Doggie Dieting Done Right: Natura Gives Pets a Lot to Gain With EVO(R) Weight Management Options

DAVIS, Calif., April 29 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of the upcoming National Pet Week (May 2-8, 2010), Natura is encouraging healthier lifestyles for people and their pets. As many families take part in this year's Pet Week fun, Natura challenges pet owners to find out ways they can enhance the quality of life for their beloved animal.

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According to a recent study by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), an estimated 84 million dogs and cats in the United States are overweight or obese – an alarmingly high statistic. With the popularity of the Atkins and South Beach Diets, we know the importance for humans of balancing calories from carbohydrates with exercise. The same principle is true for our companion animals.

That's why Natura Pet Products is giving pet parents an ideal solution – EVO Weight Management Adult dog and cat foods. The formulas feature protein-rich, low carbohydrate pet foods for healthy weight loss.

"Pet foods low in carbohydrates can be a good option when developing a weight management program. By removing all grains and using a minimal amount of starchy vegetables in the formula, EVO minimizes carbohydrate intake," said Sean Delaney, DVM, MS, Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition and Natura's Chief Nutrition Officer. "A high-protein, meat-based diet, like EVO, can be an excellent alternative to the normal reduced-calorie pet foods where many times carbohydrates can still be excessive for some pets."

The adult dog and cat food varieties feature at least 80% turkey, chicken and dairy ingredients – the highest percentage of poultry and dairy ingredients among grain free dry pet foods – and at least 17% fruit and vegetable ingredients, for the lowest carbohydrate percentage among grain free dry pet foods. When compared to regular EVO dog and cat foods, the weight management formulas reduce dietary fat and increase dietary protein for healthy weight loss.

Continues Dr. Delaney, "Medical research shows that extra weight on pets can lead to all sorts of health problems, including osteoarthritis and insulin resistance, but a healthier lifestyle and diet has the potential to actually increase a pet's lifespan."

Dr. Delaney adds, "For most pet owners, the easiest way to facilitate weight loss is to feed less. However, with many formulas, feeding less means your pet also receives less of the nutrients, like amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, necessary to stay healthy. EVO Weight Management is formulated to help maintain lean muscle mass and increase dietary protein but because it is nutrient enhanced with at least 125% of each essential nutrient's required level, it can also be used for active weight loss."

EVO Weight Management Adult Dry Dog Food is available in 28.6 lb., 13.2 lb. and 6.6 lb. packages, while EVO Weight Management Adult Dry Cat Food comes in 15.4 lb., 6.6 lb. and 2.2 lb. packages.

Natura encourages discussing any new feeding program with your veterinarian to ensure the best choice for your best friend's health. For more information about Natura Pet Products or the EVO Weight Management line, please visit www.naturapet.com.

About Natura Pet Products

Founded by John and Ann Rademakers and Peter Atkins, Natura is recognized as the most trusted name behind the healthiest dog and cat food products in the world. Natura's products are formulated, manufactured, and prepared to the highest standards of quality in the industry. Lines include: Innova®, California Natural®, EVO, HealthWise®, Mother Nature®, and Karma®. For more information, visit www.naturapet.com or call (800) 532-7261.

"EVO," "California Natural," "HealthWise," "Innova," "Karma" and "Mother Nature" are registered trademarks of Natura Pet Products, Inc.

©2010 Natura Pet Products, Inc.

SOURCE Natura Pet Products