Small Animal Nutrition
The wide range of pet foods, lifestage diets and prescription veterinary diets on the market today can be confusing. So how should you feed your pet?
Dogs and Cats
Most readily available diets today have been formulated based on knowledge of the dietary requirements of our pets. For example, cats require a higher proportion of protein in their diet, and so cannot be fed in the same way as dogs. All pet foods that are available commercially are nutritionally balanced, but you may encounter problems if you try to formulate a home-cooked diet without advice from your vet/nutritionist.
It is recommended that pets are fed based on their ‘life stage’. Growing animals should be fed puppy/kitten food until they reach maturity. Most adult animals can be fed a commercial diet until they are classed as ‘senior’ pets – usually at about 8 years of age. These diets differ in their energy and mineral contents based on the average pet’s activity levels and requirements. Some pet food companies also offer diets designed for a particular breed type (mini, medium, large, giant dog) or for particular breeds.
Sometimes your pet may need a prescription diet if they have a medical problem, such as liver, kidney or gastrointestinal disease, or sensitive skin. These diets can only be prescribed by veterinary surgeons after diagnosis, but can provide great support with the correct balance of nutritional components to make your pets life as full and long as possible.
Similarly, it may be necessary to put your pet on a weight loss diet, especially as they get older and their energy requirements decrease. Just as in humans, weight gain can be detrimental to the health of our pets. Arthritis and diabetes can be caused and worsened by obesity. Again, many low calorie diets are available commercially and from your vet. Weight loss can take a long time to achieve, and can be difficult to maintain. If you are worried about your pet’s weight, why not pop in for a discussion on how to start a weight loss program, or join in our weight clinic?
We sell and recommend life stage and prescription diets manufactured by Royal Canin.
Rabbits
Rabbits are now the third most popular family pet, but many are fed on unhealthy diets. The most important component of a rabbit’s diet is plenty of grass or hay. Not only does it maintain digestive function, but also helps to wear down rabbits teeth, which grow throughout their lives. Rabbits love the other feeds that they are given, but these should be kept to a minimum.
They can also be very picky and chose only certain parts of their feed to eat. This is why we recommend a complete pelleted supplementary diet, where all the pellets have the same nutritional components. Don’t forget, treats like fruit and veg can be given, but in small amounts only!
The number of overweight rabbits is also increasing, which can cause problems with arthritis, grooming and fly strike.
If you have any worries or queries about your pet’s diet, don’t hesitate to call one of our vets.