Helping your dog or cat maintain a healthy weight is a necessary aspect of pet care. However, it’s not always easy to keep them in an optimal range. Of course, you should always check with the vet before heading to the pet food store and changing their diet to ensure you’re making the best choices for your animal. With their approval, here are some tips to consider to get your dog or cat back on track.

How to Help Your Pet Lose Weight

1. Emphasize Protein

Just as in humans, too many carbohydrates can lead to weight gain in pets. For this reason, cut back on the carbs and increase protein levels in their place. Protein builds lean muscle, so check the shelves of the pet food store for a line that has a higher ratio of protein and healthy fats than carbohydrates.

2. Measure Portions

It’s easy to go a little overboard when pouring food into your pet’s dish. Yet, if your animal is overweight, they don’t need the extra calories. If you have a dog that weighs 10 pounds, for instance, they only need 210 calories per day. Your veterinarian can help you establish portion sizes that support weight loss for your pet. Once they’re established, use the same measuring cup to stick to the right portion size with every feeding.

3. Use Low-Calorie Treats

Often, treats are a major culprit behind excess weight gain. While you can certainly use them to reward your pet for good behavior, they shouldn’t be doled out too frequently. Also, stick with low-calorie treats, and never feed your animal table scraps. Many pet food stores sell healthy, low-calorie treats with all-natural ingredients. In a pinch, you can also offer them carrots, green beans, or cucumbers.

No matter what type of food your pet needs to thrive, you can find it at Clifton Feed and Service Center. As the trusted pet food store in Bosque County, TX, this retailer has been serving the community since 1968. Along with a wide variety of pet food brands, they also carry livestock feed and lawn and garden supplies. Like them on Facebook for more updates, or visit their website to see more on their products. You can also call (254) 675-3416 to speak with a helpful team member.