Diet is one of the most important aspects of our pets every day life. What we allow them to eat provides the stepping stones on which their health depends. Healing, growth and metabolism cannot advance sufficiently without adequate energy, which all begins with the animal's diet.
The same concepts we apply to our every day life with regard to physiology and nutrition can also be applied to our pets. The best diet for animals is made up of organic wholesome foods. Try to allow for plenty of variety. Fish, poultry, beef, fruits and vegetables should be included in the cat or dog's diet. Nearly all food, in moderation, is acceptable for an animal. Giving your animal only one type of food, whether it is home made or commercial, can predispose the animal to shortage of nutrients.
Many companies make a claim that their food is balanced and complete. However, in normal situations, one type of food cannot be balanced or complete for every pet out there. Each pet has individual needs and those should be taken into consideration when selecting a food. Since cats and dogs are natural carnivores, raw meat would be an ideal diet. However, the raw meat that is available today contains hormones, bacterial contaminants, antibiotics and pesticides. Therefore, giving your animal organic poultry and meat is a great alternative. Fresh food can easily be used as a supplement. In some instances, it can be used as a replacement to the more traditional diet. Under your veterinarian's direction, a complete home prepared meal can be formulated especially for your pet.
Often, a wholesome diet will help with various medical conditions. If all you feed your animal is commercial food, be sure to use the best quality food you can afford. Even with the best commercial food available, supplementing may be needed.
It is important that animals do not have night and day access to their food. Instead, only allow your animal certain times that they are allowed to eat. You can set food out for your animal for an hour in the morning and then again for another hour at night. This allows it stomach to settle down between each meal.
Dogs naturally enjoy chewing. For them, chewing is therapeutic. It helps to take care of their teeth and is fun. Since most of our pets are not out hunting, we need to give them a meaty bone occasionally. However, not all dogs are made to eat meaty bones. Dogs with sensitive stomachs can have problems with such bones. They can cause diarrhea and/or vomiting. You can help these types of dogs by gradually introducing the bones to them and only allowing them to chew for several minutes at a time.
It is important to monitor your animal's diet. A pet's diet has an impact on virtually every other aspect of its life. With the help of your veterinarian you can come up with a diet specially designed for your animal.