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Making Sure Your Pet Is Eating the Right Diet

February 24, 2023 by

One of the most important ways you can take care of your pet and ensure his health and happiness is through feeding him the right diet. All pets are unique and have different dietary and nutritional needs, so what works for one pet might not work for yours. By consulting with your veterinarian and knowing the warning signs of a poor diet, you can make sure your pet is eating right and is healthy and happy for years to come. 

Food Should be Age and Lifestyle Appropriate

You’ll need to adjust your pet’s diet through the years as he ages and develops different nutritional needs. When evaluating your pet’s food, consider the following:

  • Age – consult with your veterinarian to ensure your pet’s diet is appropriate for his age. Puppies and kittens have different dietary needs than adult cats and dogs, and senior pets also have different health needs.
  • Lifestyle – your pet’s lifestyle also plays a part in determining his diet. If your pet is very active and burns a lot of calories during the day, he’ll need a different diet than a sedentary pet.
  • Health – if your pet has been diagnosed with or is at risk for health problems, he may need a specialized or medicated diet. This might also be true if he has food sensitivities or allergies, or digestive issues.

Avoid Excessive Treats 

Feeding your pet table scraps or too many pet treats can contribute to significant health problems. The most dangerous risk of excessive pet treats is obesity, which over time can lead to these serious health issues:

  • Arthritis
  • Diabetes
  • Congestive heart failure
  • High blood pressure
  • Lethargy
  • Changes in personality or behavior
  • Skin diseases and infections

Analyze the Pet Food Labels 

You should always read and analyze pet food labels before switching pet foods. If you ever have any questions about whether your pet’s food is meeting his dietary and nutritional needs, bring the pet food label with you to your veterinarian’s office. Your pet food label should state that it is complete and balanced for your pet’s life stage, and should confirm that it meets The Association of the American Feed Control Officials’ guidelines.

If you’re worried your pet’s diet is causing allergies, lethargy, or digestive issues, visit your veterinarian for a health checkup.