Short answer: after spay/neuter surgery, metabolism drops, so pets can gain weight even on the same amount of food. The key is adjusting portions around surgery and, if needed, switching to a food formulated for spayed/neutered pets.
How should I manage things before surgery?
The day before surgery, follow your clinic's fasting instructions closely (typically fasting starts a set number of hours before anesthesia). It's fine to keep feeding your pet's usual food unless there's a specific reason to change it.
Why does weight gain become more likely after surgery?
Spay/neuter surgery tends to lower metabolic rate due to hormonal changes, so eating the same amount as before surgery now leaves more calories than needed, making weight gain more likely.
How can I prevent weight gain?
After surgery, consider slightly reducing portions from before, or switching to a lower-calorie food formulated for spayed/neutered pets. Recalculate the right amount with our feeding calculator based on activity level.
Is it okay if my pet has no appetite right after surgery?
A reduced appetite on the day of surgery or the following day is a common reaction to anesthesia. But if the loss of appetite continues for more than 2 days, or comes with vomiting, contact your vet.
When can I go back to their normal feeding amount?
Once your pet's condition has recovered, you can gradually return to their normal portion size — but from this point on, it's a good habit to regularly track their weight and adjust portions as needed.
