Eating right is important not just for people, but also for
dogs and cats. If you are a pet owner, knowing about pet nutrition is very important to help your pet lead a long and healthy life. To get you started on
the right path, here are 4 things to know about pet nutrition.
1) Not all pet foods are created equal. Pet food ingredients need to be listed on the
label in order of weight, with the ingredients weighing the most listed
first. Be sure to find foods that list
specific types of meat as the first ingredient. Chicken meal or meat and bone
meal may be best because they are concentrated protein with most of the water
weight removed.
2) Some dogs and cats may have allergies to
food. If your pet seems especially
itchy or is showing other signs of an allergic reaction, the food you are
feeding may be the culprit. Consider switching to a different product to try to
find a food that works better.
3) Human food can be dangerous to pets. Cooked
bones may splinter in your pet's stomach, for instance, perforating the
intestines or causing other health problems.
4) Pets can be overweight too. If your dog
or cat is heavier than he or she should be, this can lead to a host of health
problems and a shorter life. Diet foods are available for heftier animals, and
you can also increase exercise or limit food intake.
These essential facts about pet nutrition should be kept in
mind when choosing food for your dog or cat companion.
