Treats are a fun and loving way to bond with your pet, but they can also be a sneaky contributor to weight gain. As we recognize National Pet Obesity Awareness Day this October, it’s a great time to rethink those tasty rewards. Center Veterinary Clinic is here to help pet owners make smart choices when it comes to treats for their cats and dogs.
Common Mistakes with Giving Pets Treats
While many pet treats are marketed as “healthy” or “natural,” they’re often high in calories and unnecessary additives. Giving your pet just a few extra treats each day may not seem like much, but those calories add up quickly, especially for small breeds or indoor pets with limited activity.
Here’s the trickiest part of all: treats are rarely factored into daily meal portions, which leads to unintentional overfeeding. Take that into consideration, along with these common mistakes pet owners make when giving out treats.
- Over-Treating: Giving treats multiple times a day adds up.
- Using Human Snacks: foods like cheese, bread, or deli meat may seem harmless in small amounts, but they can disrupt your pet’s digestion or even cause long-term harm.
- Rewarding with Treats Only: Many pets respond just as well to praise, play, or affection, but we often reach for the treat jar instead.
- Not Reading Ingredient Labels: Many commercial treats are packed with sugar, artificial flavors, and unnecessary ingredients.
Treats Contribute to Pet Obesity
Obesity is a preventable health issue that treats often play a role in causing. Because they’re small and frequent, treat calories are easy to overlook. Over time, these extra calories can lead to weight gain, putting your pet at risk for joint issues, heart disease, diabetes, and a shorter lifespan.
Wondering how you can tell if your pet is gaining weight? You can keep track if you have a scale, but wrangling your cat or getting your massive Great Dane on a scale isn’t always feasible. You can use a Body Condition Scoring chart as a guide. A 4 or 5 on the 9-point system is considered a generally healthy weight for your pet. Contact your veterinarian if your pet is at an unhealthy weight or seems to be gaining/losing weight without a clear cause, as this could be a symptom of a health condition.
So, Do I Have to Stop Giving My Pet Treats?
No, you do not have to completely stop giving your pet treats. Rather, pet owners should be mindful of the amount and types of treats you’re giving your pet. Talk to your veterinarian during their yearly wellness visit about pet-safe fruits, vegetables, or meat that can be used as an occasional treat. And remember, even low-calorie, nutritious treats can become a problem if given in excess.
Nutrition Guidance for Pets in Novato, CA
Treats are part of the joy of being a pet owner, but they don’t have to come at the cost of your pet’s health. You can reward your pet on occasion with smarter snacks. Center Veterinary Clinic has nutrition guidance for pets in Novato and from nearby areas like San Rafael, San Anselmo, and Fairfax. Not sure which treats are best for your pet? Schedule a nutritional consultation with our veterinary clinic.
