Pet Obesity Awareness Day: How to Treat Your Pet Without Overdoing It

in Check It Out!

Quick test. Can you feel your dog's ribs right now?

If you had to think about it, you're not alone. Today is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day, and the biggest problem it points to is a quiet one. Most of us can't tell when our pet has gained weight, because we see them every single day.

The numbers are big. In a 2022 survey from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, vets said about 59 percent of dogs and 61 percent of cats they saw were overweight or obese. The same group found that many pet owners get used to their pet's weight and don't notice it. That slow creep is easy to miss.

Here's why it matters. Extra weight puts stress on your pet's joints and heart. It raises the chance of problems like arthritis and diabetes, and it can shorten a pet's life. A pet at a healthy weight usually moves easier, plays longer, and feels better day to day.

Treats are one place weight sneaks in. We make treats for a living, so we're going to say this plainly. A treat should never be the reason your pet is carrying extra weight. Here's how to treat your pet and keep things balanced.

Step 1: Do the hands-on check

Run your hands gently along your pet's side. You should be able to feel the ribs under a thin layer, a bit like the back of your hand. If you have to press hard to find them, there may be extra padding. From above, your dog or cat should have a waistline. From the side, the belly should tuck up a little behind the ribs. A small loose pouch of skin on a cat's belly is normal, so don't mistake that for weight.

This check is a starting point. Your vet can give you a real body condition score and tell you your pet's ideal weight.

Step 2: Learn the 10 percent rule

A common vet guideline says treats should make up about 10 percent or less of your pet's daily calories. The rest should come from a complete, balanced meal. Ask your vet how many calories your pet needs each day. That one number makes every treat decision easier.

Step 3: Make the treat count

Treats work best when they're small, planned, and earned. Here are six easy ways to do it.

Break treats into small pieces. Your pet can't tell the difference between a whole treat and four small ones. They just want the moment.
Put a treat tally on the fridge. Every person in the house adds a mark when they give one. You'll be surprised how fast it adds up.
Count walks, play, and praise as rewards too. A game of tug can feel as good as a cookie.
Measure meals. Use a measuring cup, not your eyeballs.
Skip table scraps. A few bites for a small pet is a big part of their day.
Weigh your pet once a month. Write it down. Small changes show up on paper first.

The treat math

Calories are where treats get real, so let's do the math. Salmon Puffs and Turkey Poppers are both freeze-dried, and each treat has less than 5 calories. That makes them easy to use all day for training and rewards without blowing the budget.

Here's an example. Say your vet tells you your dog needs about 400 calories a day. Ten percent of that is about 40 calories for treats. Eight treats at under 5 calories each stay below that number. That's eight real rewards, and that's a lot of good moments.

Those numbers are only an example, so please use your own. Your pet's size, age, and daily calories decide the right amount, and your vet can help you find it.

A simple weight check-in

Keep:

Regular meal times
Daily walks and play
Treats you feel good about

Adjust:

Treat size, down to small pieces
Extra snacks from family members
Meals, measured by cup

Observe:

Ribs and waistline each month
Energy on walks
How easily your pet gets up and down

One more thing. Please don't put your pet on a strict diet by yourself. Losing weight too fast can be dangerous, especially for cats. Start with a vet visit, get a goal, and make a plan together.

Loving your pet isn't about how much you give. It's about how many good years you get together.

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