Choosing the Best Food for Your Pet

Choosing the best food for your pet is a key ingredient in their overall health. Several factors should be considered when choosing the best diet for your pet. Age is the number one consideration. Puppies and kittens have different nutritional requirements than adult dogs and cats. Chronic health conditions or health concerns also play an important role in what pet food to choose for your pet. Ideally, you want tasty pet food made from healthy, safe ingredients with lots of nutrients to support a long and healthy life.

Proper pet nutrition requires a balance of protein, fat, carbohydrates and micronutrients including minerals, vitamins and enzymes. No supplementation is necessary when a balanced diet is provided. Table food could upset the balance and nutrients your pet receives from their food.

An important aspect of finding the best food for your pet is to have a clear picture of their overall health. A good starting point is to schedule a checkup with your veterinarian. Certain health conditions could affect which food provides the best nutrition for your pet.

If your pet has a chronic illness or injury, a special diet may be appropriate to aid in healing. A pet who is underweight and anemic will need a diet to help him gain weight and build strength. Pets with diabetes will require special management of their diets. Finding the best nutrition based on your pet’s special health needs improves their quality of life.

Another important factor to consider when choosing the best food for your pet is their level of activity. Dogs with a high activity level require more protein and calories in their diet. A high activity level means your dog burns more calories and energy so their diet should contain more protein and fat. Carbohydrates, which provide energy, are also an important component of a healthy diet for dogs with high activity levels. Dogs with a low activity level require fewer fats, carbohydrates and calories in their diet. Feeding an inactive dog too much will cause them to gain weight and have a negative impact on their overall health. It is important to accurately and honestly assess your pet’s activity level when choosing the best food for your pet.

As stated previously, age is an important factor when choosing a diet for your pet. Puppies and kittens have far different nutritional needs than older dogs and cats. Puppies need a diet high in calories, fats, carbohydrates and other nutrients to boost weight gain and promote healthy development. Kittens need a diet high in protein, minerals and calories, for healthy brain and muscle development, and to fuel their higher activity level. The nutritional needs  of adult dogs and cats are different than those of older dogs and cats who require a diet that will protect them from health conditions they may develop as they age.

Allergies also have an impact on which food is best for your pet. Some pets may be allergic to the main ingredients of pet food. It may be necessary to feed your pet a special diet if she has allergies or food intolerances. There are many pet foods available for pets with allergies. Determining whether your pet has a food allergy requires some effort. The answer may be as easy as switching to another brand of food. However, it may be necessary to try an elimination diet. Choosing the best diet for a pet who suffers from a food allergy requires closely watching their behavior as well as monitoring everything they eat. If you suspect your pet suffers from a food allergy, call your veterinarian to schedule an appointment to determine the best course of action.

We believe every pet deserves the best start in life. All of our puppy and kitten packages include a free starter bag of Hill’s pet food. As our veterinarian, Sam Meisler, says, ““This is a great food from the company that wrote the book on pet food. It has antioxidants, promotes optimal weight, contains natural sources of glucosamine & chondroitin for joints and is easy to digest. It also has vital heart nutrients that some grain-free diets are missing. I feed my pets Healthy Advantage too.”

 

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