Is Your Pet Obese? What You Can Do to Support Their Healthy Weight Loss

We all want our furry friends to live life to the fullest, and that includes enjoying the delicious food nature has to offer. But is your pet living a bit too indulgently?

A crucial part of living well is maintaining a healthy weight. Unfortunately, just like us, our pets struggle with weight gain and obesity. Aside from making them sluggish, extra weight can lead to a myriad of other health issues that keep them from living their healthiest lives.

Here, we’ll dive into pet obesity to learn more about why it happens, the health consequences we can avoid, and most importantly, how you can support your pet in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

Is Your Pet Obese?

Is your pet carrying a few extra pounds? It isn't just about appearance – understanding your pet’s healthiest physique also involves knowing some crucial metrics. For most pets, you should be able to easily feel their ribs and see a waistline. If you can't, it might be time to manage their weight.

Healthy Dog Weight Ranges

Dog Size	Weight Range
Toy Breeds	2 to 12 pounds (0.9 to 5.4 kg)
Small Breeds	12 to 25 pounds (5.4 to 11.3 kg)
Medium Breeds	25 to 50 pounds (11.3 to 22.7 kg)
Large Breeds	50 to 100 pounds (22.7 to 45.4 kg)
Giant Breeds	100 pounds and above (45.4 kg and above)

Healthy Cat Weight Ranges

Cat Size	Weight Range
Small Cats	5 to 10 pounds (2.3 to 4.5 kg)
Medium Cats	10 to 15 pounds (4.5 to 6.8 kg)
Large Cats	15 pounds and above (6.8 kg and above)

Remember that these are general guidelines – not all breeds or lifestyles will fit these specific ranges. It’s best to speak to your veterinarian about your pet's diet and activity level to find out what their ideal weight should be.

Symptoms of Pet Obesity

Along with the look and weight of your pet, you can also track their weight balance by their actions. Keep an eye out for signs like lethargy, difficulty breathing, or an unwillingness to engage in physical activities they once enjoyed. These are common signs that your pet is carrying excess weight.

The Consequences of an Overweight Pet

While chubby pets can be cute, too much excess weight can lead to severe health problems. Conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease are all potential consequences of pet obesity. Helping them lose weight will help them live longer, healthier, more enjoyable lives.

4 Ways to Help Your Pet Get in Shape

1. Move it!  

   This comes as no surprise, but regular exercise is key to helping your pet lose weight and keep them fit. Whether it's a daily walk, playtime at the park, or a game of fetch, find activities that get your pet (and you!) moving.

2. Pay Attention to Portions.  With any weight loss goal, portion control matters. Are your pet’s meals appropriate for their size? Have you factored in the added calories from daily treats? Always measure your pet's food to ensure they're getting the right amount to lose the excess weight while still supporting their body’s needs. You may need to consult your vet to determine the appropriate daily caloric intake for your pet.

3. Rethink Their Pet Food.  It’s not just about how much you feed your pet, but what you feed them. Low-quality pet food that’s high in fillers has been shown to cause weight gain. Instead, opt for pet food with high-quality ingredients and less grain filler. A good choice will prioritize lean proteins and essential nutrients. Or, if your pet is significantly overweight, it may be time to reach out to your vet for a prescription weight reduction pet food.

4. Say No to Table Scraps.  W

   hile it might be tempting to share your meal with your pet, it's often best to resist – especially if they are carrying around extra weight. Many human foods can be high in calories and low in nutritional value for pets – even if you give just a small morsel. If you do want to share your plate with your pet, offer them low-calorie fruits and vegetables like cucumber, tomatoes, apples, or carrots.

Holistic Weight Loss Products for Pets

Just like us humans, sometimes our pets need a little extra support on their weight loss journey. Here are some natural products that can help them get active and stay fit for life.

• Turkey Tail Mushroom: Blood Sugar Balance

  Turkey tail mushroom is best known for its immune-boosting properties. But did you know this mushroom can also be used to help fight obesity? Turkey tail mushroom contains beta-glucans, a type of fiber that can slow down how the body absorbs carbohydrates. This slowdown can lead to lower blood sugar levels and less fat storage. Plus, beta-glucans might also help to lessen inflammation in the body, which can be linked to gaining weight.Turkey tail mushroom is also packed with antioxidants and nutrients like vitamin D and selenium. These help with weight loss by reducing inflammation and improving metabolism.

• Slippery Elm Liquid Tincture: Healthy Gut Support

  Slippery elm is an herb used in both Eastern and Western medicine to support healthy digestion, encourage regular bowel movements, soothe GI irritation, and support gut function. For pets who are overweight, this tincture is a gentle way to rehabilitate their gut balance to improve metabolism and nutrient absorption, while also protecting their gut lining.

• Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang Liquid Tincture: Pain-Free Movement

  Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang is a traditional Chinese herbal remedy, mainly for humans and pets with joint pain. If your pet is overweight, it is likely affecting their joints and may make it harder for them to get the exercise they need to shed some weight. With this tincture, you can help improve their joint health and mobility to encourage a more active lifestyle, exercise pain-free, and prevent arthritis and hip dysplasia.

Help Your Furry Friend Stay Fit

Helping your pet achieve and maintain a healthy weight is a loving investment in their well-being. With a balanced diet, regular exercise, and the support of natural herbal products for pets, you can give your furry friend a happy, active, and healthy life – and many more joyful years together.

Shop these and our other holistic wellness pet products today!