By Jennifer Reed
At The Drake Center, we know that weight management is essential to pets’ health. Unfortunately, more than half of all pets in the United States are considered overweight or obese, putting them at risk for a number of serious health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and some forms of cancer.
While weight loss is often challenging, the rewards for both pets and owners are well worth the effort. Just ask our clients!
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Mindy and Nicky, an 11-year-old Lab mix
Starting weight: 80 pounds
Current weight: 55 pounds
Goal weight: 55 pounds
Ashley and Chesie, an 11-year-old Lab mix
Starting weight: 82 pounds
Current weight: 65 pounds
Goal weight: 65 pounds
Jon and Ramsey, an 8-year-old pit bull
Starting weight: 60 pounds
Current weight: 55 pounds
Goal weight: 50 pounds
Cindy and Jasper, a 3-year-old Labrador retriever
Starting weight: 85 pounds
Current weight: 79 pounds
Goal weight: 75 pounds
How did you find success with your pet’s weight loss?
Mindy: Nicky’s weight has been an ongoing issue for most of her life, but once I began cooking for her and my other dog, Rocky, it was much easier to control.
At first, we tried simply reducing the quantity of Nicky’s food, but she seemed hungry constantly. Eventaully, Dr. Boehme asked if I would consider a home cooked diet. I began reading about cooking for dogs and using some recipes I found on Balance IT’s website.
Once I started cooking, I was able to cut back on the carbs and replace traditional treats with vegetables, like carrots. My recipes typically include a protein source, like chicken breast, beef, liver or organ meat, combined with a variety of chopped veggies. I replace traditional carbs with yams or sweet potatoes.
I try to cook everything at once and prepare a week or two of food at a time, which involves packaging each meal in a bag and vacuum sealing it to keep it fresh. It is a commitment, but I would definitely recommend it to others if they have the time.
Ashley: We knew Chesie’s weight was an issue we needed to work on and after a discussion with our vet, we were confident to make some changes. It took a while to get into a routine, but after about three months we started noticing that she was slimming down.
After Dr. Kovac gave us a proper measuring cup and showed us the amount Chesie should be eating, we realized she was being completely overfed. We were almost dividing her meals in half, which was crazy, but she was satisfied. After we made this change, the pounds quickly began to come off.
Jon: With a new baby on the way, my wife and I had become lax about taking Ramsey for walks or measuring her meals. Treats were also a big problem.
At our last vet visit, Dr. Boehme recommended a weight loss plan for Ramsey that included decreasing her food and increasing her exercise. We now measure her food, take her for a daily walk and use veggies, such as carrots or pieces of lettuce, as treats.
Cindy: After nearly two years of unsuccessfully trying to lose weight, Dr. Boehme talked to me about cooking for my dogs, Jasper and Mason. Every few weeks, we make a batch of home cooked food that consists of ground turkey and chopped vegetables, like broccoli, squash, kale, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, green beans and carrots.
We no longer add raw or canned food to their kibble; instead, we add a scoop of the turkey and veggie mixture. As a result, we did not have to cut down on the quantity of food — their bowls are as full as always — but we have noticed positive changes in both dogs.
I also pay more attention the nutritional information listed on commercial treats. I look for lower calorie options for Jasper and try to limit the amount I give him.
What was your main concern regarding your pet’s weight?
Mindy: Nicky has atypical Cushing’s disease, so I was mostly concerned about how the weight would affect her health. She is also getting older and I knew her weight could negatively affect her activity level and overall quality of life.
Ashley: Our main concern with Chesie’s weight was that it was really slowing her down, even before she was considered an “older dog.” She also has shorter legs and we knew that her hips could not handle the extra weight.
Jon: Ramsey has had knee surgeries on both legs, so keeping her weight in check has always been a major concern.
Cindy: Jasper developed hip dysplasia at a young age and underwent surgery to correct it. After the surgery, we were instructed to keep his weight down in order to decrease the physical stress on his joints.
What changes have you noticed since your pet lost weight?
Mindy: Nicky has a lot more energy — she still jumps around like a puppy, even at 11 years old! She is also more engaged and less cranky.
Ashley: Besides the obvious changes in her physical appearance, we noticed how quickly Chesie is to rise after laying down and how much more energy she has. We also recently added a puppy to our family who has kept Chesie on her feet and has made a huge difference in her activity level.
Jon: Ramsey is more energetic, likes to be on longer walks and is more nimble going up the stairs.
Cindy: Jasper seems to hop around a little more than he used to and have more energy.
What suggestions do you have for other pet parents who are struggling with an overweight pet?
Mindy: Cut down on treats. Using veggies as a substitute helps. Get out there and get more exercise together and if you’ve got the time, cook for them or at least replace some of the kibble with real food. Every step you can take toward feeding real food is a plus.
Ashley: Check with your vet regarding food portions. The feeding recommendations listed on the bag do not necessarily apply to every pet. Also, keep in mind that walks can add up to a large amount of exercise, so even making minor changes can give you rewarding results.
Jon: For us, the changes we made regarding Ramsey’s treats, walks and food quantity all played a role in her weight loss. Remember that pets cannot make these changes on their own — it’s our responsibility to help them.
Cindy: Cut back. It is hard to do, but does make a big difference. Cooking can also help you lower calories without reducing the quantity of food.
Not sure if your pet is fit or fat? Determine his/her Body Condition Score (BCS) here.
For more information about obesity and weight loss, check out these links: