Everyday Health For Your Cat Or Dog

We all love our furry friends. They comfort us when we're down, they make us laugh with their antics--they enrich our lives with their unconditional love. But then I still have to stop and wonder why we still reach for the bargain brand whenever we're picking up a new bag of food for them? Aren't they deserving of the kind of nutrition we would give our children?

I think that you realize the answer is yes. However, the average pet owner is not really aware of their pets' nutritional needs. Now, I'm not suggestion that you make a run to your nearest pet specialty store and purchase the most expensive bag of kibble you can find.

Instead, I am going to give you some pointers about what you should be looking for and what you should be aware of so that you can be more educated about what is required for your cat or dog's everyday health.

When you hear about pet food being filled with wholesome grains and veggies along with the meaty goodness you probably think this comprises a well-rounded meal, especially because we humans are omnivores.

But you need to keep in mind that cats and dogs are carnivores. They can't have all their dietary needs met through meat with the lifestyles they lead now as pampered pets, which is why they do require some supplementation.

On the other hand, if you see that one of the top ingredients in their usual food is rice and/or corn, your pet may have trouble digesting it, which generally results in lingering odors drifting from the litter box and gas. These might seem like mere inconveniences to you, but your pet may be experiencing some discomfort.

Rice and corn are generally included in such high quantities because they are inexpensive fillers. It is likely that investing a bit more in your pet's food will help you find better quality nutrition for your fluffy companion, but you should still check the label.

Be aware of your pet's special needs. For example, there are many dog breeds that are prone to pack on extra pounds, so you may want to put yours on a weight control formula even before this becomes an issue. If you aren't sure, ask your Manhattan vet.

The same standard should apply for any treats you give your pet. Both cats and dogs should be fed low fat, high protein goodies, but never in excess. For dogs prone to weight gain, pieces of a nonfat cereal serve as a good option for treats.

You know your pet deserves the best nutrition you can offer them. Now that you better understand their needs, you can better meet their dietary needs.