Pet food questions

Pet food questions and answers. Specialty stores such as Petco or Petsmart have make a fortune on our love for our pets. Pets are more than just companions, they are members of our home and we love them as such.

Most families have at least one pet. One of the initial concerns when first owning a cat, dog or any animal is what to feed it. Pet food is a huge market and there are hundreds of options available for pet owners to choose from. Here are some common questions and answers to the pet food puzzle.

What should I feed my pets?

The most obvious answer is to feed your pets a diet that keeps them healthy and strong. You would not feed a dog food meant for your fish. Each animal has specific dietary needs that must be met in order to be healthy.

Most commercial pet foods are a blend of the different type of foods that each pet needs such as fiber, vitamins, protein and vegetables.

An animal in the wild will consume the exact amount and specific food that is best compatible with its species. Veterinarians advise keeping your pet on a diet that closely resembles the food it would naturally seek out.

More pet food questions

Is it better to feed my pets dry food or wet food? This was one of the most popular pet food questions asked by our visitors.

Our opinion on whether or not to give your pet dry food or wet food is based on your individual pet. Take for example cats. Some cats do well on a wet food diet and actually prefer it over the dry cat food. The same is true in reverse.

You can try both varieties to see which your pet prefers and what works best with his or her dietary needs. Some pet owners report that a diet comprised mainly of wet food will give their cats runny stools so they mix the dry food with a couple of tablespoons of the wet formula. This can be a good compromise!

Pet food questions: My pet is overweight. What type of food is recommended for him/her?

A pet being overweight is just as serious as it is for humans. Excess weight puts pressure on the pet's internal systems as well as their joints. If your pet is overweight the first step is taking him or her to your veterinarian for a complete check-up and physical.

You need to determine whether or not there is an underlying condition causing your pet to gain excess weight. The problem may be lack of exercise. This means that you, the owner, is neglecting your pet and you must start taking an active role in his or her health.

If your pet is overweight your veterinarian will work out a health plan that includes a change in diet, exercise and teaching you how to love your pet without equating that love with treats and snacks.

Feed my pets food designed for young pets?

You can think of the food as more concentrated with less filling material such as corn. There is nothing wrong with giving your adult pet food specifically designed for young pets.

You may see a noticeable weight gain if the dog or cat is consuming the same amount of puppy or kitty food as they do the adult formula. If that is the case you will need to decrease the amounts you are feeding at each time.

Most dry pet foods contain three important ingredients: fiber, protein and fat. The protein in a dry pet food needs to be at least thirty percent and the fat should be no more than eighteen percent. A majority of dry pet food manufacturers add supplements to their dry food along with flavoring.

The supplements should be Vitamins E and C. Any dry pet food you use should list the guaranteed ingredients in every batch. Individual pet food batches can vary in the supplements and the added ingredients. Try to choose a pet food that has the least amount of preservatives.

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