pet obesity
PET OBESITY: IS YOURS AT RISK?
Studies show nearly half of our dogs and cats are overweight or obese, but these healthy habits might help keep your pet from becoming an alarming statistic.
Is your pet at risk?
People aren't the only over-eaters in America: The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) found that 56 percent of dogs and 53 percent of cats are either overweight or obese. Recently, we were touched by the story of Meow, a 39-pound cat who died in a shelter from obesity complications. His heartbreaking situation is a solemn reminder that pet obesity can lead to kidney disease, cancer, high blood pressure, Type 2 Diabetes, decreased life expectancy, and more. Next: See how you can work to reverse the trend for a healthier, happier pet.
Know your label language.
According to the FDA, ingredients must be listed in descending order of weight on all nutrition labels. But just because meat may be listed first, that doesn't mean it's healthiest: Water counts toward its weight, and dehydrated meat products can have adequate protein and minerals. Check with your vet to about what your pet needs.
If your pet is overweight, look for "light," "lite," or "low-calorie" foods, terms which are regulated by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Don't be fooled by "gourmet" or "premium." Finally, watch for false or unsafe claims around "complete," "balanced," "100% nutritious," without AAFCO approvals. According to the FDA, ingredients must be listed in descending order of weight on all nutrition labels. But just because meat may be listed first, that doesn't mean it's healthiest: Water counts toward its weight, and dehydrated meat products can have adequate protein and minerals. Check with your vet to about what your pet needs.According to the FDA, ingredients must be listed in descending order of weight on all nutrition labels. But just because meat may be listed first, that doesn't mean it's healthiest: Water counts toward its weight,
Studies show nearly half of our dogs and cats are overweight or obese, but these healthy habits might help keep your pet from becoming an alarming statistic.
Is your pet at risk?
People aren't the only over-eaters in America: The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) found that 56 percent of dogs and 53 percent of cats are either overweight or obese. Recently, we were touched by the story of Meow, a 39-pound cat who died in a shelter from obesity complications. His heartbreaking situation is a solemn reminder that pet obesity can lead to kidney disease, cancer, high blood pressure, Type 2 Diabetes, decreased life expectancy, and more. Next: See how you can work to reverse the trend for a healthier, happier pet.
Know your label language.
According to the FDA, ingredients must be listed in descending order of weight on all nutrition labels. But just because meat may be listed first, that doesn't mean it's healthiest: Water counts toward its weight, and dehydrated meat products can have adequate protein and minerals. Check with your vet to about what your pet needs.
If your pet is overweight, look for "light," "lite," or "low-calorie" foods, terms which are regulated by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Don't be fooled by "gourmet" or "premium." Finally, watch for false or unsafe claims around "complete," "balanced," "100% nutritious," without AAFCO approvals. According to the FDA, ingredients must be listed in descending order of weight on all nutrition labels. But just because meat may be listed first, that doesn't mean it's healthiest: Water counts toward its weight, and dehydrated meat products can have adequate protein and minerals. Check with your vet to about what your pet needs.According to the FDA, ingredients must be listed in descending order of weight on all nutrition labels. But just because meat may be listed first, that doesn't mean it's healthiest: Water counts toward its weight,