FEEDING YOUR PET FOR OPTIMAL HEALTH

From your friends at

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Choose a complete and balanced diet

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To meet the nutritional needs of your pet, select an AAFCO “complete and balanced” diet by checking the food label for those words.

Life stage feedingIf you have a kitten or puppy, select a diet formulated for youngsters

and a senior diet for your older pet.

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Over-feedingWe have an epidemic of pet obesity in the United States. Feed your

dog to maintain an ideal body condition.

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Ideal body condition in your catFeed your cat to maintain the ideal body condition shown in the

cartoon below.

Your cat should have a waistline when viewed from the top and side.

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Raw food dietsRaw food diets have human health implications.

Discuss the risks of feeding a raw food diet with your veterinarian, especially if your family has children or elderly members.

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Cats need meatCats are obligate carnivores and require a meat-based diet to provide the essential amino acids arginine and taurine required for feline health and

well-being.

Always feed your cat a meat-based diet. Feeding your cat a vegetarian diet may put his health at risk.

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Feed to promote dental healthScientific research has shown some foods help to maintain dental

health. These foods have the Veterinary Oral Health Council Seal of Acceptance.

Find products demonstrated to improve oral health at: http://www.vohc.org/accepted_products.htm

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Canned or dry?Which is better? This kitten says canned!

Canned and dry are equally nutritious. The choice depends on preference. For some medical conditions, a special diet

may be recommended.

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Changing your pet’s dietYour furry foodie may need a diet change because of her need to lose weight, medical issues being managed by a specially formulated diet,

or changes in her taste preference for a particular food.

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Feeding a therapeutic dietSpecially formulated diets facilitate management of conditions such

as liver disease, kidney disease and diabetes.

If your veterinarian prescribes a therapeutic diet for your pet, wait until he is feeling better before gradually changing the diet. Healthy pets accept a new diet more readily.

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Introduce new food slowly At first, put a small serving of the new food in a separate bowl near your

pet’s regular food. Allow them to test the new food on their own schedule.

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Abrupt diet changes may cause gastrointestinal upset or refusal to eat a different diet.

Most important of all!

REMEMBER: If you need advice about feeding your pet, your veterinarian is the best source for food and

feeding information.

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