A homemade restricted-calorie diet
is the best choice for obese animals. The second is a processed “obesity- management” diet available through veterinarians, although many of these also contain chemicals, byproducts and fillers. Such diets can be used to attain the target weight, and then replaced with a homemade maintenance diet. Foods high in fiber work well for shedding pounds because they increase metabolism. Vegetable fiber decreases fat and glucose absorption. Fluctuating glucose levels cause greater insulin re- lease that can lead to diabetes; because insulin is needed for fat storage, low, stable levels are preferred. Fiber also binds to fat in the intestinal tract and increases the movement of digested food through the intestines.
Supplement Options Several natural therapies may be help- ful for treating animal obesity. These include herbs such as cayenne, gin- ger and mustard; white bean extract; chromium; carnitine; hydroxycitric acid (HCA); epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG); and coenzyme Q10. All have been widely used with variable success, although not yet thoroughly researched or clinically proven. A supplement called Vetri-Lean
appears promising. Based on a white bean extract, it has cut starch digestion by up to 75 percent in the company’s clinical tests. The formula also has EGCG from green tea extract to boost metabolism, inhibit carbohydrate- digesting enzymes and help maintain normal blood insulin levels, all to help dissolve fat and control appetite. Chro- mium polynicotinate, another ingredi- ent, also helps to curb appetite, build muscles and reduce fat.
Among owners of chubby pets, 45 percent
believe their dog or cat is of a normal weight.
~ Association for Pet Obesity Prevention
Exercise is Key
As with humans, a regular program of supervised exercise is essential to pet health. Experience shows that it must be combined with a diet and supple- ment plan to achieve maximum results for overweight pets. Along with burning off excess calories, even mild exer- cise works to reduce hunger, improve muscle strength and aerobic capacity and improve functioning of organs. Plus, as veterinarians further attest, the activity is mentally stimulating for both animals and guardians, while decreas- ing behavioral problems. There is no one best exercise
program for every animal; a sensible plan must be personalized to needs and abilities. Consult a veterinarian to determine the best regimen. As always, prevention is better than a cure, so stay- ing alert to signs of additional pounds and keeping an animal from becoming obese in the first place is optimum.
Dr. Shawn Messonier has authored The Arthritis Solution for Dogs, 8 Weeks to a Healthy Dog, and the award-winning Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats. His Paws & Claws Animal Hospital is located in Plano, TX. Find helpful tips at
PetCareNaturally.com.
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