Pet Food Package Feeding Quantities
How not to overstuff
your pet
MetPet.com Staff Writer
 Is
your pet eating the manufacturer's recommended quantity of food every day
and still not at his ideal weight? Chances are the package feeding
instructions based on the weight and/or activity level of your furry friend
is a high end estimate.
The recommended feeding
quantities on pet food labels are based on an average pet. Your
specific pet's caloric requirements can vary by as much as 1/3rd in either
direction. A warmer climate, a thicker coat, a lower metabolic rate, lack of
exercise can all contribute to a lower caloric requirement.
The best indication of food quantity is your dog and cat's body.
Place your thumbs on the spine and feel for the ribs. You should
be able to feel each individual rib underneath the fur/skin/fat
layer but not see them easily. If you have to really push to
feel the individual ribs, it's time to ease off on the feedings or
look for a lower calorie food.
To adjust
feeding:
1. Split the
same quantity of food into smaller and more frequent meals spaced
evenly apart during the day. This could slightly increase
your pet's metabolism sufficiently to reduce his weight.
2. Decrease the food by 10% a week until your pet reaches the desired
weight. Decreasing food drastically can cause your pet to become
irritable and create behavioral problems such as spraying or food
aggression.
3. Eliminate all snacks, treats, chew strips and table scraps
until your pet reaches the desired weight.
4. Switch to a lower calorie food for senior pets.
5. Switch to a lower calorie food during the warm summer months. Cold
weather makes pets use more calories just to maintain body temperature. |
