Resources for Pets Like Me

This page is dedicated to helping other pets and their people by providing resources and tools "to live by."  At th end of the day, we all want to live long, happy and healthy lives.

Check back periodically ... I will be adding new stuff!

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The growing problem of overweight and obesity in "pets": 

Over Half of the Nation’s Dogs and Cats Now Overweight Costing Pet’s Years and Owners Millions.

Of the 77 million cats and 67 million dogs in the United States, Obesity continues to expand in both pets and people according to the latest pet obesity study. The fourth annual Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) National Pet Obesity Awareness Day Study found approximately 53% of cats and 55% of dogs were overweight or obese.

And, just like humans who are overweight, these animals can fall victim to diabetes, heart problems, and joint and hip difficulties, says a University of Illinois professor of nutrition.

http://www.petobesityprevention.com/

This is a must check out!  It provides a wealth of information to consider on the latest “statistics,” news, weight translators, weight loss tools and food and calorie information. 

**NOTE - Always check with your veterinarian to avoid any potential health risks, problems and recommended protocol.  Same recommendation to all of you 2 legged folks too – check with your doctor!**

In Ward’s book on pet obesity, “Chow Hounds: Why Our Dogs Are Getting Fatter,” he calculates the impact even small treats have on a dog’s weight. “If an average 20-pound dog eats a Snausages SnawsomesPeanut Butter and Apple Flavor treat, it’s the same as an average human eating half of a large Domino’s Pizza with Extra Cheese.”

Other of Ward’s “What Not to Feed” treats include:

- 1 Purina Busy Bone, size small/medium fed to a 40-pound dog is similar to an adult Ward says high calorie treats are a major cause of the problem. “Many of today’s treats are so full of sugar and fat that I call them “Kibble Crack” because they can cause the same sorts of changes to brain chemistry as illicit eating 4 McDonald’s Egg McMuffins
- 1 Milk-Bones Large Dog Biscuit fed to a 60-pound dog is the same as an adult eating 1 Snickers Bar
- 1 Pup-Peroni fed to a 10-pound dog is equal to an adult eating a Little Debbie Fudge Brownie
- 1 Premium Pig Ear fed to a 40-pound dog is no different than an adult drinking 6 12-ounce Coke Classics
- ½ hot dog wiener fed to a 20-pound dog is equivalent to an adult eating an 8-ounce choice, lean broiled T-bone steak
- ½ tablespoon Jif Creamy Peanut Butter fed to a 40-pound dog is the same as an adult eating 1 McDonald’s Sausage Patty
- 1 McDonald’s Cheeseburger eaten by a 60-pound dog is similar to an adult munching on 2 Taco Bell Taco Supremes and 1 20-ounce Coke Classic

“Because pet treats aren’t required to list calories on their labels, most pet owners aren’t aware of the dangers many treats pose. Our organization’s goal is to raise awareness about the causes and treatments for pet obesity in order to help pets and people live longer, healthier lives.”

Dr. Ward’s Dirty Dozen – Popular Sugary Pet Treats

Pet Treat	Added Sugar
Canine CarryOuts Chew-lotta	Dextrose first ingredient
Snausages SnawSomes! Beef and Chicken Flavor	Sugars 3 of first 4 ingredients
Pedigree Jumbone Mini Snack Food for Small Dogs	Sugars 2 of 3 first ingredient
Petrodex Dental Treats for Cats	Dextrose second ingredient
Pedigree Jumbone	Sugar third ingredient
Milk Bone Essentials Plus Oral Care	Sugar third ingredient
Pup-Peroni Lean Beef Recipe	Sugar third ingredient
Science Diet Simple Essentials Treats Training Adult Treats with Real Beef	Sugar third ingredient
Cesar Softies Dog Treats	Sugar third ingredient
Milk-Bone Chewy Chicken Drumsticks	Sugar third ingredient
Meow Mix Moist Cat Treats	Corn syrup fourth ingredient
Pedigree Marrobone	Sugar third ingredient

Pedigree Jumbone – Sugar third ingredient

Beneful Snackin’ Slices – Sugar fourth ingredient

Pit’r Pat Fresh Breath Mint Flavored Cat Treats – Maltodextrin first ingredient

Three Dog Bakery Lick ‘n Crunch – Dextrose third ingredient

Beneful Snackin Slices – Sugar fourth ingredient

Busy Chewnola – Maltodextrin second ingredient

Exclusively Dog Vanilla Flavor Sandwich Creme Dog Cookies – Sugars first two ingredients

Canine Carryouts Dog Treats – Corn syrup second ingredient

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 "Responsible" Re-Homing:

*There are alternatives and resources available to you and your pet. Please call your local Humane Society, animal shelters and rescue groups for available options.

Recommended Links:

• How to Find the Perfect Home
• Guide to Rehoming Your Pet (Download)
• Dangers of Free to a Good Home
• Craigslist

* Warning by PETA Approximately 5 million cats and dogs are abandoned or dumped annually, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

* This is in addition to the approximately 6 to 8 million companion animals who enter animal shelters nationwide every year.

• An estimated 3 to 4 million cats and dogs are adopted from shelters each year.
• Approximately 3 million to 4 million are euthanized. 

* Learn more:  ASPCA Statistics

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