Extra weight can take years off your furry friend's life

Did you know that more than half of the dogs and cats in the United States are overweight or obese?

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, an overweight pet lives two years less than an animal with a healthy weight.

Lucia Schnitzer, owner of Luci's Healthy Marketplace in Phoenix, Ariz., says the reason more than half of America's dogs and cats are overweight is due to over-feeding and not enough physical exercise.

Schnitzer says there are some health risks associated with obese and overweight pets, including the following:

-Joint pain
-High blood pressure
-Heart and respiratory disease
-Damaged ligaments
-Kidney disease
-Many types of cancer

Pet owners can find stores selling organic dog food and treats, which Schnitzer says will help prevent extra weight gain in pets.

Organic foods, including pet food, are natural, safe and healthy. When feeding your pet organic pet food, Schnitzer says, you do not have to worry about chemicals in the foods, including harmful chemicals or otherwise safe chemicals with harmful amounts.

Schnitzer also advises pet owners to increase water and fiber intake for your pets. By increasing these two things in your pet's diet, it will speed up their metabolism and help their digestive system.

She recommends the following inexpensive and easy dog treat:

Ingredients:
* 1 cup boiled chicken
* 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
* 1/2 cup steamed mixed veggies (carrots, green beans, peas,spinach, potatoes)
* 4 Tbsp unsalted chicken broth

Directions:
1. Boil chicken, add to cooked rice.
2. Steam veggies, add broth, rice and chicken.
3. Simmer for 10 minutes, cool and serve.