Blog — Category_Diet

Is Free Feeding Good or Bad for my Dog?   If your pup is like…well, just about every other pup large or small, chances are good he/she loves to eat.   Knowing how/when to feed Trixie is important. Give her too much, and she’s going to wind up overweight (according to 2018 statistics published by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 56% of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese).   Perhaps the best way to avoid this problem is to feed Buster scheduled meals: best, say some veterinarians, is two meals per day, about 12 hours apart,...

5 Strategies to Help Overweight Dogs Slim Down Here at Sparky Steps, we agree with most animal lovers: Dogs are adorable in ALL shapes and sizes. Unfortunately, excess weight can sometimes pose serious wellness risks for your pup. And it’s not always easy to spot. Sure, weight gain is pretty obvious in petite breeds like Yorkies. But depending on a canine’s height and heritage, surplus pounds can accumulate subtly. Wondering if Rover needs to go on a diet? Once your pet has reached full adulthood, ask your vet to recommend an optimal weight range. Then double-check how your dog measures...

Safe Fresh Fruit and Veggie Treats August means fresh fruit and veggies abound in gardens and local farmer’s markets. While we may love tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, corn, and squash, our pups might find some of those foods difficult to digest. Read on to learn more about which fruits and veggies can be shared as an occasional treat!   Tomatoes Solanine is a substance found in the leaves and stem of the tomato plant and also in unripe, green tomatoes. Solanine is potentially harmful to dogs if it is ingested in large amounts. If your pup enjoys gardening with you,...

The 3 Best Ways to Help Your Dog Lose Weight The statistics are shocking; approximately 56% of dogs and 60% of cats were classified as clinically overweight or obese by their veterinary healthcare professional.<1> That equals approximately 50.2 million dogs and 56.5 million cats in the United States that are too heavy for their good health. You may have heard about Chubbs the 29-pound cat who was recently in the headlines.<2> His large girth made it uncomfortable for him to move freely, and he was so big that he couldn't fit into a kennel. The extra weight made him susceptible...

Leftovers Your Pets Can (and Can’t) Eat Turkey Day was just last week. Leftovers are a-plenty, and can seem overwhelming at times. Our pets serve many purposes in our households, and disposing of unwanted food is one of their greatest strengths. However, be careful which Thanksgiving favorites you feed them! Below is a quick guide on which foods are okay for them to eat, and which are not.   Turkey- Yes (for the most part) Turkey can be a very healthy food for your dog. The meat of the turkey is packed with protein and other nutrients that are essential...