Weight management

We believe that every pet carer has the responsibility of ensuring their pet maintains a healthy weight. Pets are entirely reliant on their carer to provide all of its nutritional requirements and to make sure it remains healthy. We understand that for one reason or another, this can be sometimes difficult to manage and maintain.

A reduction in exercise and activity due to health conditions or arthritis of either you or your pet can play a role in weight gain. Excess feeding of titbits and treats, or having multiple family members feeding the pet, can also cause this.

If you believe your pet is overweight, the first thing to consider is cutting back treats and titbits, followed by a reduction in the amount of food given in relation to the pet’s level of activity. Are you feeding three times a day for a cat that sleeps most of the day indoors? If some of the simplest methods do not seem to work then we recommend booking a consultation with one of our vets.

Our veterinary team can provide a health check, assess the body condition of your pet, weigh your pet, set realistic target weights and provide dietary recommendations to help control and maintain a healthy weight for your pet.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition

To maintain a healthy pet they need to be fed a balanced complete diet, as well as having access to fresh clean water on a daily basis. At Lort Smith, all animals are fed Hill’s Pet Nutrition food. Good nutrition isn’t just about the ingredients; it is also about finding the right balance of nutrients. The right level of nutrients promotes good health and quality of life. You can be confident that by feeding Hill’s Science Diet pet foods, you are providing the proper balance of nutrients for your pet.

Puppies and kittens

We recommend that all puppies/kittens up to the age of six months should be offered three small meals a day. And puppies/kittens up to the age of 12 months need to remain on a puppy/kitten formula, rather than an adult diet.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition can be purchased from Lort Smith. We recommend that you follow the feeding guide on the packaging, and please no extra high fat treats, as pet obesity is on the increase and can greatly reduce the lifespan of your pet.