Who doesn’t look forward to the holidays? With all the yummy food, it’s a perfect time to indulge a little. And when the family gathers to enjoy a meal, it’s hard to resist those puppy-dog eyes begging for a bite of turkey or a few extra treats! But when you add together, extra table-food, less outdoor exercise in the colder weather, and some special holiday snacks, our pets can end up packing on the pounds a bit by the New Year!

The good news? A few simple changes can help your pet stay healthy without taking the fun out of the season.

How Much Should You Really Be Feeding Your Pet?

Whether you use a coffee mug to measure your pet’s meals or even if you are following the chart on the bag of pet food, you still could be feeding your pet too much – or not enough. The Feeding Guidelines on the bag are just that ....”Guidelines” The manufacturers don’t know your pet’s exact activity level, age, body condition or metabolism and all those factors play a big role in what is the appropriate level to feed your pet.

Here are a few ways to get portions right:

  • Measure every meal. Be sure to use an actual measuring cup. A standard measuring cup is 8oz/240 ml liquid measuring cup = 4 oz/113 gm of Dry Pet Food.
  • Check the calories. Look for the calorie content on your pet food label. It’s located near the feeding guidelines and refers to calories as kcal/cup. Calorie content can vary greatly from brand to brand and even between different formulas.
  • Monitor body condition. You should generally be able to feel your dog’s ribs with a gentle pressure and see a waist behind the ribs when looking from above. Check your cat's body condition regularly too as fluffy coats can disguise their actual shape.
  • Adjust when necessary. Know your pet’s weight at the start of any diet change and recheck in around 4 weeks to see if the portions need to be changed. Perk Valley Pet has a scale that’s large enough for big dogs and we’re happy to help you check.

Treats Are Fine —In Moderation!

Treats are a wonderful way to reward good behavior and strengthen your bond with your pet. Most treats are loaded with fat and calories though, so those extra goodies need to be accounted for in the pet’s daily food intake.

Try to keep treats and other extras to about 10% or less of your pet’s daily calories, with the remaining calories coming from a complete and balanced diet. It’s important to include everything the pet ingests: dental chews, food toppers, a tid-bit of people-food…it all adds up! And be sure to reduce the amount of actual pet food at meals if you know these other treats are included daily.

No “Hibernating” as the Weather Gets Colder!

It’s easy to want to curl up on the couch when the days are shorter and chillier! But our pets (and their people) still need regular activity! Keep your pups moving with walks suited to their abilities, indoor games, and food puzzles. Those ball-crazy dogs may enjoy “Fetch” down a long hallway. For cats, interactive toys, climbing spaces, and short play sessions can help keep their hunting skills honed and burn unwanted fat.

A Fit Body Just Feels Good!

Maintaining a healthy weight is about much more than appearance. Excess weight can contribute to joint problems, painful mobility, and other health concerns. Little, consistent changes can make a beneficial difference.

Before the holiday festivities get into full swing, take a fresh look at your pet’s meals, snacks and exercise level. If you're unsure whether your pet is at a healthy weight, your veterinarian can help assess their body condition and recommend next steps.

Need help choosing the right food or treats? Stop by our store! We're happy to help you compare nutrition labels, explore treat options, and find enrichment products to keep your four-legged family members happy and healthy throughout the holiday season.