By Donna V. Scaglione
Like their owners, many American pets are overweight. In fact, 55 percent of dogs and 53 percent of cats are overweight or obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. And similar to their owners, all that extra weight spells health trouble. Arthritis, back pain, kidney disease, and even diabetes afflict our pets just as they do heavy humans.
The reasons our pets are getting pudgier are similar to why we are: bad diets and too much sitting around, animal experts say. But Rex doesn’t have to live out his years overweight and gimpy from arthritis. Just like us, he can change his ways — from eating better to exercising more often. But he needs your help. Here’s how to get Rex from hefty and sluggish to lean and lively.
1. Be choosey about food
Just as we do when we shop for ourselves, we should read the labels on pets’ food. Many brands now contain less meat and more soy, corn, and wheat, which can help pack on the pounds. Brands that list meat as the first ingredient are best, veterinarian Ernie Ward tells LiveScience.com, and vegetables and barley are good sources of carbohydrates. Also, avoid foods listing meal or by-products as ingredients, as well those with the preservatives ethoxyquin, BHA, BHT, warns Prevention.com.
