Looking to Help Your Dog Lose Weight? Holistic Select(R) Launches Weight Management to Help Get the Pounds Off

TEWKSBURY, Mass., April 14 /PRNewswire/ -- As the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports a problem with obesity among dogs in the U.S., Holistic Select® is launching its new Weight Management recipe to help dogs lose weight in a healthy, nutritionally balanced way.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100414/NE86525 )

NEW Holistic Select Weight Management, Chicken Meal & Peas Recipe is the newest addition to the Holistic Select family of food for dogs.  

With dogs leading more sedentary lives than ever before, their waistlines are growing right along with those of their human companions; 44 percent of canines are considered to be overweight or obese according to the Association of Pet Obesity Prevention (2008). Many veterinarians believe obesity is the greatest health issue facing America's dogs today, shortening their lifespan. Veterinarians report overweight dogs are also more likely to suffer from arthritis, heart and respiratory diseases, liver disease, skin problems, hip and joint disorders and diabetes. Through in-depth research, Holistic Select Weight Management was created to help overweight and less active dogs shed excess pounds and maintain a healthy weight.

Designed for the pet owner who believes it is in her power to achieve a healthier and longer life for herself and her family, Holistic Select Weight Management features unique, functional ingredients including guaranteed levels of L-Carnitine to help reduce overall body fat, increased fiber to help dogs feel full longer, and also includes peas as a high quality, healthy and digestible carbohydrate source with a low glycemic index (GI) value. And Holistic Select Weight Management contains 30% less fat than Holistic Select Radiant Adult Health Chicken Meal & Rice Recipe.

"Obesity remains a top concern for vets because it causes so many long term issues like diabetes, heart, hip and joint problems. Liver, kidney and skin problems can also be associated with excess weight," said Dr. Al Townshend, Holistic Select's staff veterinarian. "Nothing contributes more directly or significantly to a dog's health than his diet. Whole health begins by feeding and nourishing an animal with functional foods and ingredients found in nature. Holistic Select Weight Management is based on the latest science to go beyond just cutting fat and calories. Choosing a holistic diet that is nutritionally balanced, feeding the proper amount of that food, and encouraging increased activity levels, will help the pounds come off."

How to tell if your dog is too fat? As a subjective assessment of body condition, you should be able to easily feel the ribs of a canine of healthy weight. If you cannot feel the dog's ribs without pressing, there is too much fat.

As with every Holistic Select recipe, Holistic Select Weight Management also features innovative and exclusive Select Actives™, nature's power ingredients that have the power to positively impact a dog's whole-body health not just today but for the long term too. Select Actives are a combination of enzymes, direct fed microbials, botanicals and phytonutrients that work synergistically. Together, these powerful ingredients are known to activate a higher level of health for dogs.

"We know that those who embrace a holistic lifestyle care deeply about the food they feed their pets," said Tim Callahan, CEO of WellPet. "We created Holistic Select Weight Management to aid these dogs and their pet parents, who believe it's in their power to achieve a better, healthier and longer life for their dogs."

Holistic Select Weight Management Chicken Meal & Peas Recipe comes in 5 lb. 8 oz., 14 lb. and 28 lb. bags and will be available nationwide in independent pet specialty stores beginning in April. To find an authorized Holistic Select retailer, please visit http://www.holisticselect.com.

Holistic Select® – Activate A Higher Level Of Health For Your Pet.

Holistic Select, a proud member of the WellPet® family of brands, is a line of food and snacks for dogs and cats that goes beyond natural with the power to positively impact a pet's health. Holistic Select is built on a foundation of premium proteins, fats and carbohydrates, and is filled with a unique set of Select Actives™ known as "Nature's Power Ingredients". This complementary blend of enzymes, direct fed microbials, botanicals and phytonutrients provides superior nutritional benefits and enhances the whole body health of pets. Holistic Select food and snacks have no added artificial colors, flavors or synthetic preservatives. Holistic Select is sold in pet specialty stores across North America. Visit: http://www.holisticselect.com to learn more.

SOURCE Holistic Select