There are several important factors to consider when selecting the right food for your Pet. To help with your decision, here are a few:
First it’s helpful to know your Pet’s vital statistics such as age, breed, pet’s daily exercise and activity level, illness (acute or chronic), pregnancy, known allergies to environmental factors/food ingredients, body weight (thin, normal or overweight).
Wet vs. Dry food
- Wet food comes in many nutritious options and some fussy eaters either prefer wet food as their primary food or mixed with dry.
- Wet food can lead to more rapid buildup of tartar and plaque and on the teeth, which is easily removed with daily teeth brushing using Pet toothpaste and brush.
- Wet food (once opened) does not need to be out for long before it is becomes dried out or spoiled. Open containers of wet food should be kept in the refrigerator.
- Pet’s that have lost teeth or had them removed due to dental disease, my need wet food to make the initial digestion of their food easier.
- Is often used for Pets recovering from illness or injury
- Has a stronger scent which encourages eating
- Contains a source of water, important for some Pets that are not drinking enough water during the day.
- Youngsters, who need extra calories to grow, may benefit from supplementing with wet food. It may be easier (less work) for them to eat as compared with dry food, which can take time to chew into small enough pieces to swallow.
Dry food comes in many nutritious options and various sizes.
- Small bites for smaller Pets as well as larger bites for larger Pets. Again, some Pets have a preference to the size and shape.
- Dry food, as compared to wet generally leads to less buildup of tartar and plaque on the teeth. Brushing the teeth regularly is still necessary to maintain excellent dental health.
- Dry food can sit out longer than wet food before spoiling and is easier to store because it doesn’t require refrigeration.
Feeding a combination of Wet/Dry food is the best solution for some Pets.
- Adding liquid (water or salt free broth) to dry food can work well for Pets who eat very quickly, pre-softening dry food causes it to expand less in the stomach.
- Mixing wet and dry food can change up the eating experience for your Pet, as an extra treat.
Snacks and Treats
Pets are cute and it feels good to give them treats and once in a while sneak them a bite of our own food. Foods high in fat, salt content and calories all pose the same issues for Pets as they do for people. So what does that mean?
- Most Pets weigh less than people do, so the calories in a bite of your treat take a longer time for your Pet to work off. This makes it easy for a Pet to gain weight (as fat) from regular people treats.
- Salt, sugar, fat and the additives in highly processed people food can affect your Pet at a greater degree due to their smaller size. To protect your Pet’s overall health, moderation is the key to giving all types of treats.
- Bottom line: Good quality Pet food is the best nutritional option for your Pet’s overall health. If you feed dry food, take a small portion of the total daily amount and give it to your Pet as special treats. It’s balanced and nutritious, easy to store, can be packaged in small sizes and taken on the go.
Healthy Diet and Exercise
Exercise helps Pets keep in shape, burn calories, and provide a more stimulating day-to-day environment for good mental health, too.
- Healthy fit Pets have a higher quality of life in addition to setting the stage for a longer life.
- Planned exercise or outings are very helpful if you have a Pet that is energetic and always on the go. If you don’t provide a good energy outlet, a few of the go-getters may find trouble on their own. Burning off extra energy with a good workout keep Pets content and out of trouble.
- Exercising with your Pet gives you a great workout companion, encouraging you to go a little farther and do it a little faster.
- Play and exercise may be your Pet’s very most favorite treat because they get to interact with their very favorite person-you!
