Pet obesity is a growing concern, with up to 65% of dogs in the United States considered overweight or obese (Grota, 2022). The situation is similar in cats, with approximately 50% of cats seen at veterinary clinics being overweight or obese (McDaniel, n.d.). While overfeeding and inadequate exercise are common causes of obesity, traditional diets may not always work for every pet. This article explores why this is the case and discusses the importance of diets designed with differing macronutrients and micronutrients.

Why Traditional Diets May Not Always Work

Traditional pet diets often focus on providing a balanced diet with all the necessary nutrients. However, these diets may not consider the individual needs of each pet. For instance, some pets may have medical conditions like hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease that cause obesity (Grota, 2022). Additionally, certain breeds like Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers are predisposed to obesity (Grota, 2022). 

Moreover, the practice of “free feeding,” where a bowl of dry food is available for consumption by a pet throughout the day, can contribute to obesity. This is because it allows the pet to consume excessive amounts of food that is constantly available (McDaniel, n.d.).

The Importance of Macronutrients and Micronutrients

Designing a diet with differing macronutrients and micronutrients can help address the issue of pet obesity. Macronutrients, including proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, provide energy and are required in large amounts. Micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, are needed in smaller quantities but are essential for various bodily functions.

Understanding Calories and Their Sources

Calories come from 3 places: protein, carbohydrates, and fat. While fat is the most calorically dense macronutrient, high-fat diets don’t necessarily result in more body fat – metabolism is a lot more complex than that.  However, a diet that is predominately carbohydrates can and often does result in greater body fat, and increasing body weight over time.

For instance, a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates can be beneficial for cats and dogs struggling with weight.  While this may not mean ditching kibble completely, it can mean adding in fresh foods (cooked or raw), canned food and even freeze-dried options to help reduce the overall carbohydrate content.

The Problem With Feeding the Same Thing Every Day

Feeding pets the same food every day can lead to a lack of variety in their diet, which may not only contribute to obesity but also to finicky eating habits. According to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, many pets are content to eat a single food, but some may develop selective eating habits and become very selective about what foods they’ll accept. Feeding your cat two or three different foods provides flavor variety and may prevent your pet from developing an exclusive preference for a single food (Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, n.d.).

The Benefits of Variety in Proteins, Food Types, and Fresh Foods

Incorporating a variety of proteins, food types (like canned, dry, freeze-dried, cooked or raw), and fresh foods like fruits and vegetables can help combat pet obesity. Different proteins provide different profiles of essential amino acids, and rotating them can ensure a more balanced intake. 

Understanding Calorie Content in Pet Food Varieties

Commercial pet foods are formulated as dry, canned, raw, cooked, freeze dried – each with its own advantages. They also have vastly different macronutrient (protein, fat and carbohydrate) composition, and thus very different caloric density. This means that one cup of dry pet food has a very different calorie content than one cup of freeze dried foods. Utilizing different types of foods requires careful planning and measuring to ensure your pet consumes the right calories and nutrients for their age, weight and lifestyle.

The Role of Fresh Foods in Reducing Obesity

Adding fresh foods like fruits and vegetables can provide additional nutrients and fiber, and protect against some of the risks of processed foods (like canned and dry foods). They also help pets feel fuller without adding a lot of calories. However, it’s important to note that not all fruits and vegetables are safe, and adding too much can cause the diet to become unbalanced.  It’s important to obtain some help when getting started.  Our team is ready and more than happy to help ensure it’s easy and not overwhelming.  

How the Processing of Kibble and Canned Food Contributes to Obesity

In recent years scientists have learned that the processing of pet food has unintended consequences. Advanced Glycation End Products, commonly known as AGEs, are compounds that are formed when proteins or fats combine with sugars in the bloodstream. This process is known as glycation. AGEs can also be found in foods, especially those that are high in fat and protein, and their levels increase when food is cooked at high temperatures, such as during frying or grilling for humans – or the processes used to make kibble and canned food in pets

How AGEs Contribute to Pet Obesity

AGEs are of particular interest in medicine at the moment because they can contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. Inflammation is the body’s response to injury or illness, but when it becomes chronic, it can lead to various health problems. Oxidative stress, on the other hand, occurs when there’s an imbalance between the production of free radicals, which are harmful molecules, and the body’s ability to counteract their harmful effects.

Link Between Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Obesity

Both inflammation and oxidative stress are associated with obesity, a condition characterized by excessive body fat. Obesity is a major risk factor for several chronic diseases, including heart disease and diabetes.  Research shows that our pets consume 122 times the amount of AGEs that humans do (van Rooijen, 2014) – and the 2 main reasons is they eat predominately kibble or canned food AND they don’t often consume fresh fruits and vegetables which combat the harmful effects of AGEs.

Reducing AGEs in Your Pet’s Diet

The good news is that the amount of AGEs in our pets diets can be reduced. Cooking methods that use moist heat, shorter cooking times, and lower temperatures can help minimize the formation of AGEs. This means incorporating, fresh, gently cooked and raw options into our pets bowls can have a significant benefit.  In fact, research from the University of Helsinki and Instinct Pet Food has shown adding just 20% fresh food to a bowl of processed pet foods has a dramatic effect on reducing inflammation within our pets bodies!

Therefore, by understanding the role of AGEs and making conscious dietary choices, we can potentially reduce our risk of obesity and its associated health problems.

It’s Not One Size Fits All!

While traditional diets can provide a balanced diet for pets, they may not always work for every pet, especially those prone to obesity. It’s important to consider the individual needs of each pet, including their breed, age, and any existing medical conditions. Diets designed with differing macronutrients and micronutrients can help address these individual needs and combat pet obesity. 

*This article is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to provide medical advice or replace the advice of a qualified veterinarian.

References:

Grota, J. (2022). Obesity in Dogs. PetMD. Retrieved from https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/digestive/obesity-dogs

McDaniel, C. (n.d.). Obesity. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/obesity

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. (n.d.). Feeding Your Cat. Retrieved from https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feeding-your-cat

van Rooijen C, Bosch G, van der Poel AF, Wierenga PA, Alexander L, Hendriks WH. Quantitation of Maillard reaction products in commercially available pet foods. J Agric Food Chem. 2014 Sep 3;62(35):8883-91. doi: 10.1021/jf502064h. Epub 2014 Aug 20. PMID: 25088431. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25088431/