If your adult dog or cat is healthy, you probably have selected a pet food based simply on whether or not your pet will eat it. Cost might also play a factor in your decision. However, not all pet foods are equal. And feeding the right amount is not as simple as following the directions on the package. (They’re just guidelines.) Choosing an appropriate diet can set your pet on a path of lifelong good nutrition and help prevent many problems, including allergies, nutritional deficiencies, skin and coat disorders and obesity.
Nutritional requirements for dogs and cats vary depending on a variety of factors, including age, breed and health. For instance, senior pets have significantly different requirements than puppies or kittens, and animals with diabetes, kidney disease, and other health conditions can benefit from special diets.
Our veterinarians can help you make informed decisions about your pet’s diet. We can counsel you on which foods are the best choices based on your pet’s needs and your financial considerations, how much to feed, and even how to decode pet food labels. We can create a nutrition plan specifically for your pet, and we’re also happy to work with owners to help their overweight pets get down to a healthy weight.
Contact us or make an appointment to set up a personalized nutrition consultation for you and your pet. In the meantime, we’ve compiled a few helpful links and downloads regarding your pet’s nutrition:
- The Pet Food Guessing Game
- The World Small Animal Veterinary Association’s Recommendations on Selecting Pet Food
- The Savvy Cat Owner’s Guide to Nutrition
- The Savvy Dog Owner’s Guide to Nutrition
- How to Read Your Pet’s Food Label and Nutrition Facts
- Pet Food Label Myths