Feeding Neutered Pets

Many pet owners will notice that their animals gain weight after being spayed or neutered. This is largely due to a combination of an increase in appetite and a lower metabolism and activity level. No one entirely understands why appetites increase and metabolism drops but the general thinking is that it associated with the change in hormone levels.

If you notice your pet piling on the pounds after such an operation, even if you are feeding it the same amount as before, there are a few pet dieting steps you can take to combat this and help your pet adjust to its new lifestyle.

Firstly, as the one in charge of the grub, you need to try to avoid overfeeding. Even if your pet pesters you for treats, you must stay strong and resist. You could also try giving smaller portion sizes more regularly, so as to feed your pet less whilst still keeping it feeling sated throughout the day. Another option is to change your pet’s diet to one high in carbohydrate blends designed to maintain blood glucose levels throughout the day, again helping your pet to feel fuller for longer without increasing portion sizes.

The other way to combat weight gain is to encourage your pet to exercise more. Regular exercise is an important part of any pet care but it is particularly important to keep neutered animals active. In the case of dogs, take them on more regular and longer walks and encourage them to play in the garden, and for cats you could consider installing some interactive tools in the home to encourage running, jumping and climbing.