Keeping a less active pet in good shape
Sterilized
Overweight
Some pets are naturally more laid-back than others — and there is nothing wrong with a dog or cat that prefers a quiet day at home. With a little more attention to diet and daily routine, it is entirely possible to keep a less active pet at a healthy weight throughout their life.
How you feed matters as much as what you feed
For pets that are not burning much energy throughout the day, having unlimited access to food makes weight management much harder. Free feeding means it is difficult to track exactly how much your pet is eating — and easy to miss the early signs that something has changed. If you have more than one pet at home, it adds another layer of complexity, as pets often eat from each other's bowls.
Moving to set mealtimes with measured portions gives you a much clearer picture of your pet's daily intake, and makes it easier to spot any changes in appetite early on.
Choosing the right food
Less active pets need fewer calories, but they still need complete, balanced nutrition. Formulas designed for less active or indoor pets tend to have a reduced fat content, which helps manage energy intake without compromising on the nutrients your pet needs. Higher fibre content is also worth looking for — it helps your pet feel satisfied between meals, which makes portion control easier in practice. L-carnitine is another useful ingredient, supporting the body's natural fat-burning process over time.
Your local Husse advisor can help you find the right formula for your pet's age, activity level, and individual needs.
A note on treats
Treats are a natural part of caring for a pet, but they contribute to the daily calorie total just like meals do. As a general guide, treats should make up no more than 20% of your pet's daily energy intake. Quality matters here too — look for snacks with simple, natural ingredients and a lower fat content, so every treat supports rather than undermines your pet's overall diet.
Sensitive Weight Management Adult, 12 kg | Advanced support for sensitive dogs in need of weight management
Adult Weight Management, 7 kg | Tailored nutrition for dogs prone to weight gain
Encouraging a little more movement
Even the most relaxed pet benefits from some activity each day. For less motivated dogs and cats, you may need to experiment a little to find what works. Variety helps — different toys appeal to different pets, and it is worth trying a few to see what captures their interest. When choosing toys, always consider size and weight. Something too small can be a safety risk, while something too large or heavy can be uncomfortable, particularly for smaller pets.
Small, consistent moments of play throughout the day add up — and over time, they make a real difference.