The holidays bring extra love, extra family time… and let’s be honest, often a few extra calories for our dogs, too! Between table scraps, festive treats, and a little less routine, many pups come into the new year a bit off their normal eating and exercise rhythm. The good news? A healthier routine is easier to rebuild than you think.
💚 Why It Matters — Just a few extra pounds can make a big difference for your dog. Extra weight can stress joints, impact heart health, reduce energy, and even shorten lifespan. Helping your dog maintain a healthy weight is one of the most loving things you can do.
🥣 Reset With Smart, Steady Eating — Small, consistent changes work best:
Measure meals again. “Eyeballing it” is where many pet parents drift off track. Use a measuring cup and stick to recommended portions.
Transition thoughtfully. If you’re adjusting foods, transition slowly over 5–7 days to avoid tummy troubles.
Watch the treats. Treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calories. Choose healthier options or swap in training-sized treats.
🐾 Move a Little More — Activity doesn’t need to be extreme:
Add a short extra walk.
Play fetch, tug, or enrichment games indoors.
Try puzzle feeders to make mealtime engaging and burn mental energy.
💧 Hydration + Healthy Habits
Fresh water supports metabolism and digestion—especially if your dog enjoyed extra salty snacks recently. Keeping a routine with feeding and exercise times also helps your dog feel secure and balanced again.
🚨 When to Check With Your Vet
If your pet seems lethargic, gains weight quickly, struggles to lose weight, or has existing health conditions, a quick conversation with your veterinarian is always wise.
🐶 We’re Here to Help!
At HeartyPet, we care deeply about what goes in your pet’s bowl. If you’d like help choosing a nutrition plan, healthy treats, or portion-friendly food options, our team is always happy to help guide you toward great choices.
Here’s to a happy, healthy start to the year—for both you and your best friend!
