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The Ultimate Guide to Pet Nutrition: What Every Owner Should Know

When it comes to pet nutrition, ensuring that your pet has a well-balanced, appropriate diet is essential for their health, energy, and longevity. Here are some important things every pet owner should know about feeding their pets:

1. Understand Your Pet’s Species, Breed-Specific and Life Stage Needs

  • Dogs and cats have different nutritional needs. Dogs are omnivores and can handle a variety of foods, while cats are obligate carnivores and require protein as the main component of their diet.
  • Some breeds have specific dietary requirements or sensitivities, such as allergies or higher nutritional needs for energy, so understanding your pet’s breed can help guide you to the right food.

2. Choose High-Quality Pet Food

  • Look for foods that have a complete and balanced label, indicating that it meets the standards set by pet food authorities like AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials).

3. The Truth About Pet Food Ingredients:

  • Meat-first: Pets need nutrients and a complete balance of amino acids from both meat and non-meat sources. A diet listing the meat as the first ingredient does not guarantee that the diet is high quality. In addition, meat is not the only source of protein available. It also comes from other ingredients like corn.
  • By-Products as Ingredients: By-products are common ingredients in both human and pet foods. It is a myth that pet food ingredients listed as “by-products” are inferior. Vitamin E, gelatin, chicken stock and beef bouillon are all by-products and are excellent sources of nutrients for pets. Lamb meal or chicken meal are also by–products, as it is a secondary product (organs such as liver, kidney and hearts) derived from lamb or chicken production for human use.
  • Fillers: Not all additional ingredients are fillers. Corn is NOT just a filler. Corn is a superb source of highly digestible nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, essential fatty acids and antioxidants (beta-carotene and vitamin-E).  

4. Grain Free and Legume Based Diets

  • Heart disease: In 2018, reports emerged that some grain-free diets, or diets containing legumes as a main non-meat component, were resulting in an increase in heart disease, mainly dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
  • Grain allergies are rare in pets: It is not yet confirmed how these diets cause DCM so since grain allergies are extremely rare in pets, we recommend to choose a diet containing grains from a large reputable company that are backed by research and employ veterinary nutritionists.
  • Check your pet’s diet: Evaluate the diet that you are feeding your pet. If the diet is boutique (from small companies that do not perform research), contains exotic ingredients or is grain free, consider a diet change to one without these properties

5. Portion Control is Key

  • Overfeeding or underfeeding can cause weight issues (obesity or malnutrition). Guidelines listed on the packaging are for the average pet but does not guarantee that the quantity is ideal for your pet. We can help determine the best food quantity based on your pet’s age, activity level and health.
  • Use a measuring cup or scale for accurate portions, and monitor your pet’s weight regularly.
  • In multi-pet households, a regular supervised feeding schedule or an individualized pet feeder should be considered to help with portion control.

6. Fresh Water is a Must

  • Always make sure your pet has access to fresh water at all times. Proper hydration supports your pet’s organs, digestion, and overall health. Cats, especially, may not drink as much water and may need wet food to stay hydrated.

7. Special Diets for Health Conditions

  • Some pets may have specific dietary needs due to health issues such as allergies, diabetes, kidney disease, or obesity. If your pet has a health condition, consult us for a tailored diet plan.

8. Avoid Toxic Foods

  • There are several human foods that are toxic to pets, including:
    • Chocolate (toxic to dogs and cats)
    • Onions and garlic
    • Grapes and raisins
    • Alcohol
    • Certain nuts
    • Xylitol (a sugar substitute found in gum and some baked goods)
  • Always research before sharing table scraps or any new food with your pet.

9. Treats in Moderation

  • Treats are a great way to bond with your pet and reward good behavior, but they should not exceed more than 10% of your pet’s daily calorie intake.
  • Choose healthy treats, and avoid those high in sugar, salt, and artificial additives.

10. Transitioning Foods

  • If you are switching your pet’s food (e.g., moving from one brand to another or switching from puppy/kitten to adult food), do so gradually over the course of 7–10 days to avoid digestive upset.

11. Homemade Pet Food

  • If you are preparing food for your pet at home, it is important to ensure that it is nutritionally balanced. Homemade diets should be formulated with the help of a veterinary nutritionist to avoid deficiencies or excesses in certain nutrients. Balance.it is an example of a site designed by a veterinarian to help with creating balanced home cooked meals for your dog or cat.
  • Raw diets can pose a risk of bacterial contamination or an imbalance of nutrients and it not recommended.

12. Supplements

  • Some pets may benefit from supplements (like omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine for joints, or probiotics) Some diet supplements should only be used under the guidance of a veterinary team since over-supplementing can lead to other health issues.

13. Monitoring Your Pet’s Health

  • Regular exams are essential for monitoring your pet’s weight, nutrition, and overall health. We can help adjust your pet’s diet based on their age, activity level, and any health changes.

14. Freshness Matters

  • Storage of pet food is important to maintain its nutritional value. Keep food in a cool, dry place and tightly seal bags after opening to prevent spoilage. If your bag of food will be open for more than 2 months, it should be kept in the freezer to preserve freshness.
  • Check expiration dates regularly and avoid feeding expired food.

In short, a good diet for your pet involves choosing quality food, portioning it appropriately, and considering any specific health conditions. It is always best to consult with us if you are unsure about the best food or supplements for your pet.