When we decide to get a pet we usually have the best intentions. We plan to care and love them, knowing that they too will care and love for us. What happens when we love them too much?

It starts out slow, we find ourselves getting them a toy and a treat every time we come home from the store. Then we start giving them more and more treats. As time goes by, people sometimes find themselves slipping them a little treat, some lunch meat, a little pasta maybe some chicken and before long our beloved pet suffers.

The average 10 pound cat only needs 300 calories per day. Dogs require 25 calories per pound of body weight, however this requirement can fluctuate depending on the characteristics of a dog. In example hyper dogs will need more than docile dogs. It’s always a good idea to speak with a veterinarian to determine the exact amount of calories that an individual pet needs.

The average cup of dry food, whether for a dog or a cat is around 300.This however can fluctuate slightly depending on brands. Basically a cup of dry food would be enough to meet dietary requirements before  adding treats and wet food. Therefore all of that needs to be taken into account.

Animals face health problems when they become obese whether by overeating, eating the wrong types of food or both. As pet owners it’s our responsibility to make sure they have a healthy diet made specifically with the pets’ welfare in mind. Even when our pets look up longingly at what we have, we need to be strong enough to put their health above our desire to give them something special.