2014 AAHA Weight Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats*^†

Abstract

Communicating and implementing a weight management program for dogs and cats can be a challenging endeavor for veterinarians, but a rewarding one. An effective individualized weight loss program provides a consistent and healthy rate of weight loss to reduce risk of disease, prevent malnutrition, and improve quality of life. Weight loss is achieved with appropriate caloric restriction, diet selection, exercise, and strategies to help modify behavior of both the pet and client. This document offers guidelines and tools for the management of weight loss and long-term maintenance of healthy weight.

Feline obesity - prevalence, risk factors, pathogenesis, associated conditions and assessment: a review

“…A limitation of the study is that it was performed on healthy cats and so the results may not be applicable to cats affected by disease doi: 10.17221/145/2015-VETMED (Michel et al 2011). It is recommended that evaluation of body condition score and muscle condition score should be a part of the routine health assessment of cats (Baldwin et al 2010;Brooks et al 2014). …”

“…However, ideal body weight varies according to conformation and body weight alone does not provide any information on body composition . Nevertheless, body weight should be measured for each cat as part of the routine examination procedure to detect changes over time, and to facilitate early implementation of dietary changes to prevent obesity (Baldwin et al 2010;Brooks et al 2014). To improve accuracy and repeatability when weighing cats, it is recommended that well maintained paediatric scales or scales designed for small animals are used and that the same scales are used for repeated measurements of the same animal (Zoran 2009).…”

“…The most commonly used methods for assessing body composition divide the body into two compartments, (1) the fat mass and (2) the fat-free mass, which includes muscle, bones, and intracellular and extracellular water (Munday 1994). Accurate assessment of body composition is required for the identification of obesity and for the formulation of a weight loss plan that ensures fat-free mass is maintained whilst fat mass is reduced (Jeusette et al 2010;Brooks et al 2014). …”

Effects of L-Carnitine Supplement on Serum Levels of Estrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone in Felines Following Ovariohysterectomy

“…very important issue over the past decade and is reported to be the most common nutritional disorder identified in veterinary practice. Therefore, weight management remains a challenge for practitioners (19). Neutering is one of the leading causes of weight gain both in dogs and cats.…”

Dietary Aspects of Weight Management in Cats and Dogs

“…The optimal micronutrient profile for weight management is still unknown, although recent American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Weight Management Guidelines recommend consulting a board-certified veterinary nutritionist for cases that require fewer than 60% of resting energy requirements for ideal weight to ensure adequate diet formulation. 14 …”