What should I feed my pet?

Like their two-legged counterparts, pets are what they eat

As a pet owner, it’s hard not to feel bombarded by conflicting messages on what to feed your pet. Should it be wet or dry? Raw or commercial? We don’t have all the answers to the perfect pet diet, but below are a few things to consider when weighing in on food choices.

Dogs

You’ve come a long way, doggie

Our knowledge of dog nutrition has come a long way: 50 years ago, most dogs lived entirely on table scraps, the exact opposite of a healthy diet. Today, most commercially available dog foods are made using a very precise formula of carbohydrates, protein and fats. Achieving that formula with a home-cooked diet is a huge responsibility and requires a considerable amount of effort and research.

The number of calories your dog needs will depend on a number of factors, such as his breed, size, age, activity level, and life stage. For example, highly active dogs and pregnant dogs need to eat more food, more often, than most. As far as choosing a commercial brand, talk to your veterinarian about names that you both know and trust.

To determine how much to feed your dog, look at the recommendation on the food label based on his weight. Remember that dogs are like people – two dogs of the same size, age and breed may have different metabolic needs. Biscuits and treats should also factor into the equation and should be no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.

Cats

More meat, please!

Unlike dogs, cats are carnivores. They have a special need for certain amino acids, which are found in high levels of meat. If they don’t eat a diet containing these special amino acids, they may develop serious health problems.

A lot of research has gone into commercially available, “over the counter” foods. They are developed to meet the nutritional needs and tastes of most cats. Nevertheless, always read the labels carefully and look for the seal of approval from the American Association of Feed Control Officers (AAFCO).

Choose a brand that is appropriate for your cat’s life stage. If your cat suffers from a specific health problem, talk to your veterinarian about whether he needs a specific food.

An ounce of prevention …

Obesity is the most common nutritional disease affecting dogs and cats. If you have any concerns about the type and amount to feed your new pet, be sure to talk to your veterinarian.