Leading an active life with daily exercise helps dogs stay at the right weight. And if you combine exercise with a Mediterranean diet, the benefits multiply. Not only is this a healthy and natural diet, but it’s also a lifestyle in which you relate to the environment in a natural way.
A sedentary lifestyle is poles apart from the lifestyle proposed by the Mediterranean diet. It’s also the main reason behind obesity, a problem that affects a great deal of pets.
Enjoying exercise with your dog is positive for both of you in every way. The recommendation is to engage in some moderate exercise for at least 30-45 minutes a day. The exception is for animals with illnesses that restrict this activity. But careful, you need to choose the right times of the day and avoid extreme temperatures.
Diet helps control weight
Obesity is a problem that today affects not only humans but also our pets. In fact, it’s one of the top causes of animal health problems and can trigger illnesses very quickly.
Obese pets are at a higher risk of having a stroke, which is another reason why providing extra virgin olive oil through your dog’s diet is a great idea.
As olive oil is so high in monounsaturated fats, it can help break down fat within cells, and thereby help with weight loss. So, basically, it can be greatly beneficial for dogs with serious weight problems.
Extra virgin olive oil is rich in antioxidants thanks to its content of polyphenols, Vitamin E, chlorophyll and carotenoids, which also reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, as we have seen in previous articles. It also reduces insulin sensitivity, which lowers the risk of diabetes.
Olive oil also has a reputation as a fuel for the metabolism of dogs, which means it can help them be more active.
Diet and exercise
Exercise is the perfect way to help obese or overweight dogs regain their quality of life.
Physical activity triggers the production of reactive oxygen ions. The longer and more intense the exercise, the greater the oxidation. The body has its own methods to neutralise oxidative molecules, in which it uses substances such as albumin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, carotenoids, etc. And these are elements contributed to the body by the Mediterranean diet rich in extra virgin olive oil.
However, if the dog is already overweight, they cannot perform high impact exercises at first, so it will be necessary to train moderately and gradually. It’s a good idea to get advice from a vet, who can rule out joint or bone problems that restrict the animal’s mobility.
Experts recommend certain routines:
- Walks: the owner can gradually extend the time and distance of walks with the dog, as well as the number of times a day.
- Games: a ball is the ideal way to get a dog to exercise by playing.
- Swimming: this is the best exercise for a dog to lose weight and stay physically healthy.
Sharing your time with your beloved dog outdoors will bring major benefits to both of you. If you accompany this with a healthy and balanced diet such as the Mediterranean one, you’ll be providing them with well-being and extending their life expectancy.