We’re strong proponents of lifelong balanced nutrition for dogs and cats. A
SPECIALLY FORMULATED DIET
can prevent or greatly assist in the management of many health conditions, from diabetes and heart disease to kidney disease. Regardless of your pet’s life stage, nutrition will always be a vital part of their care.
How to Ensure High-Quality Nutrition for Your Pet
Cat and dog nutrition is a little more complex than we give it credit for. That’s because the average kibble does little more than meet a pet’s most basic needs. But to truly help them thrive, your pet should have a high-quality diet containing the right type and quantity of nutrients. So, how do you figure this out? Our veterinarians at Chimacum Valley Veterinary Hospital are here to guide you. There are many options to choose from, making it difficult to decide on your own what is best for your pet. We usually recommend these brands: Hills, Royal Canin, Purina, and Iams.
Here are some tips to help you get started on choosing the best nutrition for your pet:
Look for AAFCO Guidelines on the Packaging
Quality pet foods typically have a nutritional adequacy claim included on the packaging. This claim indicates that the food is “formulated to meet or exceed the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO nutritional profiles” or “animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that the pet food provides complete and balanced nutrition” for your pet’s life stage. Food brands that go through AAFCO feeding trials have an additional layer of protection.
Make Sure the Diet is Age Appropriate
Is your dog or cat eating the right food for their age group? Their nutritional needs will vary depending on their age. Rambunctious puppies and kittens usually need a diet that is much higher in protein than adult and senior diets. Talk to your veterinarian about what kinds of nutrients your pet requires for their age, breed, medical history, and any health conditions they have. Feeding your pet a diet that is not formulated for their age group can result in weight gain and other health issues.
Always Read the Label
Food labels contain a lot of valuable information, going beyond just a list of ingredients. Look for a nutritional adequacy statement, along with feeding directions and guaranteed analysis to make sure you have the right diet for your pet and are feeding the proper amount at the right frequency for your pet’s needs.
