Weight Management and Nutrition in Pets: A Balanced Approach

In today's fast-paced world, the health of our pets often mirrors our own, and understanding the intricate balance between diet and overall well-being is more consequential than ever. I am Dr. Kathy Boehme, DVM, CVCHM, CVFT and this blog aims to shed light on some of the aspects of pet nutrition, debunk common misconceptions, and provide practical tips for managing your pet's weight. Whether you're a new pet parent or a seasoned owner, this will provide you with some extra knowledge to help your pet be emotionally and physically healthy.

Understanding the Basics of Overnutrition in Pets

Just like humans, pets can become overweight if they consume more calories than they need. This state of overnutrition is a common issue in our pets. The number of calories required to maintain a healthy weight in pets varies based on several factors, including age, exercise level, hormonal status, and existing health conditions. It's about making the right choices for your unique pet.

Key Nutritional Requirements for Pets: Dogs vs. Cats

Pets' diets should comprise six basic nutrients:

1. Water

2. Protein

3. Fats

4. Carbohydrates

5. Minerals

6. Vitamins

However, dogs' and cats' nutritional needs differ significantly.

Cats

Being obligate carnivores, cats require a higher protein intake and are not designed to digest large amounts of carbohydrates. Their diet requires specific nutrients like taurine, Vitamin D, and arachidonic acid. Given their evolutionary background, cats are adapted to derive water from their food, making canned food a possible better option for the bulk of a cat's diet than dry food.

Dogs

Dogs are omnivores and can consume a mix of meat and plant-based foods. While dogs can synthesize taurine, some dietary supplementation is still beneficial.

Common Misconceptions About Pet Nutrition

There are many misconceptions in pet nutrition, but let’s start with the big three:

1. Dry Food and Dental Health: Contrary to popular belief, dry food doesn’t significantly clean a pet’s teeth. Brushing their teeth daily with products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council is more effective in keeping our pet’s teeth and gums healthy.
2. Grains and Allergies: Grains are often wrongly accused of causing food allergies. In reality, proteins are usually the culprits. Feeding grain-free diets is one component contributing to the development of cardiomyopathy in a small number of dogs eating them exclusively.
3. Human Food: Not all human foods are bad for pets. Lean meats, fruits, and vegetables can be beneficial, but they should be balanced and makeup no more than 10% of your pet's diet unless balanced by a nutritionist.

Nutritional Needs Across Different Life Stages

There are 3 main life stages with different nutritional requirements in each:

Puppy

This is a straightforward set of requirements, and most major companies do a good job. The most specific issue is making sure growth is controlled in large breed puppies. This includes changing the energy density, calories, and certain minerals like calcium in large, rapidly growing puppies. To ensure this, feed a large breed puppy food. Some companies have formulated their puppy foods to feed all breeds. If you have a large-breed puppy, be sure to feed it large-breed puppy food and keep it on the leaner side to help avoid developmental orthopedic issues. If the puppy food does not say “large breed,” call the company to ask specifically if the formulation is appropriate for large-breed puppies. It should have a calcium phosphorous ratio of 1 to 1.3.

Adult

This stage is reached at skeletal maturity. This is generally 8 months to a year for small and medium breeds. Large breed dogs by 1.5 years, and giant breeds can take up to 2 years. Adults do not have the same nutritional requirements and should not continue to be fed puppy food for their entire lives. You are essentially doing this if you feed an “All Life Stages” diet. These diets are formulated for growth or would not be safe feeding a growing puppy. Adult dog foods are ideally lower in some minerals, like calcium, and do not need to be as energy-dense as puppy food. They are also often lower in protein.

All Stage Diets should be fed with caution in adult dogs as they may contain more nutrients than needed. This is especially true when feeding large and giant breed dogs. They should contain an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement; learn more about AAFCO regulations here.

Senior

There are no nutritional guidelines for senior pets. The age at which a pet is recognized as a senior varies by species and by breed. Senior dogs often need diets lower in calories as their metabolism slows, and they physically slow down. They need higher protein, though, to avoid muscle mass loss. These diets are often higher in Omega 3 fatty acids to preserve brain and joint health. The optimal nutrient profile for a senior pet is unknown. The decision on choosing a senior food should be an individual decision based on health conditions, body weight and activity level. This should be a discussion with your veterinarian.

Managing Chronic Health Conditions Through Diet

Diet plays a crucial role in managing chronic health conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or allergies in pets. The amount and types of the six basic nutrients might need adjustments to address the imbalances caused by these diseases. Diet should always be considered a part of the treatment plan and discussed with your veterinarian in detail.

The Approach to Healthy Weight Loss

Incorporating a specialized approach to weight management is important when dealing with significant weight loss in pets. Prescription diets designed explicitly for weight loss can be a game-changer in this regard. These diets typically employ fiber, water, or air to create a feeling of fullness, effectively increasing the volume of the ingested food while diluting its calorie content. They are enriched with essential nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals, making sure your pet remains nutritionally balanced despite a caloric restriction. Remember, our overweight cats will need a different diet than our plump pups.

For pets needing to shed only a small amount of weight, a simpler approach may suffice. This can involve reducing portions of their regular diet, cutting out treats, and incorporating vegetables. Vegetables not only add bulk and fiber without significantly increasing calorie intake, but they also infuse the diet with beneficial phytonutrients.

An important aspect of any weight loss plan is enhancing physical activity and conducting regular weigh-ins. This allows for the timely adjustment of the strategy based on its effectiveness.

Weighing Your Pet at Home: Practical Tips

• Small Pets: For pets small enough to be held, you can weigh yourself holding the pet and then subtract your own weight. For small pets, precision is key, so use a scale that measures to 0.1 pound. Baby scales, widely available, are also an excellent option, especially for cats.
• Large Breed Dogs: For heavier pets like large breed dogs, a visit to a veterinary hospital for weigh-ins may be necessary unless you invest in a dog scale.
• Weighing Frequency: The weight schedule varies based on the pet’s health status. Healthy pets can be weighed every couple of months, while those on a weight loss program should be weighed every 2-4 weeks. Pets with health concerns should follow their veterinarian's advice.

Reflecting Back

Effective weight management and proper nutrition in pets require a balanced blend of a carefully selected diet, consistent exercise, and diligent monitoring. As pet owners, our awareness and application of these key items makes all the difference. By choosing the right foods, engaging in regular physical activities, and keeping a close eye on their weight and health status, we can rest easier knowing our pets will enjoy a happier and healthier life. Remember, every small step we take in managing their weight and nutrition has a significant impact on their overall well-being!

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This blog was first seen on The Drake Center for Veterinary Care.