New, 2-Step Weight Program Helps Pudgy Pups Attain And Maintain Healthy Weight (NAPSA)—Millions of Americans have lost weight with a lowcarb, high-protein diet—now dog owners can apply that principle to their pets with a first-of-its-kind, high-protein weight-loss diet for dogs. The new program consists of two steps, weight loss and weight maintenance. This innovative system is supported by research that points to the benefits of high-protein diets in helping dogs lose fat without severe calorie restriction—similar to the success people have enjoyed on high-protein diets. “Obesity is a top health concern in pets,” said Tiffany L. Bierer, PhD, who presented the research at the Waltham International Science Symposium. “Until now, moderate to severe calorie restriction using high-carbohydrate/lowfat diets was the most commonly accepted method for reducing a pet’s weight,” Dr. Bierer said. “Our study looked at trends in human weight loss where, in contrast, high-protein diets are used to reduce body weight, without severely limiting the number of calories consumed.” The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that as many as 30 percent of dogs in the U.S. may be overweight. The just- introduced PEDIGREE WEIGHT Loss and PEDIGREE WEIGHT MAINTENANCE from Masterfoods USA, is the first two-step approach to help NEW! Bice | aw! Redigree) “St WEIGHT LOSS ] - i Se NNENTN aaa) , any] & “) ee: ay allie overweight canines attain and maintain a healthy weight. PEep1GREE WEIGHT Loss, with 50 percent protein—the highest protein dry food formula on the market, is designed to help dogs safely lose up to 10 percent of their body weight over a 12-week period. The PEDIGREE WEIGHT MAINTE- NANCE formula, with 27 percent protein and low fat, helps dogs who have reached a healthy weight to maintain that weight. “In humans, when a diet ends, we often go back to regular eating patterns,” Dr. Bierer said, “and the pounds often begin creeping up again. We see this happen in pets as well, and maintaining a healthy weight is very important for overall health.” Personal Trainer with a Personal Touch Experts agree it’s not just diet that keeps dogs—and humans— fit. Exercise is also an important part of any healthy lifestyle. By offering their dogs easy, fun activities, pet owners can get their four-legged couch potatoes moving and losing—and this may be beneficial to the pet owners as well. Experts recommendactivities such as regular walks or calorie-burning gamesof fetch or tug of war. Pet owners can increase the length of the walks and play gradually as pets show signs of fitness. If you are working on a “spring shape-up” program for yourself, try to include your dog as well. Owners can get smart about their dog’s health by visiting www.pedigree.com and taking the Healthy Dog Test. After taking the test, pet owners can enter the PEDIGREE 2-STEP Sweepstakes, where one lucky dog and their ownerwill win a trip to the Boulders Luxury Resort in Scottsdale, AZ, and $10,000 in cash. Canine Diet Coach Online Online diet support has proven to be beneficial for people on diets. Research shows that dieters who get weight-loss advice via e-mail from a nutrition counselor lose more weight than those who go it alone. Such “e-diet” support may also be of value to pet owners concerned about their dog’s weight. The pet care experts at pedigree.com provide free advice to pet owners who wantto track their pet’s weight loss progress online and you can also obtain free enewsletters filled with tips and suggestions for getting pets to a healthy weight.
