Edmund R. Dorosz, BSA, DVM
We maybe harming our dog or cat with too much love when it is in the form of food. Chocolates especially around Valentine's day are popular but in fact can be dangerous.Chocolate contains theobromine which is harmful for our pet. Three ounces of baking chocolate can kill a twenty pound dog.
Obesity or being over weight is another feeding concern. This is the number one disease of our modern dogs and cats. The main reason is too many calories and not enough exercise.
Feeding our pet more than is required to maintain good body condition is a start on the road to obesity.
A dog or cat eats to supply his or her energy needs. Energy for basic body functions and activities. Carbohydrates, proteins and fats provide this energy. Extra is saved as body fat.
A pet in good condition will have ribs that are not visible but are easily felt. We should feel a light cover of body fat under the skin and the rib cage should be wider than the abdomen.
If not our pet is in trouble.
The main cause of obesity is eating too much. Which can be due to: easy access of commercial pet food, table scraps high in fat, fed by the neighbours and giving food instead of attention. Also lack of exercise, neutering, an obese puppy or kitten who developed a large number of fat cells and advancing age resulting in less activity.
- - shortened life expectancy
- - more veterinary costs
- - greater susceptibility to disease and injury
- - increased anesthetic and surgical risk
- - longer recovery after surgery or illness
- - increased pressure on internal organs
- - increased blood pressure
- - shortness of breath
- - greater risk of heat stroke
- - contributes to heart, lung and skeletal problems
- - increased risk of diabetes, liver and kidney problems
- - lower fertility, difficult birthing and poor lactation
- - decreased ability to exercise, play and enjoy life.
Prevention is the best medicine but if we have a pet that should reduce - START TODAY
Remember this is all in our pet's best interest. There is no question a leaner pet is a healthier pet. Once the desired body condition is reached feed only enough to maintain this condition. Can we feel the ribs?
- make a commitment and be firm
- have medical conditions attended to
- feed less / more often ( 20 - 30 % less )
- create good eating habits - feed regularly
- don't forget about protein, vitamins and minerals
- reduce fat and empty calorie foods
- give love by attention not as food
- increase physical activity (exercise and play)
Instead of snacks such as chocolate try this treat.
If we are worried about the freshness of the liver and kidneys these can be lightly fried, in butter to destroy any harmful bacteria that we may be concerned about.
- Liver - beef, pork or lamb 1 lb 1/2 kg.
- Kidneys - beef, pork or lamb 1 lb 1/2 kg.
Portion out the liver into equal parts. The proportions will vary with the size of the pet. From a large tablespoon for small dogs and cats on up to 1/4 cup for a large dog. Do the same with the kidneys and fat. Put either into egg cartons that you have cut the tops off or onto a cookie sheet and freeze. Later these can all be kept in a bag.
Feed as a treat warmed or right out of the frig. (wild canines and felines eat this way). Alternate liver and kidney.
Because our pet is totally our responsibility the onus is on us to monitor his or her body condition and to feed accordingly. Can we feel the ribs?
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