Linda's Hot  Topics
Pets Need Good Nutrition Too |
|
Have you ever wondered how nutrition plays a role in the appropriate diet for your pet? American pets are becoming more obese, just as our population is. Just like humans, it is important to pay attention to what and how much you feed your pet, and how much activity he gets too. If you are unsure if your pet is overweight, consult your Veterinarian.
Problems with Excess Nutrients:
Excess levels of fat, protein, and minerals can increase the chances of certain health conditions in your pet.
| Too Much of This | Can Cause This |
| Fat | Obesity, Joint Disease |
| Protein | Kidney Failure |
| Sodium | Heart Failure, Hypertension |
| Calcium | Skeletal Disease, Skin Disease, Bladder Stones |
| Phosphorous | Kidney Failure, Bladder Stones |
| Magnesium | Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disorder, Bladder Stones |
Philosophy of Pet Nutrition:
- Pet foods are not fortified with nutrients like human foods are. Therefore, it is important to notice the ingredients in a pet food in order to determine the exact nutrients it contains. For example:
- Beef, Rice, Chicken, Soy, and Egg are ingredients that carry Protein, Fat, Vitamins, Minerals and Carbohydrates into a pet's diet.
- Try to feed an animal as you would a growing child. Animals from age 0-1 year require a growth formula to provide increased calories and fat, animals from age 1-7 years old require a maintenance food to support their metabolic needs, and animals from age 7+ require a senior profiled diet to provide less calories and protein to support the slow down in metabolism.
- Be cautious not to over feed your pet because excess levels of nutrients are just as harmful as insufficient levels.
Exercise:
It is important to exercise your pet as a healthy way to manage your dog or cat's weight. Obese pets are at risk for high blood pressure, heart disease and arthritis.
According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) an extra 5 pounds on a dog that should weigh 17 pounds is similar to an extra 50 pounds on a person who should weigh 170 pounds.
Thanks to Allison M., Texas State dietetic intern, daughter of a Veterinarian and an animal food expert for her expertise in this article.
Picture of my dog Bogie.
|
Join us on Facebook