How to Help Your Dog Live a Longer, Healthier Life
We don’t have a family dog right now, but I’ve had some dogs in the past and there’s nothing but happy memories. Everyone knows all pets, including dogs are not like family, they are family.
As with any of our family members, we want to make sure they stay healthy. Although my first dog lived a long life, he was a little chubby guy. Having never owned a dog at the time, I wasn’t fully educated on the healthiest way to feed him.
I would give him table food, and snacks, and would share just about everything I was eating. Of course, that’s not the recommended way to feed a pet.
According to a new study by Pet Sprint, their website the “health, happiness, and longevity of dogs is their priority.”
They shared in a press release that obesity is on the rise, and the numbers are alarming. The most recent available data shows that 56 percent of pooches in the United States are now overweight. It’s a trend that poses serious health risks to our pets such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.
Angelo Sorbello, pet wellness expert and CEO of Pet Sprint says, “Surprisingly, many of these extra pounds may be coming from the foods we unknowingly share with our beloved pets, making it more important than ever for dog owners to scrutinize what’s really in their dogs’ diets.”
The Importance of Your Dog’s Diet
A dog’s diet should be treated as more than just a daily routine because it’s crucial to their overall well-being. “A balanced diet isn’t just about preventing obesity, proper nutrition supports healthy skin, joints, and even your dog’s mood.”
High-fat, high-sugar foods may seem harmless but can lead to weight gain and other health issues like respiratory problems and reduced mobility. They claim the key is making informed decisions about what goes into your puppy’s bowl.
What is Your Dog Eating
It’s easy to overlook how much our pups are eating, especially when we’re sharing food that seems harmless. That’s exactly what I was doing. Some everyday foods could be causing weight gain.
First on the list is cheese. They love cheese but it’s filled with fat and calories. Bread may not seem to be harmful, but just like humans, it’s full of carbs that neither one of us wants or needs.
What about peanut butter? We usually use it to trick canines into taking their medicine, but it’s high in calories and sugar. So if they take a pill or two every day, then they’re eating peanut butter every day, not good.
Leftover meats that we don’t eat are usually fatty and greasy. However, if we feed them lean meats, like the part that we eat, is ok for Fido.
When it comes to dog treats like Milk Bones, it seems harmless enough. But the problem is the large amount of calories our pets are getting because we give them treats too often.
Generally, anything that’s not good for us is not good for our hounds. This includes hot dogs, bacon, and ice cream.
Angelo says, “A Labrador Retriever should typically weigh between 55 and 80 pounds and consume about 1,250 to 1,780 calories per day, though these numbers differ slightly for males and females.” Just one slice of cheese (113 calories) and a slice of bacon (42 calories) can easily add up to 155 calories, nearly 10-13% of their daily intake.” Regularly giving these treats could lead to gradual weight gain.
He also shared that pet obesity is a growing concern. It’s important to understand the hidden risks in common foods and, just like we do for ourselves and our families, make more informed choices so our mutts live longer and healthier lives.
