EVERY PET LOVES A TREAT
But How Much Is Too Much? Everyone loves a good treat, and our cats and dogs are no exception. But just like with humans and ice cream, it’s possible to have too much of a good thing. More pets are overweight than ever before. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, more than 50% of pet cats and dogs are overweight or obese. Worse, many surveyed owners didn’t even realize their pets weighed more than recommended.
cats eat 20–35 calories per pound of weight each day, while dogs should consume 25–30 calories per pound. When you do the math, you might discover that you've been inadvertently feeding them too much — or that they're consuming more calories in treats than you realized.
When making your calculations, remember that a maximum of 10% of treats should come out of the calorie total. If your
No one wants their pet to suffer, especially not from the thing that brings them the most joy. But most people don’t want to cut treats out entirely. Treats make pets happy, and they serve as helpful incentives in training. Luckily, pet nutrition experts have determined when you might be going overboard. They recommend that treats make up no more than 10% of your pet’s daily nutritional intake. Of course, many people don't know how many calories their pet eats. But you can easily find out by referring to the calorie information on their food package. Experts recommend that
pet’s ideal intake is 500 calories each day, they shouldn’t be getting 500 calories of regular food and 100 calories worth of treats. Mealtime amounts of food should be adjusted to account for the snacks they are eating throughout the day. Otherwise, that little extra can cause big problems later.
Just like with humans, it’s fine to splurge now and then. But indulging too often can lead to a ballooning waistline and subsequent health problems. If you aren’t sure whether you’re feeding your
pet the right amount or need help calculating their ideal caloric intake, we’ll be glad to discuss your pet’s specific needs during your next visit. Nutritional requirements can vary by breed, and each animal has a unique metabolism. We’ll help you figure out what’s best for your four-legged friend’s health while making sure they don’t lose out on the happiness occasional treats bring.
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PPuema np uk itnBDu ot tge rTar enadt s Inspired by AllRecipes.com
Kendra Richardson Tim Carlill Bob & Pam Arnold Memory McDermott Susan Harding
Kris Heimbichner Jere Hollembeak Sarah Ator Jacque Koehler Gus Hirsch
Combine taste with good nutrition by giving your dog these simple, healthy dog treats that will keep them coming back for more.
INGREDIENTS
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2 tbsp peanut butter
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2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together all ingredients. If needed, add water to make the dough workable, but ensure it remains dry and stiff. 3. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a 1/2-inch-thick sheet. Cut into 1/2-inch square pieces or use a cookie cutter to make individual treats. 4. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper, and place cookies an inch apart. Bake for 40 minutes, or until hard, and let cool before serving.
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