Loving pet parents are often concerned about whether they’re making the best feeding decisions for their dogs and cats. Although the ideal diet is different for each animal, learning some general information about pet nutrition can help you make healthy choices for your four-legged family member.
However, this is easier said than done. There’s a lot of information out there from a lot of different sources (some better than others), and it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
We know a lot goes into deciding what to put in your furry friend’s food bowl, so to make things easier, we’ve outlined some important points for you to consider.
What To Do — And What NOT To Do
For starters, there are some common mistakes that you should avoid, like overfeeding your pet, giving your pet store-bought food full of filler ingredients, and underestimating the importance of a balanced diet. All these factors can potentially lead to health issues down the road.
Next, it’s important to know which kinds of wholesome foods and supplements you can give your pet. A dietary boost can help get your pal into tip-top shape, depending on his or her nutrition needs.
You also have to decide whether to feed your dog or cat a kibble-based, wet food,
By far, one of the simplest and smartest ways to make sure your companion’s nutritional needs are being met is to consult with an animal or veterinary nutritionist. These professionals know about animal health and nutrition and can help you create a diet plan that caters to your companion’s specific needs.
That said, it’s just as important to choose the right animal nutritionist for you and your pet. For instance, this person should be well-educated (with the proper credentials), accommodating your budget and lifestyle, and most importantly, should genuinely care about the wellbeing of your beloved pal.
Your Pet’s Health Depends On You!
Our pets can’t make health-based decisions for themselves, and they depend on us to give them proper care. From preparing their meals to making sure their emotional and physical needs are met, it’s our job to keep them as happy and healthy as possible.
You don’t have to be an expert to be a wonderful pet parent. However, you do have to have a little background knowledge about how to care for your companion — and that includes getting expert guidance from veterinarians and nutritionists you trust.
But while their help is crucial, at the end of the day, the decisions you make for four-legged friend are ultimately up to you. So, listen to the advice of trusted professionals, do some research, and use your best judgment. Remember: no one knows your pet quite as well as you!