Tip 3. Pay attention to your pet’s diet

Tip 3. Pay attention to your pet’s diet

Proper nutrition is an extremely important component in maintaining the optimum level of health in your dogs and cats. A poor diet can have a direct impact on your pet’s skin & coat, weight, energy levels and gastrointestinal function.

Provide high quality food

Make sure that you provide a premium pet food brand that is free of preservatives and colourings. The first ingredient should be a meat, not a grain or a meat derivative. Premium pet food brands may be more expensive, but your pet will require a smaller portion in order to get all the necessary nutrients. It is also good to supplement your pet’s meals with fresh meats and some vegetables (ensure that you have removed bones from the meats and avoid foods that can impact negatively on their health – talk to your vet about this).

Make sure they don’t become overweight

Studies have shown that your pet will live a longer healthier life if in good shape, however, 40% to 70% of the pet population is considered obese. Additional weight places excess strain on the musculoskeletal system, the heart, and the lungs. This is compounded by foods from table scraps with a high fat content and can lead to a number of health related problems such as: inflammation of the pancreas, diabetes, diarrhea and vomiting. If you would like to give your pet a snack whilst you are eating your meals, choose a low calorie pet snack if they are overweight or simply decide not to have your pet in the same room when eating your meals. Excess weight can also be easily addressed with proper diet and exercise.

In certain circumstances it is worthwhile providing your pets with a multi-vitamin. Older pets can also benefit from a joint health supplement, such as glucosamine chondrointin. However, I would not buy these unless necessary and recommended by your vet. In the long run, a correctly-fed cat or dog will have fewer health problems, which results in long term savings on veterinary bills and happy days for your beloved dog or cat.