Veterinarians generally define a dog that weighs 20 percent more than its ideal weight as obese. Surveys have found that approximately 5 percent of dogs in the United States are obese, and another 20-30 percent are overweight. The primary cause of canine obesity is overfeeding and insufficient exercise.
Like humans, being overweight does not only put a strain on your dogs cardiovascular system, but it also puts unnecessary strain on your dogs joints and ligaments. Also as in humans, overloading a dogs joints compounded with a lack of exercise can cause poor muscle tone and fitness leading to joint strain and or joint injuries.
If you think your dog is overweight, you should first consult with your veterinarian before putting your dog on a diet. Your vet will be able to recommend the proper weight loss plan for your dog.
Some things to consider when trying to get your dog to lose weight.
As the old saying goes, you are what you eat. This applies to your pets as well. Eating too much of the wrong kinds of foods, including dog foods, is the primary reason for dogs being overweight. By making some simple changes regarding your pet’s diet, you can make a big difference in their weight and overall healthiness.
Feed them smaller portions at meal time. Small regular meals are better than one big meal, so divide your dog’s daily portion into two or three smaller portions given throughout the day.
Be careful with dog foods you choose. Be sure and avoid dog foods that contain high levels of artificial additives, fats and sugars.
Cut down or eliminate the snack and treats that you give your dog. If you do give your dog a treat be sure to select a healthy treat. Not all treats are created the same, look for a treat that contains less fat and more nutrients. Another option is to give your dog a vitamin supplement such as NuVet Plus as a treat. Your dog will still be happy to get a treat and you will be happy knowing your dog is getting the nutrition he needs.
Don't feed your dog from the table; even as hard as it is sometimes with their sad eyes and starving look about them (they aren't actually going to starve)! And make sure that your entire family follows the no table feeding rule and are aware of the situation and the consequences of your dog being overweight.
You mustn’t forget possibly the most important aspect to weight control. EXERCISE!! Just like us, exercise and healthy eating go hand and hand.
When considering the type and extent of exercise to give your dog, it is worth considering that older or unfit dogs will require a very different recommended exercise regiment than younger dogs. You may need to build up their exercise schedule slowly and not overdue it prematurely which could lead to injuries or other health risks.
The bottom line is that your dog's weight control is very similiar to your own. Eat healthy and exercise. Finding healthier food for you is often much easier than for your pet, so learn all you can about the dog food you are feeding your dog and look for healthier alternatives. Click here to get more information on finding healthy dog foods. Providing your dog with a quality all natural vitamin supplement will assist you in your dog's weight control as well and give them the vitamins and nutrients that dog foods alone won't supply.
We’d like to suggest the NuVet Plus line of supplements.
Based upon our own research and personal experience, we’ve come to believe that NuVet Plus is the finest line of dog vitamin supplements available. So much so that NuVet is the ONLY supplement brand we endorse.
We’re not exactly alone in that opinion. NuVet is used by many of the world’s top dog breeders and groomers. And in 2009, readers of the world’s most widely read magazine for dog lovers, Dog Fancy, voted NuVet the best pet supplement.
Click Here to read accounts of many pet owners who have made their pets’ lives healthier and happier with the help of NuVet.
Click here to order NuVet and start your
dog on a path to a longer, healthier life!
To learn more about the ingredients that NuVet uses and the benefits of each, please follow this link. NuVet Dog Vitamin Supplement Ingredients
Dear NuVet,
All I can say is that I am so thankful that I tried your product. I have an 8 month old German Shepherd-Rottweiler pup named Mishka. He is absolutely gorgeous and radiant and I know this can only be attributed to NuVet. Many of our neighbors have young dogs too but none of them are as alert, vibrant, and outwardly healthy like my dog. All our neighbors comment on how gorgeous his coat is and how alert and active he is.
NuVet is a fantastic product. I am sold for life.
Kakoli M.
New York
What specific vitamins should a quality dog vitamin supplement contain?
Fact) A quality canine vitamin supplement should contain the following specific vitamins:
Vitamin A - Vitamin A is essential in skeletal growth, proper eye function, healthy skin and mucous membranes. Vitamin A is also the body's first line of defense against invading microorganisms and toxins. It promotes a healthy immune system, destroys carcinogens (cancer causing agents), and guards against heart disease and stroke.
Vitamin B (Complex) - Helps the functioning of the nervous system; maintains muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract; maintains the health of skin, coat, eyes, mouth and liver.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) - Essential for normal functioning of the heart, nerves, muscles, skin and digestive system.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) - Necessary for carbohydrate-fat-protein metabolism, and antibody and red blood cell formation. Good for healthy eyes, skin, and coat.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) - Promotes growth, proper functioning of the nervous system, maintenance of healthy skin, tongue, digestive system, and carbohydrate-fat-protein metabolism.
Vitamin B5 - canine healthAssists in the release of energy from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Aids in the utilization of some vitamins, stimulates growth, and aids in the formation of antibodies.
Vitamin B6 - Necessary for carbohydrate-fat-protein metabolism, antibody and red blood cell formation, and aids in digestion.
Vitamin B12 - Essential for normal formation of red blood cells, carbohydrate-fat-protein metabolism, and good appetite.
Vitamin C (Ester C™) - Vitamin C is a key factor in many immune functions, including white blood cell function and Interferon levels. Due to its antioxidant properties, it combats the effects of free radicals while lowering the risk of cataracts and promoting cell growth and tissue repair.
Vitamin E - Vitamin E is the most effective chain breaking lipid-soluble antioxidant in the biological membrane. It contributes to membrane activity, protecting critical cellular structures against damage from oxygen free radicals.
After researching and trying the many dog vitamins available on the market today, we believe NuVet Plus is the best canine or dog vitamin supplement available on the market today.
We rarely feel strongly enough about any particular product to give it our endorsement.
After all, the main purpose of our site is to help you find out the facts about dog vitamins so you will be better equipped to properly care for your dogs to ensure their health and longevity.
In this case, however, seeing the remarkable results of this amazing dog vitamin supplement in the lives of our own dogs has caused us to make our first endorsement. But don’t just take my word for it, CLICK HERE to read these incredible NuVet success stories.
Click here to order NuVet and start your
dog on a path to a longer, healthier life!
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