Portion Control 101: Are You Feeding Your Pet Too Much?

Feeding your pet may seem like the easiest part of being a pet owner. Buy pet food, shake some out into a bowl, rinse and repeat. But getting the portions wrong is a cause of unintentional weight gain in pets. As National Pet Obesity Awareness Day approaches this October, Burien Veterinary Hospital is shining a light on the importance of portion control. Because even healthy food, when overfed, can lead to unhealthy results.

The Hidden Dangers of Overfeeding

A few extra bites here and there might not seem like much, but they can quickly add up, especially for smaller pets or older pets who don’t get exercise like they used to. Overfeeding can lead to obesity in dogs and cats, and it often goes unnoticed until weight-related health issues begin to emerge.

Pet obesity can contribute to arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and a shortened life span. While weight gain in pets can be caused by medical issues, it often starts with the food bowl.

How Much Should You Really Be Feeding Your Pet?

There’s no universal answer. Portion control should be personal to your pet and discussed with a veterinarian who knows the health history of your animal companion. There are some main factors that determine ideal pet food portions.

• Body Weight & Condition: Feeding should be based on your pet’s ideal weight, especially if they’re already overweight. Veterinarians will use knowledge of your pet’s breed/age, likely alongside a Body Condition Scoring system, to determine the weight range that’s right for your pet.
• Activity Level: An active dog who goes on daily walks will burn more calories than a couch-loving pup. Feeding should reflect your pet’s energy output.
• Age: Puppies and kittens need more fuel for growth, while senior pets typically require fewer calories. Portions and possibly the food itself (some pet food is formulated for a specific age group) will need adjustments as your pet ages.
• Food Type: Dry food, wet food, raw, or prescription diets all have different calorie densities and nutritional values. Bring a picture of your pet’s food label to the vet! They can help you figure out if it’s a good fit.

Portion Control Tips for Feeding Pets

Tip #1 Use a Measuring Cup or Scale. Eyeballing isn’t accurate when measuring out pet food. 

Tip #2 Stick to a Feeding Schedule. Ditch free-feeding in favor of set meal times. Pets that free-feed are generally more likely to gain weight.

Tip #3 Limit Treats. Treats should make up very little of your pet’s diet. Consider asking your vet about pet-safe fruits, vegetables, or meat you can swap out as healthy options.

Tip #4 Monitor and Adjust. If your pet is gaining or losing weight, it’s time to reassess portions. Schedule a well exam with the vet to review your pet’s nutrition. Adjusting your pet’s diet can be tricky, so it’s always best to come up with a weight management plan under the guidance of veterinary professionals.

Nutrition Guidance for Pet Owners in Burien, WA

Feeding your pet the right amount is an easy way to support a long, healthy life. This October, use National Pet Obesity Awareness Day as a reminder to review your feeding habits. A few small changes can lead to big improvements in your pet’s overall health. Burien Veterinary Hospital offers nutritional guidance for pets in Burien. If you’re not sure whether you’re feeding your pet the right amount and you’re from the Burien, White Center, or Tukwila area, schedule a nutrition consultation at Burien Veterinary Hospital.