The Thanksgiving Spread—Plenty Means Plump for People and Pets
Dr. Ernie Ward
Click here for Pet
Holiday Weight Gain Study
Thanksgiving is the
official start of the holiday season – and the start of holiday
weight gain for both people and their pets. With plates piled
high with turkey and dressing, sweet potato casserole, and
pumpkin pie, it’s natural to want to share this banquet with our
pet loved ones. While sharing our holiday meals with our pets
seems innocent and even caring, those extra calories and pounds
can put your pooch or feline friend at risk for serious weight
gain and health threats. Overweight pets have higher risks of
developing type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, and more.
Hold
the treats
There’s no doubt that holiday treats turn
into measurable weight gain, according to the Association for
Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), a group of veterinarians and
veterinary healthcare experts dedicated to raising awareness of
the dangers of pet obesity and providing obesity prevention and
weight loss techniques. They performed a study of 32 adult dogs
and cats over the 2006 holiday period to determine just how much
weight pets gained during the holidays. The study found the
average weight gain was 0.3 pounds for dogs and 0.37 pounds for
cats during the period from November to January. Each pound on a
dog equals approximately 5 to 7 pounds on a person, and an extra
pound on a cat is similar to a weight gain of 7 to 10 pounds.
This means that the dogs studied were gaining the equivalent of
2 human pounds, and cats gained an equivalent of 3 human pounds
over the holiday season. While the average American gains
slightly over a pound from Thanksgiving Day to New Year’s Day
with overweight and obese individuals gaining significantly
more, it is clear from our study that we are sharing more than
good cheer with our pets each holiday season.
The average person will consume over 4,500
calories on Thanksgiving Day. Much of this comes in the form of
fatty and sugary foods that delight the palate but deposit
around our midsection. For pets, these high calorie meals mean
that even small treats – 4 to 6 ounces – pack on the pounds even
faster than the usual fare of doggy bones. APOP estimates that
dogs will be fed an extra 500 calories or twice the normal
number of calories for a 20-lb dog, while cats will receive an
extra 200 calories or almost 80% more calories than the average
cat needs.
If you’re inclined to share your holiday
buffet with your pet, there are some simple guidelines you can
follow to help kick off the holiday season safely and leave you
with no regrets when you and your pet hit the scales January 2.
Reach for the veggies
If you decide to share your plate with
your pet, reach for vegetables. Carrots, broccoli, celery,
and asparagus are some of the tastiest and healthy treats
you can give your dog. The crunchy consistency and low
calories make them a smart choice for both two and
four-legged party goers. If you’re looking for a savory
Thanksgiving Day goodie for your cat, try giving two ounces
(about half a handful) of salmon. The omega-3 fatty acids
provide health benefits for the heart, eyes, brain, joints,
and immune system and as long as you keep the portions
small, the amount of extra calories is minimal.
Foods to avoid for both cats and dogs
include onions, grapes, raisins, and macadamia nuts. The
biggest mistake pet lovers make during the holidays is
simply overindulging. It’s fine to include your pet in the
celebrations; just keep it in moderation. Be sure to tell
your friends and family not to feed the pet guests. If
everyone at the party sneaks even a little to a pet, it can
quickly add up to a dangerous amount. Assure them the pets
will get their own Thanksgiving meal when everyone is
served.
Serve pets at their own “table”
As you serve your company, take your
pets to their food bowls for their meal (see sample
Thanksgiving Day Menu). This will prevent begging and keep
the focus on the camaraderie at the dinner table. A pet with
poor table manners is at least a distraction and at worst a
disaster. Too many holiday gatherings have been ruined by a
cat jumping on the table or a dog dumping the dumplings.
Keep the pets at the pets’ table and the people at theirs
and your Thanksgiving Day meal will proceed more smoothly.
The holiday season is a time to reflect
on the year’s blessings and connect with loved ones.
Overindulge in affection and eat in moderation and your
holiday season will be the most enjoyable ever.
Dr. Ernie’s
Thanksgiving Day Menu for Dogs – 210 calories
This meal is for a 20- to
40-lb. dog. Reduce or increase portion size accordingly.
Salad
Spinach, baby carrots (4), and apple cubes
(6 ½” cubes) – approximately 25 calories
Main
Course
Turkey – roasted breast without the skin –
2 ounces – approximately 75 calories
Cooked sweet potato – ¼ large sweet potato – approximately 40
calories
Green beans – ½ cup – approximately 8 calories
Dessert
Canned pumpkin – ¼ cup – approximately 20
calories
Graham crackers (plain) – ½ sheet (2 crackers) – approximately
30 calories
Honey – ½ teaspoon – approximately 12 calories
Cinnamon spice – pinch
Click here for Pet
Holiday Weight Gain StudyThis information written by Dr. Ernest Ward, Jr. Unauthorized
duplication or reproduction without
expressed written permission is prohibited.
