In the U.S., an estimated 52.6% of dogs are overweight or obese. That’s actually much better than adult humans who are 68.5% overweight or obese!
Either way, many dogs (like their humans) spend their days completely stagnant while regularly consuming processed foods.
Now is the perfect time to take stock of all the health related behaviors of your lifestyle and compare them to the lifestyle of your dog.
How many hours a day do you spend sitting down? How many hours a day is your dog napping? Are you and your dog overweight? By how much? How much raw or fresh food do you and your dog consume everyday (such as fresh fruits, meats and vegetables)? How much of your diets are comprised of processed foods (such as dry kibble for dogs or pre-packaged meals for humans)?
How long are the walks you take with your dog (assuming you don’t just let them outside to do their business on their own)? Do you speed walk or are you checking your emails on your smartphone the whole time?
For any dog/human duo who wants to start the new year on a healthy footing, we listed a few easy habits that will have a positive impact on both of your well-beings. Feel free to alter or adapt them as you please.
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EXERCISE Morning - 25-30 minute power walk Late Afternoon / Early Evening - 15 minute power walk Late Evening - 15 minute power walk |
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FOOD Be sure that every meal for you and your dog include at least TWO fresh ingredients. Fresh foods that can be consumed by both dogs and humans include: carrots, bananas, kale, baby spinach, broccoli, eggs, pork, chicken, fish, liver, kelp, pumpkin, parsley, cranberry, apples, blueberries, probiotics, flax seed oil, hemp oil, fish oil, coconut oil, among others. (Foods poisonous to dogs include grapes, raisins, onions, macadamia nuts, chocolate, avocado pits, walnuts, among others). |
Studies show that it takes an average of 21 DAYS to form a new habit. If you can perform just a couple of simple, self-improving tasks everyday, they no longer become tasks at all. With any luck, they’ll become addictions.
Most importantly, they may help your dog to live longer.
