This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Your Pet's Diet: What Every Owner Should Know

Pet nutrition is something that every new and existing pet owner should give some serious thought to.

We’ve talked about how important it is for pet owners to maintain a safe environment for their furry pals. It’s equally as important to be mindful of the dangers that can affect the internal health of your pet.

What you feed your pet plays a crucial role in their ability to grow and maintain a healthy, happy quality of life. Thus, pet nutrition is something that every new and existing pet owner should give some serious thought to. 

Consulting with your veterinarian is the first step to accommodating your pet’s nutritional needs. They will help you identify and understand your pet’s dietary requirements. There are many different kinds of food for many different kinds of pet needs.

Find out what's happening in La Jollawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

For example, sensitive food types are geared toward animals with delicate, easily upset stomachs. There are also high-energy food types for performance animals such as police dogs or guide dogs. Similarly, reduced-calorie food exists for animals that are less active or may have a bit of a weight problem.

Food types can also be based on different life stages such as young, adult, pregnant or senior. In addition, various medical conditions can also require a special diet for your pet. For example, cats with feline diabetes require a diet high in fiber or protein but low in carbohydrates.

Find out what's happening in La Jollawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

It’s important to note that nutritional needs can also change over time. It’s important to be vigilant about ensuring that your pet’s dietary needs are being met so they receive the nutrients they need to thrive and reach optimum health.

Speaking of vigilance, pet owners should also be aware of several foods that are poisonous and potentially deadly to pets. Many of these foods are things we consume on a daily basis. It’s important to be aware of what they are so that you can be proactive about preventing your precious pet from accidentally ingesting them. (Please note: The following list is not comprehensive. Consult with your veterinarian if you are unsure about the safety of other food items.)

  • Foods you should never feed your pet(s): chocolate, coffee, grapes, avocado, mushrooms, raisins, salt, onions, nuts, fruit pits, tea and yeast dough.

Pet nutrition is just as much about the food you feed your pet as it is about how you feed your pet. Here are some feeding best practices:

  • Establish set mealtimes for your pet: Most animals love being able to recognize and rely on daily routines. Give them something to look forward to! Plus, leaving their food out all day can encourage them to eat out of boredom, which is a bad habit and can lead to weight problems.
  • Be mindful of food portions: Are you feeding your pet the recommended serving amount? There are a lot of different definitions of what constitutes “one cup” of food. Be sure you and your family are on the same page about exactly how much food your pet should be eating during mealtime.
  • Feeding your pet table scraps is a no-no: Animal digestive systems are not built to break down human food. Table scraps can upset their stomachs and cause vomiting or diarrhea. As mentioned earlier, many human foods are poisonous to pets, so giving them table scraps just increases the chances of them ingesting something that is harmful to them.
  • Don’t over-indulge your pet with treats: Often times, treats aren’t the healthiest things for pets to eat. Don’t rely solely on them as rewards for your pet. Animals love walks and rubs just as much!

Ensuring that your pet’s dietary needs are being met can be an overwhelming task, especially given that their nutritional needs can change over time. But here’s a little food for thought: Keeping your pet healthy is an important precursor to keeping them happy. So schedule a visit with your veterinarian and inquire as to whether your pet is consuming the appropriate food. Your pet will thank you!

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?