Nutrition for cats and dogs
Why is nutrition important?
The correct balance of nutrients in pet food is essential for normal growth and function. Without adequate nutrition, your pet would not be able to maintain muscle tone, build and repair muscles, teeth, and bone, or fight off infection. Cats and dogs have different nutritional requirements based on their life stage, health status, or neutering status. For example, a dog that has been neutered may require less calories than an entire dog. This is because the metabolism of the dog changes and triggers an increased appetite while also having a decreased energy expenditure.
How does overfeeding impact my pet?
In New Zealand, approximately 28% of dogs and 24% of cats are overweight. Weight gain is most often due to genetics, lack of exercise, or overfeeding. It can be difficult to deny our furry friends the food that they beg for, and many people don’t realize they are overfeeding their pet. Due to their small size, one human biscuit can equate to a whole packet of biscuits when fed as a treat. Like humans, an animal that is overweight can suffer from health complications. Not only does weight impact their general health, it can impact quality of life, interfering with daily activities such as walking and playing ball. Pet obesity can also lead to a significantly reduced life expectancy and serious health problems that include:
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Arthritis
• High blood pressure
• Urinary disease
• Cancer
How do I know if my pet is overweight?
To keep our pets healthy, veterinarians assess ideal body condition based on the body weight and a visual assessment. You can quickly check this at home when petting your furry friend.
At an ideal body weight, you should be able to:
• Feel the ribs without excess fat covering
• See and feel the waist and it should be clearly visible when looking from above
• Visually see that the belly is tucked when viewed from the side
If the ribs are clearly visible with no fat covering, your pet may be underweight or if the ribs are not able to be felt and there is no visible tuck, your pet may be overweight. Fortunately, a weight loss diet that may include a specific type of food can help your pet on the road to a healthier weight. Pets that are overweight require less calories and a diet that is high in protein and fiber. This helps to create a feeling of satiety (fullness), which reduces the quantity of food required.
How can I ensure my pet gets the right nutrition and doesn’t become overweight?
When choosing a diet for your pet, choose premium food that has been AAFCO approved and is a complete and balanced diet. This ensures that your pet will be receiving all of the nutrients required for a healthy life. Vegetables are a great snack option for your pet or treats that are recommended by your veterinarian.
The amount of exercise your pooch needs may depend on the age, bread, and size, but a good goal to aim for is at least 20 to 60 minutes of activity each day. When feeding, measuring out the correct daily intake is a good way to make sure your pet is getting the right amount, and limiting the number of treats given per day.
For cats, an indoor cat will have significantly less energy requirements than an outdoor cat, so it is important to give them the appropriate portion based on their lifestyle. Exercise for cats can be encouraged through play by using wand toys, balls, and battery-operated prey mimicking toys. Cats are very clever, so rotate through the toys to prevent boredom. Multiple short play sessions throughout the day of between 2-5 minutes is sufficient.
Contact your local Buller Vets clinic, and the friendly staff can help formulate a feeding and exercise plan, or a weight loss plan that is specific for you and your pet’s lifestyle.
Chrystal Brill (BVN)
Vetlife Wanaka
Dale, A., Gates, M., Harvey, L., Walker, J., Zito, S. (2019). Assessing obesity in adult dogs and cats presenting for routine vaccination appointments in the North Island of New Zealand using electronic medical records data. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 67(3). https://doi.org/10.1080/00480169.2019.1585990