{formtext: name=Weight (kg)}
Weight Management
Maintaining {formtext: name=Pet name} at a healthy weight is essential for quality of life, from an orthopedic as well as general health standpoint. {=`pet name`} currently weighs approximately {=`weight (kg)`2.2} pounds, however an ideal weight should be closer to {=(`weight (kg)` - (`weight (kg)`(`percent weight loss`/100)))2.2} pounds (about {formtext: name=percent weight loss}% weight loss). A {formmenu: cat; default=dog; name=dog/cat} with an ideal body condition has a visible waist when looking from above, an abdominal tuck when looking from the side, and ribs that can be easily felt with gentle petting over them.
A {=(`weight (kg)` - (`weight (kg)`(`percent weight loss`/100)))2.2} pound {=`dog/cat`} should be eating about {=(((`weight (kg)` - (`weight (kg)`(`percent weight loss`/100)))^0.75)*70)} kcal (calories) per day. Please check {=`pet name`}'s food labels at home for the kcal/cup so that you can accurately measure the amount of calories per feeding. Please note that things such as additional food, table scraps, and treats do contain additional calories that would increase the amount of calories {=`pet name`} is consuming during the day.
If you reduce {=`pet name`}'s food and they act hungry, you can switch to a weight control food. There is a veterinary prescription food called Hills’ Metabolic + Mobility that is for weight control and has added mobility support for the joints. It is relatively low in calories and it has a lot of fiber to help {=`pet name`} feel full and wanting less food. If you want to try it, let us know and we can write a prescription for it.
It is important to reduce {=`pet name`}'s calorie intake from treats, as treats should constitute no more than 10% of the daily caloric intake, so roughly {formtext: name=10% of cals} kcal.
DOG PART ONLY: Low calorie treat options include green beans, which a lot of dogs like frozen. You can also try popcorn with no butter or salt added, which you can air pop at home. Carrots are also a good choice. The good news is all of these treat options can be prepared well ahead of time and measured into daily rations so you can have different choices each day. Ice is always an option as well.