Obesity and How to Speed Up Weight Loss in Pets
Pet obesity is a growing crisis, with over 50% of dogs and cats classified as overweight or obese—that’s nearly 88.4 million pets carrying extra weight. This isn’t just a cosmetic issue; excess weight can drastically shorten your pet’s lifespan and increase their risk for serious health conditions, including: - Cancer (especially abdominal cancers)
- Diabetes
- Liver disease
- Arthritis
- Heart disease
- Skin disorders
- FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease)
- Immune system suppression
- High blood pressure
Healthy Weight Loss for Dogs and Cats
A safe weight loss goal is 1-2% of body weight per week. In practice, aiming for 15% weight loss over 3-4 months is ideal. Rapid weight loss is dangerous and can lead to:
⚠️ Rapid weight regain
⚠️ Liver disease
⚠️ Hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver syndrome)
Step 1: Cut the Carbs!
The best weight-loss results come from high-protein diets such as:
✅ Raw food
✅ Homemade meals
✅ Canned food
🚫 Less kibble (which is often high in carbs)
Also:
❌ No high-carb treats
✅ Daily exercise – at least 30 minutes, twice a day
✅ Measure food portions carefully
Step 2: Supplements That May Help
💊 Carnitine – Speeds up weight loss in cats - (250 mg daily) 💊 DHEA – Shown to boost weight loss and lower cholesterol in dogs 💊 Coenzyme Q10 – Supports energy production and heart health, 10-20mg/10lbs daily 💊 Green Tea – A natural metabolism booster (can replace your pet’s water)- 1/4 cup per 20lbs daily 💊 Colostrum – Helps increase muscle mass, which boosts metabolism and fat loss- 100mg/10lbs daily 💊 Probiotics – Research suggests probiotics like Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 may support weight loss- 1 billion CFU's daily
By making these small changes, you can help your pet live a longer, healthier, and happier life!
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