Obesity in household pets, as in the human population, has reached epidemic proportions. It is considered to be a disease which occurs at 15% above normal body weight, and can trigger a host of other ailments such as diabetes, arthritis, heard problems, and is even associated with cancer. As long as there are no underlying diseases, diet and physical activity levels play a major role in cause and prevention of obesity. In today’s technology driven world, our lifestyles have become less active, and our diets become less nutritious as agriculture concerns itself with quantity rather than the quality of food. Our pets are also suffering the consequence. A natural diet, one that is closer to what they would eat in the wild, is the ideal solution to overweight problems. Wild cats and dogs consume mainly proteins with some vegetables for carbohydrates, not grains. In most commercial pet foods, the top two ingredients are grains such as wheat, oats and corn, which serve as fillers, add unwanted calories, and ultimately provide no nutrition. “Lite” diets are not necessarily designed for weight loss, but rather weight maintenance, and many contain by-products, more fillers, and chemicals.
So, what alternatives are there? As with any successful weight loss plan, one must decrease the quantity not the quality of their food, and increase activity level. Simply feed less of a quality, human-grade pet food or start preparing your own natural diet. Supplementing these diets with nutritional supplements is also beneficial as it will help stimulate metabolism and increase nutritional absorption.
Probiotics are live friendly bacteria which exist in the digestive tract. These bacteria assist in proper digestion and absorption of all nutrients and promote good bowel health. Probiotics can be easily destroyed by stress, consumption of medication and poor quality foods, and must be restored on a regular basis. They are also necessary for destruction of harmful bacteria in the gut, and are therefore helpful in hindering toxin absorption and the bonding of the harmful bacteria to intestinal cells. Probiotics will not only aid in weight loss, but are also helpful in restoring general health.
Vitamins, minerals, and EFAs are not produced by the body, but must be derived from nutrition. Not only do EFAs assist in boosting metabolic rate, they help maintain healthy skin, joints, and kidneys. They play a major role in regulating hormone production, and are therefore essential in all body functions including the cardiovascular, nervous, reproductive, and immune systems. EFAs reinforce cell membranes and help protect them from toxins, allergens and contagions. These are good fats, which in proper amounts, are crucial in any successful weight loss program.
Ginger is helpful in aiding digestion and is used for lowering cholesterol. Most overweight pets add extra pressure onto their joints. Because Ginger helps increase blood circulation, and possesses anti-inflammatory properties, it also aids in reducing discomfort associated with stressed or arthritic joints.
Chromium, found mostly in brewer’s yeast, liver, and cheese, is a trace mineral which helps attune blood glucose levels, and lower cholesterol. It works closely with insulin in transferring glucose from the blood into the cells for use as energy, and therefore helps control food cravings associated with blood sugar level imbalances. Not surprisingly, Chromium has also been found helpful in the treatment of both diabetes and hypoglycemia.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is most effective when dealing with fats. It works to break down fats and convert them into fuel used by the body for all its activities. In humans, numerous studies have shown that almost 50% of obese individuals where CoQ10 deficient, and that weight loss was accelerated when they supplemented with it. In addition, CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant and is also beneficial for heart disease, periodontal disease, and diabetes.
It is strongly recommended that you consult your holistic veterinarian
prior to supplementing your pet with any of these or other substances, in order
to ensure proper dosage, safety and efficiency.
Word
count: 667 words