After my cat, Kyra, started gaining weight my vet suggested I start looking
for healthy cat treats, which are great for cats
that need to lose a few pounds.
The vet and I discussed Kyra’s eating
habits, the food I fed, and her activity
levels. When the vet could find
no medical reason for the weight gain, she
suggested that the high
calorie treats I was feeding Kyra may be the culprit!
Cat
treats can be used as an effective way to train or reward your cat, but
should be fed in moderation, and with an understanding of the
ingredients
Like anything you feed your cat, you need to diligently
read the labels! Many
cat treats on the market today are full of
unhealthy fats and carbohydrates
that contribute to weight gain and
overall poor health in many felines. A
healthy cat treat should have a
high protein content, moderate fat content
and low fiber / carbohydrate
counts. Using this information, you can compare
labels and find a lower
calorie cat treat that has the right concentration of
fat, protein, and
carbohydrates.
If
you are trying to train or reward a cat and do not want to cut back on
the positive reinforcement, try feeding the cat his or her normal food
just a bit less per day. After speaking with your vet and reading your
cat food labels, you should be able to come up with your cat’s daily
recommended caloric intake. With this in mind, you can substitute treats
for food calories, and not cause weight gain.
