Pet weight-reduction plan suggestions

As a cat mum myself, I can hardly keep the treat bag away at any time when my 2 kitties stare at me with their big, round eyes. I give in just about each time, knowing full well that their constant snacking on treats is making them chonky.

Cute as which may be, I do know that may cause more harm than good in the long term. But are treats really all that bad? To grasp this higher, I spoke to Dr Luciana Domingues de Oliveria, a pet nutritionist who gave the lowdown on feeding your fur babies at every stage of their lives. Listed here are 8 pet weight-reduction plan suggestions you must know:

– 0-6 months: Puppy & kitten stage –

1. Newborns could be fed formula if mama’s milk isn’t available

Image credit: Fidosavvy

Getting a newborn puppy or kitten is sort of rare, although such occasions do come up in certain circumstances, like in unlucky cases where a mother has to desert her babies. If you happen to’ve taken up responsibility to be a caretaker, your first instincts is likely to be to feed them cow’s milk.

But that’s an enormous no-no that Saturday morning cartoons have gotten fallacious. “Cow’s milk accommodates little or no protein and fat, and a whole lot of lactose, which is able to cause malnutrition and diarrhoea in puppies and kittens,” Dr Domingues de Oliveria said.

As an alternative, she advised using industrial formulas available from specialty pet stores or vets which were developed for such purposes.

“A great indicator of your puppies and kittens being adequately nourished is in the event that they don’t have gastrointestinal upset and are gaining weight each day in line with size and breed standards,” she said. By this definition, she really helpful to steer clear of homemade formulas too, as these are often unbalanced in nutrients too.

2. Introduce solids slowly from 4 weeks onwards

Image credit: ASPCA

If you happen to’ve been bottle-feeding your pet, it’d feel like a frightening task of transitioning them to solids, especially in the event you’ve heard horror stories of weaning resulting in upset stomachs and digestive problems. But, introducing solids is way easier whenever you take it slow, in line with the recommendation of Dr Domingues de Oliveria.

She recommends that pets begin to transition from about 4 weeks onwards. “You’ll also know once they’re ready once they start showing signs of searching for food on top of their mother’s milk.”

You’ll be able to start with softer foods first, like ground meat or mixing formula with slightly little bit of wet food to get them accustomed to munching on solids.

Over the subsequent few weeks, slowly decrease the quantity of formula and add on more minced, fresh meats. It’s also possible to mix kibble and formula or water to melt its texture, so it’s easier to chew on. Each cats and dogs can have a totally solid food weight-reduction plan from 6 weeks onwards.

Image credit: @fan.tasia052022

This rapid growth phase lasts until the dog or cat is about 4-6 months old. “Your fur kid could have greater demands for energy, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals at this age,” said Dr Domingues de Oliveria. This implies picking kitten or puppy-specific foods to make sure a more nutritionally appropriate weight-reduction plan. That way, they’ll gain an appropriate amount of weight at this stage.

– 6-18 months: Adolescence –

3. Ensure treats don’t make up greater than 10% of your pet’s weight-reduction plan

Image credit: @winnie_toycockapoo

As furbabies mature into fur-teens, they begin to get more playful, running across the house and even tearing it up in the method. Such unwanted behaviour may cause significant damage to furniture in the long term, so most turn to pet training to stop such issues

Any furparent will know that one in all the simplest ways to motivate your pet to learn a latest trick is thru positive reinforcement with treats. Fluffy used the scratching pole as an alternative of sharpening her claws on the couch? Here’s a treat. Max learnt to roll over? That deserves a treat too.

But identical to how we must always snack moderately, pets too, shouldn’t be chomping on treats all day long. Dr Domingues de Oliveria warns that “treats are an incomplete food”, so be careful when giving treats to younger pups and kittens.

“They’re more sensitive to nutrient imbalances and energy excesses, even with natural treats like dehydrated meats, offals, vegetables, and fruits,” she said. Follow the 10% treats rule, meaning 90% of your pet’s primary nutrition intake should still come from their primary meals.

4. Extra veggies in pet diets shouldn’t be all the time a great thing

Image credit: @pudding_dude

After putting on a few kilos, we’re quick to go on a greener weight-reduction plan, filling up on healthier foods like salads and further portions of fruits as an alternative of junk. Now, this will work for us, but not so on your pet.

Pets which have snuck in extra servings without your knowledge shouldn’t be placed on a green weight-reduction plan, so says Dr Domingues de Oliveria. “It’s a common mistake to substitute primary macronutrients like animal fat or protein with more vegetables,” she said.

While it’d reduce overall calorie consumption, Dr Domingues de Oliveria noted that you just’ll even be drastically cutting out essential nutrients needed for healthy organ function and vitality that only animal proteins and fats can provide.

In case your pooch is in need of dropping pounds, she recommends cutting back meals slightly at a time as an alternative. “Go slow so that you just’ll prevent issues like acid reflux disorder, changes in energy levels, upset within the gastrointestinal tract, and even hormonal disruptions,” said Dr Domingues de Oliveria.

– 18 months-8 years: Maturity –

5. What might be a food allergy might just be intolerance as an alternative

Image credit: @iris.the.greyhound

Picture this: You are trying feeding latest food to your fur kid, only to have him start scratching like crazy. Allergies is likely to be your first thought, but Dr Domingues de Oliveria says it could just be an intolerance as an alternative. Unlike allergies, intolerances don’t include adversarial reactions to the immune system.

“There are a wide range of allergy symptoms that overlap with intolerance issues,” she said. Gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, diarrhoea, and indigestion could swing each ways to point intolerance and allergies. 

