Obesity is a relatively common problem with urban pet animals.

Most pets will in fact become overweight in time unless they are actively prevented from doing so. But it is not as simple as it seems.

The overweight pet has a number of stresses placed on its health as a result of its excessive body condition.

The key to the management of weight reduction is realising that successful weight loss is the result of a total wellness program and not just a special food.

There are real advantages associated with the feeding of a specifically prepared low calorie diet. These include:

• Reduced fat (fats provide the main source of calories in most normal diets)
• Calorie content is reduced but other nutrients are left in balance.
• The animal will receive adequate vitamins, minerals, protein etc. because the diet is designed for weight loss
• Low energy density in adequate food volume.
• Food volume prevents “hunger misery”.
• Complete change of diet is more effective because of lifestyle changes.