Best advice for healthy weight management

In this blog, we will explore the often uncomfortable and increasingly worryingly subject of pet obesity. For your and your pet’s benefit this article covers:

• The ‘size’ of the issue
• How to tell if your pet is in good shape
• How to get back on track to a healthy weight
• Suggested and related products
• Useful tools

The ‘size’ of the issue:

•  74% of veterinary professionals surveyed by the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) believe that the prevalence of obesity has increased over the last five years. In fact, vets have confirmed that 51% of dogs, 44% of cats and 29% of small mammals are overweight or obese!

• All these figures have increased since the PFMA’s research five years ago (dogs were at 45%, cats 40%, and small mammals 28% in 2015).

• 100% of vets were concerned about the incidence of obesity and 73% stated it was ‘one of the most prevalent conditions seen’.

_{(Source: https://www.pfma.org.uk/_assets/docs/White%20Papers/PFMA-Obesity-Report-2019.pdf)}

• In this short video (1:15), Pauline Devlin explains issues surrounding obesity and the importance of keeping pets happy and healthy:

How to tell if your pet is in good shape:

The Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA), works with many pet nutrition experts who have helped create a set of tools and resources to help owners support the healthy weight management of their pets.

1. Start with Marisa and her very quick guide on how to use the PFMA’s Size-O-Meter (below) to help monitor your pet’s size and weight:

 2. Next, download or view the relevant Size-O-Meter from the options below:

How to get back on track to a healthy weight:

• Step 1 - If you discover your pet is overweight, or you notice a sudden weight gain or loss, talk to your vet. This will help rule out any underlying health issue.

• Step 2 - Find the product that is best suited to your pet. Ask your veterinarian or book an online consultation with one of our independently qualified Nutritional Advisers here. (https://www.trophypetfoods.co.uk/how-we-work/)

• Step 3 - Follow the product’s feeding guide, as a starting point. However, adjustments will be needed depending on your pet’s age, neuter status, breed, lifestyle, and activity level. If in doubt, contact us for free advice for your Trophy product. (https://www.trophypetfoods.co.uk/customer-services/contact-us)

• Step 4 - Weigh food portions with kitchen scales until you know the right amount to feed when using a cup. Pre-weigh/bag as much food as you can to ensure that all family members feed the same amount. As a starting point, our feed rate calculator is a great guide.

• Step 5 - If you choose to treat your pet, do so occasionally. Adjust meals accordingly to help control calorie intake. Avoid human food and table scraps. If you’d like to get scientific, you can use our calorie calculator tool to calculate your pet’s Daily Energy Requirement (DER). (https://www.trophypetfoods.co.uk/pet-care/energy-calories)

• Step 6 - Keep your pet moving! Ensure an active lifestyle with lots of walks and playtime. This is mutually beneficial to you and your pet.

• Step 7 - Weigh your pet regularly and check their body condition using the PFMA’s pet Size-O-Meter. Ideally you should be able to feel their ribs with very light finger pressure. Your local Trophy Nutritional Adviser carries a set of vet scales on their van and can help you with this. Check to see if you have an Adviser local to you here. (https://www.trophypetfoods.co.uk/get-started/#local-advisor)

• Step 8 –-See step 1!

Top Tip: Get the whole family involved to ensure success. Use the ‘Weight and body condition’ and ‘Food diary’ posters to track your progress, use the ‘Did you know’ poster to help educate your family and ask them to buy-in to the process by signing the ‘Family pledge’ poster!