitamins, including B1, B2, and B6, are vital for energy metabolism. They help convert food into energy, ensuring that puppies have the stamina and vitality needed for their playful and active lifestyles. A well-regulated energy metabolism supports sustained playfulness and optimal physical activity levels.

    • Vision support

    Vitamins A and C are critical for maintaining good eyesight. The best puppy vitamins contribute to the health of the eyes and can prevent issues related to vision as puppies grow. Clear and healthy vision is essential for puppies as they explore their surroundings, promoting confidence and safety in their environment.

    • Overall well-being

    Adequate vitamin intake supports the overall health and vitality of puppies, promoting a strong foundation for a lifetime of well-being. A balanced vitamin profile ensures that puppies can thrive and enjoy a high quality of life from their early stages onward, setting the stage for a happy and healthy companionship.
     

    Puppy vitamins are like the superheroes of a puppy's well-being. From building strong bones to giving their immune system a boost, these little nutrients play a big role in keeping our furballs healthy and happy.
     

    So, the next time you are picking up doggy treats or deciding on their dinner, remember the power of those vitamins, because a well-fed puppy is a puppy ready for all the belly rubs and adventures you can throw its way.