Dr. Karen Becker from Healthy Pets, who's a leading authority in pet nutrition.

I have been asked to post this article by Dr Karen Becker on pet nutrition.  This is so important as so many of the most popular food is full of things we would never feed our pets! As an animal communicator I will always ask the pet what they need, any intolerances, any supplements they need - so you are getting it from the horses mouth - so to speak!  If you would like an animal communication session please contact me on ann@annparker.co.uk

 

 

Crucial Things To Consider When It Comes To Feeding Your Pet

Loving pet parents are often concerned about whether they’re making the best feeding decisions for their dogs and cats. Although the ideal diet is different for each animal, learning some general information about pet nutrition can help you make healthy choices for your four-legged family member.

However, this is easier said than done. There's a lot of information out there from a lot of different sources (some better than others), and it's easy to get overwhelmed.

We know a lot goes into deciding what to put in your furry friend’s food bowl, so to make things easier, we’ve outlined some important points for you to consider.

Some Things To Consider ...

For starters, there are some common mistakes that you should avoid, like overfeeding your pet, getting store-bought food full of filler ingredients, and underestimating the importance of a balanced diet. All these factors can potentially lead to health issues down the road.

Next, it’s important to know which kinds of wholesome foods and supplements you can give your pet. A dietary boost can help get your pal into tip-top shape, depending on his or her nutrition needs.

Then, you also have to decide whether you’d like to feed your dog or cat a kibble, wet food, cooked, or raw diet, based on his or her health and your budget and lifestyle. Yes, there’s a lot to consider!

While this may seem overwhelming, the good news is, small changes can make a big difference.

For instance, switching out high-calorie, processed treats for wholesome, homemade goodies can help animals reach or maintain a healthy weight.

Certain pet-safe whole foods like banana slices, carrots, plain cooked chicken, and eggs can even offer a nutritional boost. And while these foods will supplement the diet with extra vitamins and minerals, your pal will just think he or she is getting a yummy snack!

Nutrition: The Foundation Of Health

Just like with humans, our pets’ health begins with proper nutrition. The big difference, though, is that they depend on us to make their eating decisions for them!

The good news is, you don’t have to be an expert to be a wonderful pet parent, but you do have to have a little background knowledge about animal nutrition and health. That includes getting expert guidance from veterinarians and nutritionists to help you learn how to best care for your pal.

But while their help is crucial, at the end of the day, the choices you make for your four-legged friend are ultimately up to you. So, listen to the advice of trusted professionals, do some research, and use your best judgment. After all, no one knows your pet quite as well as you!