Weight Gain
Many times it is the owner who's the last to realize their pet is gaining extra weight, and it takes a trip to the groomer or veterinarian to help you see what's happening. Feeding directions on pet food packages should be used as a starting point or guideline. The best way to determine how much you should be feeding your dog or cat is by putting your hands on the animal and evaluating its body condition.
Your pet's body condition can be categorized into three broad ranges: very thin, just right or "fit" condition, or overweight. Most of us could easily agree on what is meant by very thin and what is overweight, but judging whether your pet is truly fit can be difficult to perceive. On your next visit, ask your veterinarian to help you determine your pet's body condition. The simplest rule of thumb for assessing your pet's body condition is to be able to feel the ribs, but not see them, and to feel and see a waistline or hourglass shape when viewed from above or the side.
After using the feeding directions on the pet food package for 1 to 2 weeks, you should evaluate your pet's condition with both your eyes and your hands. To help your pet maintain a healthy body condition, adjust the amount of food you offer. By continuing this process every couple of weeks, you can quickly learn to "feed the animal and not the food bowl.