Just like us, pets can struggle with maintaining a healthy weight, which can lead to a host of health issues. Overweight pets are more vulnerable to conditions like diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and certain types  of cancer. One of the best ways to improve their quality of life for your pet is managing their weight. With proper diet and exercise, your furry friend will be playing and running freely well into their old age. We wanted to share a few simple ways to help your pets stay happy and healthy, with a suitable weight for their breed and age.

Dry kibble that is commonly fed to cats and dogs is often high in calories and low in nutritional value, containing fillers and/or additives that can contribute to unnecessary weight. Not all food is created equal, so it’s important to read the ingredient labels. Look for food and treats that focus on whole meats, low-starch vegetables and fruits, legumes, and whole grains - like Dog Treat Naturals Duck & Apple Superfood Sticks. Not only do these treats have whole meat as the first ingredient, but they also provide essential vitamins and minerals that improve skin, coat, and joint health.

The other key to managing your pets weight is portion control. During feeding time ensure you are measuring the right amount of food for your pet’s weight. If you find your cat or dog is prone to overeating, it can also be beneficial to try a slow feeding bowl like the BeOneBreed Modern Slow Feeder, which helps to prevent bloat and indigestion caused by overeating. Overeating is common in anxious or food-insecure pets, especially rescue pets who have experienced scarcity in their pasts, so a Slow Feeder helps you easily monitor and regulate their food intake without over-restriction.

Another major cause of overeating in pets is simply boredom. Encourage your cat to engage their brain with a treat motivated toy like the Catit Play Treat Puzzle Feeder Cat Toy that includes 6 different activities for your kitty to try their paw at retrieving treats. For a non-food motivated experience, entice  your cat to play with a catnip-scented toy like the Bergan Catnip Cyclone - simply place catnip in the centre and watch as your cat goes crazy for the scent. Pets Drug Mart also carries a wide range of KONG products which are known for helping solve weight issues and boredom-driven eating in dogs. Try the KONG Classic Dog Toy filled with a bit of their favourite healthy treat or peanut butter to entice your puppy to play.

Supplements can be a helpful addition to your pet’s weight management plan, by amping up satiation and nutritional value without excess filler or calories. Additionally, If your pet is dealing with joint pain due to weight, exercise can be difficult. Supplements like Baie Run’s Omega 3 Liquid Supplement or UbaVet’s Glucosamine HCL Liquid can help improve joint mobility and reduce inflammation, helping them feel better to entice activity and exercise. Ensuring a healthy digestive system is also key to ensuring full nutrient absorption, so we recommend adding a probiotic like EarthMD Probiotic Plus. A healthy gut flora can improve digestive and overall health, crucial to maintaining healthy weight. Always consult with your vet before starting your pet on a new supplement.

Like us, pets benefit from a balanced diet and active lifestyle. Providing food and treats that prioritize whole-foods ingredients is key to ensuring your pet is getting the best nutrition possible without unhealthy weight gain. You can support healthy eating habits with slow feeders that stimulate their brains, prevent overeating or “scarfing” down food, and improve digestion by promoting more licking & chewing before swallowing. Supplements and probiotics that help them feel better from the inside-out can encourage a more active lifestyle which increases their longevity. We hope our tips and products can help your pet find a healthy balance!