Page 513 - Small Animal Clinical Nutrition 5th Edition

Obesity 529

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Figure 27-1. Algorithm for decision making and patient monitoring
during weight loss.

sis (Markwell et al, 1996). Thus, when feeding obese cats for Figure 27-2. A commercial feeding system for cats and small dogs.
weight loss, be sure they are eating at least 50% of their esti- Close proximity of a special collar unlocks the feeder door and the
pet wearing the collar simply pushes the door open and enters the
mated food dose to prevent development of hepatic lipidosis.
feeder. More than one pet can have access to one feeder. (Courtesy
A weight loss goal of 0.5 to 1% per week is safer.
of NekoFeeder, LLC. www.nekofeeder.com [802-264-6055] 6D
Laurette Drive, Essex Junction, VT.)
Feeding Methods for Weight Reduction
Consideration should be given to how the owner feeds the pet.
Feeding foods free choice may work for individual cats and between meals. The pet should be kept out of the kitchen and
dogs that can self-regulate their daily intake of food to match dining areas during preparation and consumption of family
their DER. However, free-choice feeding rarely works for meals. These practices can help reduce the pet’s begging and
weight loss or for maintenance of reduced body weight even the owner’s urge to give the pet additional food or treats.
with the most calorie-restricted foods. As with any food change, it is best to transition the patient
Dogs and cats on weight-reduction programs should be fed to the new weight-loss food gradually over a period of several
multiple small meals during the day rather than a single large days (Table 1-1).
meal to take advantage of the obligatory energy cost for digest- In multi-pet households, care must be taken to ensure that
ing and absorbing food.The optimal number of meals for max- obese patients being treated for weight loss do not have access
imizing caloric expenditure from TEF has not been deter- to other pets’ food. This can be challenging. Commercial
mined. However, the total daily food should be divided into at feeders are available for pets that limit access to food. Internet
least two portions fed eight to 12 hours apart. Most pet owners searches can be conducted to locate sources of commercial
can feed two meals per day without disrupting their schedules. automatic feeders that might make it easier to feed an indi-
Clients who can conveniently feed three or more meals per day vidual dog or cat for weight loss in a multi-pet household.
should do so. Figure 27-2 shows an example of a commercial feeder for cats
Meal sizes should be in portions that are practical to meas- and small dogs that selectively restricts access to food. Also,
ure (i.e., to the nearest one-fourth cup or can). If the daily feeders for cats in multi-cat households can be constructed
amount of food does not divide evenly into portions that are from a cardboard box. The box should be of sufficient size for
readily measurable, some meals will contain less and others one cat and its bowl of food. An opening small enough to
more food. The meals containing more food should be fed allow a thin cat, but not the overweight cat, to enter and exit
when the owner will be with the pet for the longest time is cut into the closed box. The food intended for the thinner