A Go-To Guide For a Specialized Pet Diet
We can all relate to the impact that food has on the way we feel, and pets are no different. The wrong food has the potential to create illness or cause symptoms of health conditions to worsen. Similarly for our furry friends, the right pet food can be incredibly therapeutic. By providing excellent nutrition to our pets, we can ensure a higher quality of life and a longer one, too. If you’ve been wondering about a specialized pet diet, we’ve got some ideas worth considering.
A Long Time Coming
Despite the fact that pets have been part of human lives for millennia, little was known about their nutritional needs until the recent past. Nowadays there appear to be endless varieties of pet food on the market, it can seem impossible to make the right choice.
What’s more, each pet has highly individual tastes. You might gain an understanding of the vitamins and nutrients necessary for growth, development, and maintenance, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re going to find it tasty and delicious. Finding the right balance is the key to a specialized pet diet.
The Right Stuff
Prescription and OTC pet foods are designed to provide optimal ratios of protein, fat, fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins, and more to counter disease development and maintain health. Certain products have been scientifically tested, and may be more expensive than non-prescription diets.
The Big Picture
Some pets are either born with health problems or develop issues along the way. A specialized pet diet can provide specific nutrients necessary to combat the following potential problems:
- Allergies
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Urinary tract disease
- Diabetes
- Arthritis or other orthopedic conditions
- GI problems
- Skin and coat issues
- Weight control
Age, Species, Lifestyle
To address whether or not a specialized pet diet is needed, you should consult your veterinarians. An understanding of a pet’s medical history and lifestyle go a long way toward making an informed decision. Changing a pet’s diet should always be done carefully and slowly. Watch for any signs of indigestion or behavioral changes.
It is always important to provide age-appropriate food, as the necessary nutrition for a puppy or kitten is vastly different from a senior pet’s nutritional needs. Some foods aim to help with allergies, digestive problems, kidney issues, and more.
We recommend measuring food portions and restricting treats as you begin to enforce a specialized pet diet.
Catering a Specialized Pet Diet
Depending on what’s going on with your pet, you can supplement their diet with tasty and nutritious veggies and fruits. These options give pets immediate energy and add a great deal of variety to their kibble.
Steamed carrots, sweet potato, or green beans, cantaloupe, apples, and berries are wonderful additions.
Key to Wellness
Our wellness plans are designed to help you stay in front of any possible problems. Preventive care practices promote overall health and wellness, a goal that we’re wholeheartedly committed to.
If we can assist you with any questions about a specialized pet diet we are always here for you at (916) 939‑1705.