Understanding feeding habits crucial for animals' health

Overeating is responsible for most of the ailments in dogs, said Lin Degui, head of the pet clinic affiliated with the China Agriculture University.

According to statistics gleaned from Lin's outpatient services, about 60 percent of dog owners in China feed their dogs twice a day whereas an adult dog requires only one meal a day.

Most of the dog owners in China also mix pet food with Chinese food to improve the taste. This tends to make the pets overeat, while the excess nutrition could cause problems to the pet's metabolism, including, obesity, high cholesterol and diabetes. What is even more alarming is that pet owners are often reluctant to take preventive measures during feeding and are only willing to listen when their pets become sick.