Pet Weight Loss Made Simple: Tips for a HAPPIER Dog or Cat

Keeping your pet at a healthy weight is essential for their overall well-being, and as loving Kiwi pet owners, it’s up to us to make sure our furry mates stay fit and active. Just like us, dogs and cats can face a whole range of health problems if they pack on a few too many kilos — but with a bit of know-how and care, managing your pet’s weight can be simple and rewarding.

Why Weight Management is Important for Pets

A bit of extra weight might seem harmless, but it can really take a serious toll on your pet's health. We’re talking diabetes, heart disease, sore joints, and even a shorter lifespan. Overweight pets often have less energy, making it harder for them to enjoy walks, playtime, and all those little adventures they love. By keeping your pet at a healthy weight, you’re helping them live a longer, happier, and more comfortable life.

How to Tell if Your Pet is Overweight

It’s not always easy to tell if a pet is overweight, especially when they’re fluffy or have a naturally stocky build. Here are a few simple ways to check:

• Rib Check: You should be able to feel your pet’s ribs without pressing too hard, but they shouldn’t be visible.
  
• Waistline: When looking from above, your pet should have a visible waist behind their ribs.
  
• Tummy Tuck: From the side, their abdomen should slope upwards towards their hind legs.
  

If you’re still not sure, a quick trip to the vet can give you a clear idea of your pet’s body condition score and whether they need to drop a few kgs.

Tips for Helping Your Pet Maintain a Healthy Weight

1. Portion Control: Feeding your pet the right amount of food is key. Stick to the feeding guidelines on your pet food packaging and adjust based on their activity level, age, and weight goals.
   
2. Choose a Weight-Management Pet Food: The right food can make all the difference. ORIJEN Fit & Trim and ACANA Light & Fit recipes for dogs are designed to support healthy weight management, with high protein levels to maintain lean muscle and limited carbs to encourage fat burning. For cats, ORIJEN Fit & Trim and ACANA Indoor Entrée offer nutrient-dense formulas that help maintain an ideal body condition without unnecessary fillers.
3. Regular Exercise for Pets: Daily walks, play sessions, and interactive toys aren’t just fun — they help keep your pet active and burn off excess calories.
   
4. Healthy Treats: Swap out high-calorie snacks for healthier options like freeze-dried meats or fruits and veggies that are safe for pets. A carrot stick here and there never hurt anyone!
   
5. Consistency: Weight management is all about forming healthy habits. Stick to regular meal times, avoid giving table scraps (no matter how convincing those puppy-dog eyes are), and keep an eye on their progress.

Why Choose ORIJEN and ACANA for Weight Management?

Typically, weight loss recipes for pets involve severe calorie restriction, coupled with very high amounts of dietary fibre. Unlike many other pet food brands, ORIJEN and ACANA recipes for healthy weight management do not limit nutrients in a way that can drive hunger and leave pets feeling unsatisfied. No hangry tantrums here!

For dogs, ORIJEN Fit & Trim and ACANA Light & Fit are packed with premium animal ingredients and whole foods, providing essential nutrients while keeping calories in check. Their biologically appropriate formulas limit carbohydrates, support lean muscle mass, and promote overall vitality without unnecessary fillers.

For cats, ORIJEN Fit & Trim and ACANA Indoor Entrée are specially formulated to help maintain a healthy weight while supporting muscle maintenance and optimal digestion. These recipes feature high-quality animal proteins, lower carbohydrates, and essential nutrients to keep indoor and less-active cats in peak condition.

A low-carb, high-protein diet has several benefits for weight management:

• Reduced Insulin Spikes: Carbohydrates cause blood sugar spikes, leading to increased insulin production. Insulin promotes fat storage. By lowering carbs, insulin levels stabilise, making it easier for the body to burn fat instead of storing it.
  
• Increased Fat Burning: With fewer carbs, your pet’s body relies more on fat for energy, helping to reduce excess body fat over time.
  
• More Satiating: Protein and fat provide more lasting satiety compared to carbs, reducing hunger and preventing overeating.
  
• Maintains Lean Muscle Mass: High-protein diets support muscle maintenance while promoting fat loss, ensuring pets lose fat rather than muscle.
  
• Reduced Inflammation: Many processed carbs contribute to inflammation and bloating. A low-carb diet, especially one based on high-quality animal protein, can reduce inflammation and promote a healthier metabolism.

By taking a proactive approach to your pet's weight, you’re investing in their health and happiness for years to come. Let’s help our pets live their healthiest lives — one balanced meal and playful moment at a time.