Feeding Overweight Dogs

狗主人遇见的最大陷阱之一就是过度喂食。尝试用大餐和大量美味的零食来表达对狗的爱意，其实是一种误导。狗与人类一样，超重会导致许多健康问题。应该用您的关爱来宠溺你的狗，而不是食物!
One of the most common pitfalls dog parents should watch out for is overfeeding. Attempts to shower our dogs with love by means of big meals and lots of tasty treats are sweet, but misguided. In dogs, as with humans, extra weight can lead to health problems. Be sure to indulge your four-legged friend with affection, not food!

狗肥胖的原因Causes of Obesity in Dogs

肥胖是宠物中极为常见的问题，与人类一样，它对狗的健康是有害的。肥胖给宠物的身体增加许多的压力，并有患糖尿病、肝脏问题和关节疼痛的风险。
Obesity is an extremely common problem in pets and, as with humans, it can be detrimental to the health of a dog. The overweight pet has many added stresses upon his body and is at an increased risk of diabetes, liver problems and joint pain.

当能量摄入超过需求时，肥胖就会发生。这些多余的能量储存成脂肪。 大多数肥胖案例都与过量喂养和缺乏运动有关。某些品种的狗似乎比其他狗更容易患肥胖症，如拉布拉多猎犬和哈巴狗，老年犬尤为常见。
Obesity develops when energy intake exceeds energy requirements. This excess energy is then stored as fat. The majority of cases of obesity are related to simple overfeeding coupled with lack of exercise. Certain groups of dogs appear to be more prone to obesity than others. Specific breeds, such as Labrador retrievers and pugs, and older dogs are particularly susceptible.

如何判断您的宠物是否超重How to Tell if Your Pet is Overweight
有几种方法可以很容易地判断您的宠物是否超重。一般情况下，您可以感受到体格健康狗的脊椎和肋骨，如果您在不按压的情况下摸不到宠物的肋骨，那就是脂肪太多了。
There are a few ways easy ways to identify whether your pet has put on the pounds. You should be able to feel the backbone and touch the rubs in an animal of healthy weight. If you cannot feel your pet’s ribs without pressing, there is too much fat.

此外，当您从上面看您的宠物时，您应该看到胸腔的背部和臀部之间有明显的腰部。当从侧面看时，肚子上应该有一个“褶皱”，表示腹部应从胸腔的底部一直到延伸到大腿内侧。看不出来这些特点的狗可能就是超重的。
Also, you should see a noticeable waist between the back of the rib cage and the hips when looking at your pet from above. When viewed from the side, there should be a “tuck” in the tummy, meaning the abdomen should go up from the bottom of the rib cage to inside the thighs. Dogs who fail these simple tests may be overweight.

如何管理狗的体重How to Help Manage Your Dog’s Weight

我们有一些技巧，可以帮助您的宠物减掉多余的体重。请注意，如果您的小狗体重已经超标，我们建议您在开始减肥计划之前咨询兽医。
We have a few tips that can help your pet shed the extra padding. Please note, if your pup has put on weight, we recommend that you consult your pet’s vet before starting on a weight loss program.

纠正宠物的饮食习惯 超重宠物摄入的热量比他们需求的要多。与您的兽医一起选择更合适的狗粮，并确定您宠物的热量需求。饮食中应含有适度水平的发酵纤维和脂肪，以防止在减肥期间出现皮肤和毛发问题。
Correct your pet’s diet. Overweight animals consume more calories than they require. Work with your veterinarian to select a more suitable food and determine your pet’s caloric requirements. The diet should contain a normal level of a moderately fermentable fiber and fat to prevent the skin and coat from suffering during weight loss.

定期增加运动 增加身体活动对于减肥和体重维持都是有价值的。 定期运动会燃烧更多的卡路里，减少食欲，改变身体组成，并会增加宠物的静息代谢率。
Increase regular exercise. Increasing physical activity can be valuable to both weight loss and weight maintenance. Regular exercise burns more calories, reduces appetite, changes body composition and will increase your pet’s resting metabolic rate.

调整您的行为 成功的体重管理计划意味着您要改掉过度喂食等坏习惯。例如，您可能给宠物太多的零食却没给她足够的运动量。
Modify your behavior. A successful weight management program means making changes in your behaviors that have contributed to your pet’s weight. For example, you may be giving your pet too many treats or not giving her enough opportunities to exercise.

以下是可以让你的宠物减肥的方法：
Here are some ways you can commit to your pet’s weight loss:

• 当家人就餐时，不要让宠物呆在房间里。
  Remove your pet from the room when the family eats
• 全天喂食要少食多餐。
  Feed your pet several small meals throughout the day
• 减少零食，并且只在宠物的餐盘里喂食。
  Reduce snacks and treats, and feed all meals and treats in your pet’s bowl only
• 给予宠物更多的关爱，而不是仅仅有食物。
  Provide non-food related attention with lots of affection