Whether you own dog, a cat or any other small animal, you can’t just rely on good genes if you want to enjoy its company for years to come. A balanced, nutritious diet is certainly the best gift you can give to your animal. Every animal nutritionist will say so!
Dry food, canned, natural… what’s best for my pet?
There are many types of animal food on the market: dry, canned, natural, and organic, to name a few. According to the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, the quantity of food eaten by a pet is as important as its quality. Every case is different. A dog doesn’t eat the same thing as a cat, and an adult cat doesn’t eat the same thing as a kitten.
What are my pet’s daily dietary needs?
An animal nutritionist is the right person to help you identify the daily dietary needs of your animal, taking into account its breed, age, weight, lifestyle and state of health. This professional can advise you on which pet food is the best from among all those on offer at veterinary clinics, grocery stores, and pet supply shops. Some foods are even designed to meet specific needs, such as obesity, dental health and allergies.
Do you like cooking? An animal nutritionist could also give you a few recipes so you can concoct your own balanced meals specifically for your animal.
Is it okay to give my pet table leftovers?
Resist the temptation! Because we consider our pets as members of the family, it can be extremely tempting to give them some of the leftovers they so patiently wait for. But even though your dog or cat may appreciate these treats, its system may react badly to certain foods, or it may give them too many calories for their energy output. Here are a few examples of inappropriate foods to give a pet:
- Chocolate
- Avocados, apricots, peaches, plums, pears and cherries
- Garlic and onions
- Coffee, tea, energy drinks, sodas and anything containing caffeine
- Grapes (and other fruits in bunches)
- Potatoes
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, ice cream)
- Macadamia nuts and derivatives
- Candies and other sweet products
- Bones from your meals (which can break and injure the animal, especially if they’re cooked and thus more brittle)
- Raw eggs, meats, and fish
- Alcohol
If you’re in doubt about what to give your pet to eat, contact an animal nutritionist for the best advice.
