Animals – Dieting for pets

New Year’s resolutions focusing on self-development, specifically body composition and physical fitness, emotional and mental wellness, are repeating themes at this time of the year. The continuum from illness to health is an interesting one and was well summed up by a farming client recently. We were discussing mental health and wellness, and he suggested that mental illness was the unawareness of a health problem and mental health was adaptation or change once mental illness was raised to our own awareness. Essentially, once we recognise illness, as soon as we start addressing the problem, then this is health. Health requires continued awareness and effort. Recognition of our current health state is the start. Determining our future state is important and being realistic about our expectations help ensure ongoing continued efforts for health.

We frequently provide unsolicited and solicited advice to clients about the body composition of their pets. During these discussions only a minority of clients are unaware of potential weight issues. Most recognise that their pets’ body composition is not ideal and benefit from renewed advice on potential improvement techniques. In simple term, it is the balance between energy and nutrient requirements and the animal’s demands.
When eating more energy or calories than used during daily movement and exercise, the body stores this excess energy as fat. These are essentially energy stores for future use. Conversely, when an animal eats less food or total calories than they use, then the animal uses body stores to make up the shortfall, and the animal loses weight.

The simple statement “we are what we eat” holds true. Most underweight pets are young animals or animals with incredibly high energy demands. The quality or quantity of the food being offered and eaten by these pets does not match the animal’s requirements. Young growing animals need high-energy dense diets with good levels of minerals, especially calcium. High activity animals, such as working animals, also need high-energy dense diets. 

The first step in weight management programmes for pets is to understand the actual quantity being fed, including treats. This frequently requires physically measuring the quantities of food offered. The next step is to monitor the weight when being fed a consistent amount. One can then adjust the quantity of food being fed depending on weight changes overtime. Weight management is a long-term process. Don’t expect quick fire, instant results. Should you have concerns about your pet’s body composition, discuss your situation with your local veterinarian.