Last Updated on March 5, 2026 by Daily News Staff

(Family Features) Pet parents often show love for their pets with food. However, that extra “love” can lead to weight gain, which can increase the risk of developing other medical conditions.

More than 50% of pets are overweight, but 90% of pet parents with an overweight pet don’t realize it, according to research from Hill’s Pet Nutrition, a global leader in science-led nutrition.
To help transform the lives of pets, Drs. Vernard Hodges and Terrence Ferguson, stars of Nat Geo Wild’s “Critter Fixers: Country Vets,” are encouraging pet parents to take a proactive approach to maintaining their pet’s weight.

“As veterinarians, we want every pet to live a long and healthy life,” Hodges said. “That’s why pet parents should actively monitor their pet’s weight and address it in real time with the guidance of their veterinarian. We are proud to be a part of Hill’s ‘End Pet Obesity’ campaign to help pet parents learn about the impact of even a few extra pounds and equip them with the tools and resources they need to help their pets achieve and maintain a healthy weight.”

Consider these simple steps to get started:

Take the L.O.V.E. Test

To help assess a pet’s weight, use the L.O.V.E. Test, which includes four simple actions:

Locate the pet’s ribs
Observe from above
View from the side
Evaluate feeding behavior

“Sometimes, under all their beautiful fur, it’s hard to realize our pets have gained weight, and even just a few extra pounds can have an impact on their energy and overall wellness,” Ferguson said. “Taking the L.O.V.E test is an easy way to evaluate a pet’s body condition to determine if it’s time to take action.”

Schedule a Visit with a Veterinarian

Pet parents who have concerns about their pet’s weight should seek their veterinarian’s guidance. Conversation starters include:

Is my pet at an ideal weight?
How can I help my pet reach an ideal weight?
How can food help manage my pet’s weight?

Switch to the Right Food

“Obesity is one of the greatest health risks for pets, and what a pet eats is one of the most important decisions a pet parent can make,” Ferguson said. “Whether your pet is a new addition to the family or has just eaten a little too much, now is a great time for pet parents to reset nutritional habits and make sure their pet is at a healthy weight – starting with the food they feed.”

Pet parents should work with their veterinarian to choose the right food to support their pet’s weight loss journey. Weight management products can help pets achieve an ideal weight, including Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight, which has shown to lead to weight loss within 10 weeks in 70% of pets fed this nutritional food. For obese pets, veterinarians may recommend a therapeutic food.

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“We have been studying the impact of nutrition on how pets’ bodies function for over a decade,” said Dr. Karen Shenoy, chief veterinary officer of Hill’s Pet Nutrition U.S. “We learned lean pets have a different biology than overweight pets. This guided our development of formulas that both help support a pet’s metabolism for a healthy body weight and taste great. With the guidance of a veterinarian, it can be as simple as feeding the right kind of ‘love’ to lose the weight.”

To learn more and access free tools and resources for pet weight management, visit endpetobesity.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

SOURCE:
Hill’s Pet Nutrition

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

Freshpet just landed a big third-party credibility boost in the pet food aisle.

In a Feb. 12 announcement, Freshpet, Inc. (NASDAQ: FRPT) said its entire U.S. and Canadian product line has earned Clean Label Project™ Certification and the nonprofit’s Purity Award for ingredient quality and safety. Freshpet says it’s the first and only pet food brand to earn that recognition across its full portfolio.

The Purity Award is reserved for the top third of performers in a product category, according to the release, based on independent testing for contaminants that consumers won’t see on a standard ingredient list.

What the certification tests for

Clean Label Project says its certification process involves independent lab testing for more than 100 environmental and industrial contaminants, including:

• Heavy metals: lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury
• Bisphenols (BPA, BPS)
• Phthalates (including DEHP)
• Acrylamide
• Pesticides and other environmental contaminants

Freshpet said certification of its recipes began in early 2025, and its full portfolio now meets Clean Label Project’s thresholds for heavy metals and industrial/environmental toxins.

“Twenty years ago, we set out to create a fundamentally different kind of pet food, made from real, simple ingredients and prepared in our own kitchens,” said Scott Morris, co-founder and president of Freshpet. “Clean Label Project’s Purity Award validates that belief and reinforces our commitment to raising the standard for pet food.”

New report highlights higher contaminant levels in many dry dog foods

Freshpet’s announcement follows the release of Clean Label Project’s Dog Food Category Report, which found that many popular dry dog foods contained significantly higher levels of heavy metals and industrial contaminants than fresh and frozen dog foods.

