Mind your pet's caloric intake

WHEN monitoring pets' food intake, experts say it should start with pet owners' assessment of the pet food nutritional label to make sure it's right for their pets.

Calories are essential nutritional components that convert food to energy. Taken too much or too little could have some side effects on pets.

Pet Food Institute (PFI) along with the Veterinary Practitioners Association in the Philippines believe that total pet wellness is hinged on good nourishment and proper exercise.

Pet owners must understand that different pets may require different portions or even different food. It depends on the pet's species, size, health, activity level and age. This might be challenging for a multi-pet household where different dogs, for example, tend to get the same kind of food. Providing uniform pet food for everyone is not effective in addressing the unique health requirements of each pets.

In terms of how much to feed a pet dog or cat, experts recommend that pet owners try to feel for their pet's ribs. The ribs should be felt easily, but should not be visible. If the ribs aren’t felt, owners ought to reduce the amount of food given daily or switch to a weight reduction diet.

The feeding instructions on the pet food label are based on the food's nutrient content and calories. The more calories consumed with less energy output, the more chances of weight gain. Giving pets table scraps and several snacks on top of their regular food can also lead to obesity.

When pets become obese, they become lethargic with less stamina, their breathing becomes hard and loud and they waddle when they walk. They also become prone to hypertension, heat intolerance, diabetes, liver disease, osteoarthritis, lower immune system and cancer.

A veterinarian can help determine a pet’s body condition and provide expert advice on how much food it should eat daily. A balanced diet and proper exercise can improve a pet’s lifespan.

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