Feeding your pet a healthy, balanced diet is not as simple as giving them basic kibble. There are many specially formulated diets available that are designed to maximize a pet’s health and longevity and manage or prevent certain health conditions. These conditions include diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, kidney disease, and even allergies. In short, the quality of your pet’s diet is essential to the quality of life you want them to enjoy. But knowing what exactly you should feed your pet is a question for your veterinarian. They can assess your pet’s health, lifestyle, age group, and other factors to help you find the best diet for their needs.
While there are many ways to feed your pet, one thing our veterinarians recommend against is feeding your pet a raw diet. Food-borne diseases do not just affect humans; they can put your dog or cat at risk as well!
Pet Nutrition Tips
At World of Animals, we have some general recommendations to help pet owners choose the best diet for their dogs and cats. When in doubt, always speak with your veterinarian!
Limit Your Pet’s Table Food Intake as Much as Possible
Not all table food is bad for your pet, but in addition to potentially causing illness, giving your pet table food can also encourage bad eating habits and prevent your pet from getting the nutrients they actually need.
Read the Food Labels
It’s important to look at the ingredients that are in your pet’s food, but you also want to review information on the label that concerns safety claims, whether the food is able to meet your pet’s nutritional requirements, and AAFCO guidelines. Furthermore, it helps to remain somewhat skeptical of the claims you see on pet food labels. If you have any questions or concerns about a particular brand or type of food, let us know!
Do Your Research
Because the quality and contents of your pet’s diet are so important, you should take time to research your options (in addition to speaking with your vet) and weigh the pros and cons of each. What are the benefits of canned food over dry food? How precisely do I need to measure my pet’s portions each day? Write down your questions and speak with our team, or ask to be directed to a trusted online resource on pet nutrition.
