How to Help Your Pet Lose Weight
With pet obesity becoming increasingly common, many pet parents are seeking guidance on helping their pets shed excess weight. Similar to humans, weight loss in pets is not just about eating less, it is about doing so in a healthy, balanced way that meets their nutritional needs. Contrary to popular belief, completely cutting fats from your pet’s diet is not the answer and may even be harmful. Pets require balanced macronutrients, including fats and proteins to thrive. The focus should instead be on portion control and appropriate calorie intake.
Understanding the role of fats and proteins in your pet’s diet is essential. Fats and animal-based proteins are key macronutrients for pets, especially for carnivorous animals like dogs and cats. Although it may seem logical to reduce fats to help a pet lose weight, this approach can lead to unintended consequences. Fats provide essential fatty acids that support skin health, coat shine, and overall vitality. Unless your pet has a specific medical condition such as enzymatic deficiency that requires a low-fat diet, removing fats completely can compromise their health. Pets on long term low-fat diets often experience poor skin elasticity, drier fur, and reduced absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K. Protein is equally vital for maintaining muscle mass. As pets lose weight, preserving muscle while reducing body fat is crucial, and protein-rich meals help achieve this balance.
Weight management for pets is fundamentally about balancing calorie intake with calorie expenditure. Even a nutrient-dense, balanced diet can lead to weight gain if portions are too large. Therefore, it is crucial to adjust portion sizes and ensure that calorie intake aligns with your pet's activity level. Various factors influence your pet's metabolic rate and caloric needs, including age, breed, activity level, and neutering status. Typically, pets that lead a sedentary lifestyle require fewer calories, while more active pets need an increased caloric intake to maintain their health and energy levels.
BOM BOM's Approach to Weight Management
At BOM BOM, we recognize the complexity of managing pet weight. With our customised meal plans, you can set a specific weight goal—Increase Weight, Maintain Weight, or Reduce Weight—when ordering, guided by your pet’s body condition score. For pets that are overweight or obese, we recommend entering their exact current weight and selecting the "Reduce Weight Goal" option.
Our system will then calculate a customized portion that meets your pet’s needs based on factors such as age, activity level, neutering status, current weight and weight goal, ensuring precise calorie counts and balanced nutrients to keep your pet energized and healthy.
Monitor your pet’s weight for at least 2–4 weeks with the recommended portion size. If gradual weight loss occurs, you can place a new order based on the updated weight and continue with the "Reduce Weight Goal." If no weight reduction is seen, consider reducing the meal portion by 5–10% from the previous serving by adjusting the pet’s body weight while keeping the same weight goal. Continue to monitor for another 2–4 weeks, focusing on a gradual approach to prevent issues like hunger-related vomiting or acid reflux.
Once your pet reaches the ideal weight and body condition score, you can update their weight and switch to the "Maintain Weight Goal" to support long-term health and wellness.
In addition to adjusting meal portions, several key factors should be considered for managing your pet's weight safely and effectively. Daily exercise is essential. Dogs typically require at least 30 minutes of active play or walking each day, while cats benefit from 15-20 minutes of interactive play with toys. It is also important to limit high calorie processed treats as these can quickly add excess calories to your pet's diet. Furthermore, be mindful of other foods, such as carbohydrates and dairy products, which can contribute to higher calorie intake and weight gain. They cause spikes in blood sugar levels, which can promote fat storage when not used for energy.
In conclusion, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight for your pet is a journey that requires a thoughtful and personalized approach. Additionally, steering clear of a "one size fits all" approach is essential. Each pet is unique, with distinct metabolic rates, energy levels, and dietary needs. It is essential to consult with a pet nutritionist to create a customised weight loss plan that suits your pet's individual requirements. Remember, weight management is not a quick fix, but a lifestyle change that involves consistent monitoring of meal portion sizes, regular exercise, and a balanced diet. With BOM BOM’s carefully crafted meal options, you can find the right balance between calorie intake and expenditure, making weight management simple and effective. If you're ready to embark on this important journey, let BOM BOM's custom meal plans guide you toward a healthier, happier pet — one step at a time!