6 Diet Tricks To Prevent Dog Obesity

A recent study found that a whopping 54 per cent of America’s pets are overweight or obese. That translates into some pretty scary numbers: 88.4 million cats and dogs need to get healthy — stat.

Even more disconcerting than the numbers themselves, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), is the fact that pet owners don’t recognize these serious weight issues. Fifteen per cent of cat owners and 22 per cent of dog owners said their plump pets were “normal weight.” APOP founder Dr. Ernie Ward explained, “In simplest terms, we’ve made fat pets the new normal.”

Despite the findings, the survey also noted that 93 per cent of pet owners said they realize animal obesity is a problem. So what can they do to help?

(Photo: Thinkstock)

1. Ban Self-Feeders

Don’t use self-feeders, which Ward describes as candy machines for fat dogs. Instead, feed Spot the old-fashioned way at appropriate mealtimes.

(Photo: Thinkstock)

2. Give Love, Not Grub

Pet your dog when he begs for food. Ward says many dogs really want attention, so “flip the equation.”

(Photo: Thinkstock)

3. Opt For More Small Meals

Feed the dog small meals often, rather than fewer, bigger portions.

(Photo: Thinkstock)

4. Go For A Stroll

If the dog is begging for food, take him for a walk as a distraction. He might not be hungry after a nice stroll around the neighbourhood.

(Photo: Thinkstock)

5. Grant In-Between-Meal Bites

If the dog begs, just give him a few kibbles in his bowl, like 10 or 15 rather than a handful.

(Photo: Thinkstock)

6. Use Veggies As Snacks

Dogs like a crunchy treat. So how about skipping anything fatty and switching to baby carrots, broccoli, celery, or asparagus? Make sure the bowl is filled with water, too. Fresh water may hit the spot.

(Photo: Thinkstock)