Is your pet eating right? Make sure what goes into your animal is appropriate for their dietary needs. Photo courtesy of www.baxterboo.com/catdogblog.
As they say, you are what you eat! The type of food you give your pet can have an effect on their health and well-being. It can affect the quality of their coat, their energy level, and everything in between, so it’s important to find the best fit for your pet.
Age is an important factor; animals at different stages of life have different nutritional needs.
- Puppies and kittens that are eating solid food need to be fed more frequently and more nutritious food. They should be fed two to three times a day a wet or dry food that is specifically labeled to promote growth or specialized for puppies.
- Adult cats and dogs should be given a food that is labeled “nutritionally adequate” or for adult animals. The amount of food an animal needs depends on its size and the contents of its food, so check the food package for the recommended amount.
- Senior animals need a diet that is lower in calories to prevent obesity; choose a food that is designed for them and feed them according to packaging recommendations.
“Multi-age” foods can provide nutrition for pets of all ages, although those tailored to an animal’s age are more ideal for pets.
A food’s ingredients also matter. Certain nutrients and vitamins can reduce the symptoms of some disease and have an effect on the quality of your animal’s lifestyle. Foods containing healthy fatty acids can improve your dog’s coat and reduce skin irritation. If your pet is having stomach issues, sometimes a veterinarian will recommend a natural, holistic, or organic food – one that does not contain any synthetic ingredients or is manufactured without pesticides.
Watch out for food allergies. These can manifest as chronic diarrhea, gas, and ear inflammation; symptoms can also include excessive itching or licking. Common allergens are usually any type of meat, dairy, soy, or wheat – animals can be allergic to more than one of these. If you think your dog has a food allergy, make an appointment with your veterinarian; diagnosis includes an elimination diet. Your pet will be put on a completely new type of food, and will gradually be reintroduced to potential allergens. When a reaction is triggered, the allergen can be identified and eliminated.
The right food is important to ensuring an animal’s good health and happiness. As a responsible pet parent, it’s important to guarantee your dog or cat is getting the appropriate nutrition for their age and size. Keep an eye out for symptoms of food allergies – these can be indicators of other illnesses as well. If you have any concerns with your pet’s dietary needs, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.
