Answer:
- It is a “nutritional milestone” at the time a pet is spayed or neutered. The amount and/or type of food must be changed to assure the pet stays at a healthy weight and body condition. If neutered pets are fed the same as intact pets, they will gain weight.1-5
- After neutering, a nutritional evaluation should be performed to make sure the pet’s nutritional requirements are met. Young adult dogs and cats may even require low-calorie foods.6
- Body weight and body condition score (BCS) should be obtained every two weeks for 4-5 months after neutering to confirm maintenance of normal body weight and body condition.6
- In general, neutered cats require only 75-80% of the food needed by intact cats to maintain optimal body weight.7
More supporting facts:
- Neutering dogs and cats causes a decrease in estrogens and androgens (sex hormones), resulting in a lower metabolic rate. Therefore, the pet’s energy needs are lower.
- Since estrogen has been shown to decrease appetite, appetites may increase after surgery.
- Increased levels of androgens and estrogens in intact pets stimulate roaming behavior and general physical activity so these pets are more active.8,9 Therefore, without a change in diet, neutered pets may become overfed and under-exercised and at a greater risk of becoming obese.