NAVC addresses pet overweight with nutritionists
A veterinary professional of a nonprofit organization, North American Veterinary Community (NAVC), highlights the widespread issue of overweight pets. According to the group, 56% of dogs and 60% of cats are overweight, with treats being a potential culprit. The group states that treats should not comprise more than 10% of a pet’s diet as they typically are more calorie-rich than regular food.
"Nutrition is a cornerstone of animal health. Proper nutrition is critical for overall wellness, disease management, and prevention for pets," said Dana Varble, DVM, CAE, chief veterinary officer at NAVC. "With a wide variety of food products on the market along with different philosophies on what's best for animals, it's important for pet owners to seek nutritional guidance from the people who truly know their animals' dietary needs: their veterinary healthcare team."
Pet owners should turn to their veterinary care team to help manage a pet’s weight. "Snacking on too many treats is bad for pets just like it is for people. When it comes to treats, those products should not exceed more than 10% of an animal's daily caloric intake," said animal nutrition expert Kara M. Burns, MS, MEd, LVT, VTS, VTS-H. "The credentialed veterinary nurse or technician can help pet owners understand the information on pet food labels and calculate the recommended amount of food versus treats, based on a specific animal's needs."
Comments
Tag
Related Articles
Copyright © 2025 - All Rights Reserved
ISSN 2768-198X
List
Add
Please enter a comment