How To Help Your Pet Lose Weight

Helping your pet lost weight can seem like an impossible task. Why? Because we love our pets, they want food and we want them to be happy! You can still spoil your pet and help them lose weight without depriving them of their favorite food and treats.

There is no need to make drastic changes. Here are a few gentle steps:

1) Make better choices with the food you give. Keep the carbohydrates down as that makes your pet hungrier faster! Choose raw freeze-dried, lean meats or vegetables over bread, rice, quinoa, biscuits or sugary fruit snacks.

2) As much you can, try to replace some of the pet food with vegetables so your pet feels full for longer. Adding green beans to meals can often reduce doggie begging.

3) Take advantage of the cooler weather and try to find a little time each day for a walk.

4) Use measuring scoops for kibble and don’t top off

5) Look for VOLUME in the foods you feed. A big bowl of veggies with pet food mixed in takes your pet longer to get through and digest than just the kibble or raw food patty by itself.

Tips To Help Your Dog Lose Weight

Dennis Before

Dennis Now

Pet nutrition is very important to us at Askariel.com, That is why this story caught our attention.   Brooke Burton, rescued her miniature dachshund Dennis at a weight of 56 pounds!   He now weighs a trim 12 pounds.  The message that diet and exercise can work to improve your pet’s health is undeniable.  See the Today article to learn about Dennis’ journey. Burton has also joined forces with Ohio State University to form Dennis’ Legacy, which is a nonprofit venture whose mission is to “support nutritional education and care of obese animals”

Pet obesity can lead to many health concerns including: joint pain, digestive system issues, and undue stress to their heart and lungs. Unfortunately the majority of pets are overweight.  Some factors contribute to their pet's obesity---feeding too many carbohydrates in food, not getting enough exercise, free feeding and "overtreating" our pets.  When a pet has too many carbohydrates in the diet, just like with people, they feel overly hungry.  Their insulin spikes from the carbs.  To help your pet feel less hungry, you can add more fiber (e.g. vegetables such as green beans and pumpkin) and be sure you are feeding a high protein diet.  Dry kibble is very high in carbohydrates so choosing a canned or raw frozen diet and mixing with plenty of vegetables will help.  If possible, try to feed your pet a mid-day meal as it is easy to feel famished by the end of the day.  Avoid free feeding.  Feed pets regular meals to prevent overfeeding.  Finally, we all love to spoil our pets, but the best way to keep your pet fit and trim is to use the treats after exercising and keep a designated amount per day in a little bag so that you know when you reach the limit.  Food isn't the only way to spoil your pet.  A big hug, a nice walk and a little extra attention seem to work quite well too!

Visit www.AskAriel.comhttp://www.askariel.com/dog-health-questions-s/1924.htm for more information about the best diets to feed your pet!