Your best bet is to have these symptoms evaluated by a pet nutritionist or vet in order that an accurate diagnosis is made and treatment can begin, advised Dr Domingues de Oliveria. Once this is finished, she then recommends that pet owners turn to nutrition corporations like BOM BOM that may formulate pet meals to deal with such issues.

“BOM BOM takes under consideration allergies and intolerances, and addresses pre-existing and external ailments of their personalised meals for every individual pet,” she said. This implies proper nutrition without upsetting stomachs or triggering reactions like skin hot spots and inflammations.

6. Pet supplements are usually not all the time vital

Image credit: Great Pet Care

Since our pets are only with us for a temporary period of our lives, it’s only natural to need to amp up their nutrition to attempt to lengthen their lives. But feeding them supplements doesn’t necessarily mean added advantages.

“So long as your pet receives a whole and balanced weight-reduction plan, no extra supplementation is vital,” said Dr Domingues de Oliveria. You’ll want to envision with a pet nutritionist or your vet on the required each day intake of nutrients on your pets, as this differs from breed to breed.

It’s a suggestion that Dr Domingues de Oliveria strongly backs. “Essential nutrients form every thing from cells to organs, hormones, blood, skin, and even hair,” she said. “When your furry family members eat the precise amount, they’ll have the opportunity to operate in the very best possible way.”

There’s an exception to this rule though, as she shared: “Diseases or other medical conditions may require vitamin and mineral add-ons.” Again, checking in with a pet nutritionist is vital to make sure you’re not under- or over-feeding your pet with vitamins and minerals.

– 8 years & beyond: Senior –

7. Add water to dry kibble to make sure proper hydration

Image credit: @catevolution1

Once a cat or dog reaches 8 years of age, they’re classified as seniors. While they won’t get a purple EZ-Link card a la their human owners, you’ll know they’ve reached their golden years once they begin to lose cognitive and physical functions. 

A standard issue amongst senior pets is drinking far less water than they require. For some, developing conditions like arthritis might make it difficult for them to walk to their water point. Others may even experience similar conditions to Alzheimer’s and dementia that make them forget to drink often.

To maintain your oldies hydrated, add water to their dry kibble, in order that they’re getting hydrated even at meal times. This can be useful for senior pets who’ve lost their teeth, and might find it difficult to crunch on hard kibble.

In accordance with Dr Domingues de Oliveria, “switching to a weight-reduction plan containing foods with a softer texture and people with the next moisture content, comparable to fresh food, makes it easier for older pets to chew and get of their required nutrition.”

8. Adjust nutrient intake based on specialist recommendations

Image credit: @millythemeow

While pet supplements are unnecessary, you’ll still need to usually check that your pets receive adequate nutrition as they age. This might mean reducing and even increasing doses of minerals and antioxidants wherever possible.

Dr Domingues de Oliveria suggested cutting down phosphorus levels to favour kidney functions, in addition to lowering overall calories and fat to keep up a healthy weight on your pets to match decreasing activity levels with age.

In return, feeding prime quality, unprocessed animal-based foods can contribute to healthy ageing. One may consider adding on nutrient dense foods, comparable to eggs, organ meats, and oily fish to extend intake of significant nutrients like essential vitamins, fatty acids and trace minerals.

After all, an adjusted weight-reduction plan is simply the tip of the iceberg for prolonging a pet’s life. “Longevity can be affected by other manageable aspects,” added Dr Domingues de Oliveria. “Regular exercise, a cushty environment, and affection and love from the family are also essential for pets to live longer and higher.”

Feed your pets right with BOM BOM

Unnecessary to say, diets are a fickle thing in terms of raising your pet from pup or kitten to old timer. There are many precautions to take to stop overfeeding, while still ensuring they get the precise nutrients for an optimal life.

It seems like a heavy job that involves weighing out portions of kibble and wet food. But intensive meal preps just means time away out of your pet that would’ve been spent on bonding as an alternative.

Image credit: @threeshibes

Enter BOM BOM, which does all that meal prep for you with their individualised meal kits. Since every cat and dog is different, the meals are tailored to their specific needs based on a fast Q&A of your pet’s metabolic profile. This includes their breed, age, weight, activity level, allergies, and health conditions.

If the small print in your pet are fuzzy aka they were adopted from a shelter or off the streets, you’ll be able to even get complimentary support by their pet nutritionists on what would work best on your fur baby.

Image adapted from @bonesoffalmeat

Details are then translated into individual meals made up of bones, offal, and meat to offer adequate nutrition while hitting markers like vitamins, minerals and antioxidant intakes. That is all in adherence to the really helpful each day allowance standards set out by the National Research Council (NRC).

BOM BOM offers each raw and cooked food. And for individuals who prefer a gradual transition towards raw feeding, the meals are also available in sous vide style. This helps to retain as much moisture and nutrients as possible that would otherwise be lost from other cooking methods.

Intolerances and allergies are also taken under consideration on your pet’s meals. With 10 protein decisions available, this implies Fluffy and Rex will have the opportunity to seek out an acceptable alternative should industrial foods set off allergic reactions or intolerances.

Image credit: @bonesoffalmeat

As if meal prep couldn’t get any easier, these vacuum-sealed meals are delivered straight to your property in single bags for simple freezing and storing. Come breakfast, lunch, and dinner, just thaw one to serve.

To get you began, BOM BOM is hosting a giveaway on the BOM BOM Instagram page. Pet owners will get a $100 BOM BOM Gift Card and a US$50 (~S$68.95) Lambwolf Gift Card. Simply follow the instructions to be within the running in providing nutritious and scientifically-balanced meals on your fur baby.

Discover more about BOM BOM here

This post was dropped at you by BOM BOM.
Cover image adapted from @fan.tasia052022, @thevanillapup, @pudding_dude