An appropriate diet is one of the many steps on your pet’s lifelong health plan. Not all pet foods are equal and the portion size directions on the package are just a starting point. Obvious factors when choosing pet food is flavour and texture/size, ‘Will my pet eat this’ is always the first question. However other factors come into play if your pet has health concerns to be addressed. Food allergies, skin conditions, nutritional deficiencies and weight concerns all occur in us, as well as in our fuzzy companions. Therapeutic diets for pets come ready-made to tackle your animal’s health concerns, whether it be diabetes, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism or frequent urinary tract infections. Age is also an important factor, for example your newborn addition will require more protein to accommodate their energy levels and growth while your elderly companions may require more fibre to help their gastrointestinal systems stay regular.

When transitioning between foods, whether due to age or health, slow is the way to go. A quick change could lead to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. To limit this, gradually introduce a little of the new food with your pet’s current food. Slowly continue to increase this amount until only the new food remains.

If you have any questions about what kind of food your pet should be on, how much you should be feeding or even if you are looking for a healthier option to pet store food, call and book your appointment today.