Nutritional Advice

Along with regular exercise and veterinary care, good nutrition is the building blocks for good health and aiding in prolonging your pet's life.  By starting early, it will help during your pet's critical growth period.  

These are the basic nutrients every pet needs:

  • Water is the most essential nutrient in any diet. Your pet's body is made up of approximately 70% water and will quickly perish without it. Ensure your pet can access fresh, clean water at all times.
  • Carbohydrates supply energy and come from sugars, starch, and fibre from plant sources. Carbohydrates help energize the brain and muscles, making your pet bright and active.
  • Fats also supply energy and in the right amounts help build strong cells and promote nutrient absorption. Too much fat however, can lead to obesity-related health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and osteoarthritis.
  • Proteins are required for a healthy coat, skin, and nails. Your pet's body uses the amino acids in proteins to make enzymes and hormones in the blood stream and to maintain a healthy immune system. Proteins can come from plant and meat sources, but cats and dogs need a high-quality animal protein.
  • Vitamins and minerals help regulate many body systems. For example, your pet needs the minerals calcium and phosphorous for strong bones. Antioxidant vitamins like vitamin E and C help boost your pet's immune system during times of stress.

How do you make sure your pet's diet is healthy?

We strongly recommend that you feed a premium pet food such as Royal Canin or Hills.  Premium foods offer high-quality ingredients, are made by companies specialising in nutritional research, and show a solid track record of quality and palatability. Remember, you are what you eat, and so is your pet! Feeding generic pet foods may lead to obesity, irregular bowel movements, or excess intestinal gas.  Depending on your pet's life stage, we can recommend a suitable diet for your pet.   

Make sure your pet's food is fresh. When you purchase pet food, check the used by date and purchase only the amount necessary for your pet. Store pet food in a cool, dry place and keep it tightly closed. Discard uneaten food and always place fresh food in a clean bowl. In general, hard food (or "kibble") is preferred for maintaining dental health and minimising tartar build-up. Soft, canned food tends to be more palatable and can be stored for longer.  Think of soft food as more of a treat item rather than a daily diet. 

Feed the right amount for your pet's ideal weight (not necessarily the same as their current weight). Avoid feeding pets as much as they want or feeding a large amount at one time. Doing so can lead to obesity, gastrointestinal upset, or even bloat, a life threatening condition.  Check the packet for how much and consult with your vet as to a normal weight range for your pet. 

Maintain a daily routine to help your pet keep normal bowel movements and avoid indoor accidents. Younger pets need to be fed more frequently, as they are usually more energetic and burn more calories.  For puppies and kittens less than 3 months of age, feeding 3 times a day is fine but ensure the amount suggested on the label is divided into 3 equal meals.  After this, twice daily feeding is acceptable.

Be sure to avoid "people" food. Your pet's digestive system is simpler than yours and can be easily upset by changes. Feeding table scraps can result in an unbalanced diet, can cause stomach upsets or even life-threatening conditions such as inflammation of the pancreas, or toxicity.

Life Cycle Feeding

Your pet's nutritional requirements will change as they age. Puppies need puppy food because it is higher in energy, calcium and protein, but feeding puppy food to an adult dog can lead to obesity. Likewise, older pets need diets restricted in fat and supplemented with fibre for their optimum health. Many premium senior diets also contain additives to assist in the management of arthritis and can make your pet more comfortable.

Please give us a call to discuss your pet’s nutritional needs. We can tailor a diet specifically for your pet to give them the best out of life.