Feeding your four-legged friends a nutritious, stable diet will provide them with a healthy, happy gut and contribute to a longer life. Read on for more expert knowledge about nutrition for pets!
We might’ve given you all the lowdown on new restaurants and health food stores in town, as well as healthy meal delivery you can order to your door. But have you considered the importance of nutrition for your pets, too? There’s a wide range of products available for animals at each stage of their lives, from kitten and puppyhood to their senior years. While most pets don’t require a breed-specific diet, it’s widely suggested that you choose a diet that’s appropriate for their age group, stage of life, and any specific clinical conditions they have.
There may be a lot of options when it comes to nutrition for pets, but it’s well worth taking the time to understand them and find out what your pet needs to achieve optimal nutritional health. Below, we tackle some FAQs pet owners have regarding pet nutrition.
Pet nutrition 101
1. Home-cooked VS pre-packaged food: which one is better?
One of the first things you need to decide is if you’ll cook for your pet, or take advantage of one of the many pre-packaged options available. Cooking for your pet is more labour-intensive and requires using a well-balanced, veterinary formulated recipe. It also tends to be more expensive. However, because you’re in control of all the ingredients, you know exactly what your pet is eating, and you can vary that depending on your pet’s needs. That being said, pre-packaged food is much more convenient and has been formulated to be balanced for your pet. So, it’s not hard to see why some people choose to mix the two – they’ll feed some fresh veggies or meat, on top of their pet’s kibbles or canned food. This helps increase palatability and freshness.
2. Dry VS wet food: which one is better?
If you decide to use pre-packaged products, you can choose between dry kibble or cans of wet food; both have their advantages. Dry food requires chewing before swallowing, which helps decrease tartar and plaque build-up, helping to maintain teeth and gum health. On the other hand, wet food has more moisture and is easier to chew, making it better for pets with pre-existing dental problems and those with kidney disease or urinary concerns.
A mixture of canned and dry food may be the best option, but some pets might prefer the texture of one over the other. If your pet is only eating dry food but needs more moisture due to dehydration, make sure that they’re drinking enough water by adding water to their dry food, or encouraging water intake by always providing them with fresh water. If your pet prefers canned food but has tartar build-up, consider brushing their teeth and giving them treats they can chew.
3. What is a well-balanced diet for a pet?
Just like humans, pets require a well-balanced diet for optimal health. A well-balanced diet includes proteins, fats, fibre, vitamins, and minerals.
- Protein is crucial for cell growth, muscle repair, and general body maintenance. The best sources of protein for pets are animal sources such as beef, turkey, chicken, venison, and fish.
- Fats are important for many reasons, including maintaining skin and fur health, and providing energy for the body. Though, it’s important to introduce fat to the diet slowly, as you don’t want to cause pancreatitis or an upset stomach.
- Grains, such as wheat and corn, have gotten a bad reputation from some companies, leading to the development of grain-free diets. However, grains are an excellent source of fibre, which helps maintain solid faeces. They also contain important vitamins and minerals for our pets.
- Cats and dogs get essential vitamins and minerals from their diet, including calcium which is essential for healthy bones and teeth, as well as magnesium and potassium which support muscle wellbeing. Foods will also contain Vitamin A, C and D, Sodium, Iron and Zinc.
A note on vitamin supplements: they aren’t routinely recommended for pets, unless prescribed to treat a deficiency. Some pets need more calcium and phosphorous than others, such as growing puppies. However, the size of the puppy matters, so make sure to choose a diet that’s formulated for your dog’s adult size when they’re a puppy.
4. How important is hydration?
You’d probably already know the answer to this one: it’s essential to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Water is just as important as food for our pet. On average, 65% of your pet’s body is made up of water and without enough, your pet could get dehydrated, especially during warmer months – this could lead to heatstroke in dogs.
Cats and dogs have varying thirst requirements; if you’re a dog owner, you’ll know that they’re thirstier during and after high intensity activities. Therefore, be sure to always carry a fresh supply of water when you’re out and about. There’s no specific guideline for the quantity of water your pets should consume, especially because they also get water from their food, but you should keep an eye on how much your pet is drinking and consult with your veterinarian if it changes suddenly.
5. Does my pet need special diets?
Some pets require a special diet formulated for their specific condition, such as kidney disease, liver disease, and stones. If you’re aware of your pet’s underlying medical condition, it’s likely that when they were diagnosed, your vet would’ve prescribed a specific diet; ensure that diet is given exclusively, avoiding ingredients that aren’t listed in the prescribed plan. If your pet is struggling to consume the said diet, let your vet know. It’s never recommended to allow your pet to starve! Lastly, always discuss any new additions to the diet with your vet first.
6. What are some bad habits we need to avoid as pet owners?
While we can cook for our pets and share similar food sources, it’s not recommended to allow your pet to eat from your plate. Table scraps can cause an upset stomach, encourage unwanted behaviours, and result in an overweight pet. Pet obesity is a rapidly increasing issue that vets are seeing these days so, think twice before throwing them an extra bit of steak, or sweet treat directly from your plate – as tempting as that may be (we know)!
All in all…
Pet nutrition is all about finding what’s right for your four-legged pal; you don’t want an underfed pet as hunger can result in agitated and skittish behaviours. On the flip side, you want to avoid overfeeding as pets can become lethargic and inactive which could result in medical complications if ignored.
The best diet for your pet is the one that they like and eat consistently. The amount that you should feed your pet varies depending on the diet chosen (each diet has its own calorie content). You can start with the feeding guide that is listed on your diet, then change it depending on how your pet is doing. We want to be able to feel their ribs without seeing them, and we want our pets to have a bit of a waist when viewed from the side. Finally, if you’re unsure as to what you should be feeding your pet, it’s recommended to discuss your pet’s nutritional requirements with your veterinarian, as they can advise you the most suitable options.