According to the release, the report looked at 79 top-selling dog foods and included more than 11,000 individual tests. In that dataset, traditional dry dog food averaged:

• 13.3 times more arsenic
• 20 times more lead and mercury
• Higher levels of DEHP and acrylamide

By contrast, Clean Label Project found that fresh and frozen dog foods—including Freshpet recipes—had the lowest heavy metal levels of any segment tested and were lower on average than the organization’s benchmark for human-consumable products across arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead, acrylamide, and DEHP, the release said.

“Most pet owners assume the food they buy for their dogs is held to the same safety standards as human food, but that’s simply not true,” said Molly Hamilton, executive director of Clean Label Project. “Given that dogs often eat the same food every day, this raises important questions about long-term exposure and the need for greater transparency and stronger safety standards.”

Freshpet’s approach: refrigerated, gently cooked recipes

Freshpet’s fresh, refrigerated recipes are positioned as a less-processed alternative to traditional kibble. In the release, the company highlighted:

• Fresh, recognizable ingredients like chicken, beef, salmon, vegetables, and whole grains—without rendered meat meals or fillers
• Gentle steam-cooking rather than high-heat extrusion, which can contribute to acrylamide formation
• 20+ quality and safety tests throughout production, according to the company

“Contaminants like heavy metals and industrial chemicals do not show up on a traditional ingredient list, yet they are what many health-conscious pet parents worry about for themselves and their pets,” said Dr. Lisa Weeth, board certified veterinary nutritionist and head of veterinary research and communications at Freshpet. “Independent verification from the Clean Label Project gives veterinarians and families data to help them make informed decisions when choosing a fresh diet over conventional options.”

What to watch for (STM Daily News)

• Will other brands pursue similar third-party testing? If certifications like this become more common, it could shift how pet parents compare products beyond marketing claims.
• More scrutiny on processing methods. The report’s focus on contaminants and acrylamide may increase attention on high-heat extrusion used in many dry foods.
• Transparency becomes a differentiator. Testing for “what’s not on the label” is likely to become a bigger talking point across the pet food industry.

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

Last Updated on February 21, 2026 by Daily News Staff

(Family Features) While some dogs prefer to be outdoors regardless of the weather, the cold and often snowy and icy conditions winter brings can pose serious threats to their health.

Much like the well-publicized challenges of keeping your four-legged family members healthy during the warmer weather, it’s important for pet owners to be aware of the unique threats that can arise during colder conditions.

Recognizing Cold Weather Hazards
Winter weather can pose various hazards to pets, including frostbite and hypothermia. Dogs left outside for extended periods, particularly those with short coats or pre-existing health conditions, are at greater risk. It’s essential to limit exposure to extreme cold, provide adequate shelter and recognize the symptoms of winter-related illnesses.

Signs of hypothermia include shivering, lethargy and pale gums. Frostbite may present as discolored, cold skin, particularly on extremities like ears, paws and tails.

Protecting Your Pet’s Skin and Paws in Winter
Cold, dry air can cause pets’ skin to become dry and flaky. Regular grooming and moisturizing can help maintain their skin’s health. Consider using pet-safe moisturizers and avoid bathing them too frequently, as it can strip natural oils.

Additionally, be cautious of salt and de-icing chemicals, which can irritate dogs’ paws and skin. Protect their paws by using booties or applying a pet-safe balm to help prevent cracks and irritation caused by ice, salt and cold surfaces. If not covering paws, always clean them after walks to check for any signs of injury or discomfort and consider using pet-safe ice melters.

Adjusting Diets for Winter
During the winter months, dogs may require a different diet to maintain their energy levels and body heat. Consult with your veterinarian about adjusting your four-legged friend’s food intake, especially if his or her activity level changes. Monitor your pet’s weight and adjust feeding portions as needed to prevent obesity or malnutrition.

Also ensure your pet has access to fresh water, as dehydration can still occur in cold weather. In fact, warm water may encourage pets to drink more.

Keeping Pets Safe Indoors
If your winter pet safety plan includes keeping your dog indoors more often, ensure you provide him or her a warm and comfortable place to rest. Avoid placing your pet’s bed near drafty windows or doors, cold tile floors or uninsulated areas.

Also be mindful of potential hazards such as space heaters, fireplaces, holiday decorations and chemicals such as antifreeze, which is toxic to dogs. Keep them out of reach to prevent burns or accidental ingestion.

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If you notice any unusual behavior or symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately. Early intervention can prevent severe complications and ensure your furry friend remains healthy throughout the winter months. Find more tips to help keep your pets happy and healthy all year long at eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:
eLivingtoday.com

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.