We all know that healthy nutrition is a cornerstone of your pet’s health. But not all pets have the same nutritional requirements, and those requirements can change over time. At all times, it is best to feed your pet the highest quality diet you can afford. The adage of ‘you get what you pay for’ is very true with regard to dog and cat food. Veterinarians recommend a scientifically balanced food that is appropriate for your particular pet. At all times, your pet’s diet should be made up primarily of their recommended food. If adding toppings or giving treats, they must make up only a very small portion of your pet’s daily food intake. Giving your pet table scraps and leftovers of human food is also a big no-no. Our foods are too varied, rich and spicy for their tummies to handle. If you are feeding a high-quality diet, your pet should not need any additional supplements unless specifically indicated by your veterinarian.
Feeding for the correct species
It is extremely unhealthy to feed dogs cat food and vice versa. Doing this can result in serious nutritional deficiencies and excesses which are harmful to your pet. Cats must eat only cat food and dogs must eat only dog food!
Lifestage feeding
The nutritional needs of our pets change during their lifetime. Feeding a diet designed for their age group is vital in maintaining good health.
Puppies and kittens have very specific nutritional requirements. Feeding them appropriately will help them grow up strong and healthy while avoiding diseases caused by nutritional deficiencies. Puppy and kitten foods are designed to have the correct ratio of protein to energy for a growing body. Calcium and phosphorous levels are also very carefully balanced to ensure healthy skeletal growth.
Because dogs come in so many different sizes, various diets have been designed to suit each size’s needs during growth. Be sure to feed a diet designed for your dog’s expected adult size and weight, be it small, medium or large breed. Most small and medium breed puppies will eat puppy food until they are one year of age, whereas large breeds will eat puppy food until 18 months of age.
Once your pet has grown into an adult, you should switch him to an adult diet. Continuing to use foods made for immature animals can result in excessive weight gain which is detrimental to your pet’s health.
Cats and small breed dogs are classified as senior from seven years of age. Large breed dogs are considered senior from five years of age. Animals older than 11 years are considered geriatric. Diets designed for senior and geriatric pets have been balanced to help them maintain a healthy weight (as pets become more sedentary as they age) and provide supplementation with nutrients which address common health problems seen in these pets.
Breed-specific nutrition
Various foods have been designed to address particular health problems that occur in certain breeds of cats and dogs. This can include special kibble shapes and sizes for certain breeds, the addition of ingredients that help pass hairballs in longhaired cats and ingredients to support joint health in animals prone to arthritis.
Feeding according to weight and activity level
Obesity is one of the most common health problems that veterinarians see in pets worldwide. If your pet is becoming a little chubby, speak to your veterinarian about which food they would recommend for keeping your pet at his optimum weight. Once you have selected the correct diet for his needs, be sure to feed it strictly according to the package instructions. Remember that adding any treats or toppings to his food is going to undo your hard work at weight loss. Adjust his daily food allowance according to other treats given and try to keep these to a minimum. And don’t forget to exercise your furry family members!
Daily care diets
Some diets are designed to assist in the management of specific health conditions. Oral health foods are made in special kibble shapes and sizes and with special fibres to help clean the teeth as your pet eats. Joint support diets have supplements added to aid joint health. Hairball control diets for cats have special fibres that promote healthy gut motility to promote the expulsion of hairballs. Your veterinarian can advise you of any conditions they feel your pet should be fed specifically for.
Prescription diets
These diets have been formulated to aid in treating specific illnesses such as chronic kidney disease, osteoarthritis, bladder stones, liver failure or food allergies. They should only be used under supervision of a veterinarian, as they may be balanced in a way that is not beneficial to all pets.
So how do I know if my pet is eating the correct food?
Staff at veterinary practices and veterinary shops are well trained to provide you with information regarding the best food to feed your healthy pet. You can also get a recommendation from your veterinarian. If your pet is unwell, be sure to see your vet with your pet so that they can diagnose your pet’s illness correctly and recommend the specific diet that is necessary.
By: Dr Kathryn Knipe from Birnam Veterinary Clinic
