KONG Wobbler and Weight Loss

Canine obesity is an all too common medical condition that can result in serious health implications for your dog. Currently there are an estimated 72 million dogs in the United States. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) estimates 35 percent of those dogs, approximately 25 million, are overweight or obese. A recent study conducted by Pfizer Animal Health found veterinarians consider 47% of their canine patients overweight or obese, but only 17% of their pet parents felt the same. Why the difference? It could be denial or difficulty in recognizing the signs associated with being overweight or obese. Regardless, dog owner perception and education is one of the underlying challenges in maintaining a healthy canine weight. This is a great reason for an annual veterinarian check-up.

Veterinarians highly recommend weight loss to prevent weight associated complications and to make sure canine companions live longer, healthier lives. As with humans, weight loss can be achieved through dieting and exercise. Consult your veterinarian for a weight loss program tailored specifically to your dog. Below are some of the weight loss strategies your veterinarian may suggest:

• Adopt an exercise routine.
• Reducing calories by limiting current food or changing to a diet food.
• Eliminating table scraps.
• Choose healthy, low fat treats.
• Eliminate Free-Feeding.
• Feed 2 – 4 smaller servings throughout the day.
• Consider the use of slow feeders and food dispensing toys.

The KONG Wobbler presents an excellent alternative to traditional bowl feeding and makes feeding the recommended two – four smaller servings fun and easy. By slowing down and extending the joy of mealtime throughout the day, the Wobbler will keep hunger under control. It also prevents unhealthy gulping and rapid eating that can lead to other digestive problems like bloat.

The Wobbler is made in the USA with an FDA food-approved, high-strength polymer. It unscrews for quick filling and cleaning. The Wobbler is suitable for all dogs weighing 25 pounds or more.

Reprinted with permission from the KONG Newsletter Volume 20.