Your pets nutritional needs change with age and some medical conditions require special diets. A healthy, balanced diet is as important to pets as it is to people, but with hundreds of different food brands to choose from, how do you decide what and how much to feed your pet? Consult your veterinarian. He will explain your pets nutritional needs based on age, breed, medical condition and activity level. He will advise the appropriate premium quality food to in order to maintain optimal health for your pet. Always measure how much food you give based on your veterinarians instructions. Establish mealtimes for your pet. If food is available all day, your pet may eat out of boredom.

DIET & WEIGHT CONTROL

Dont feed your pet table scraps! They are high in fat and calories and can upset the nutritional balance your pet needs. Caloric restriction (keeping pets lean their entire life) helps them live longer. The FDAs Center for Veterinary Medicine estimates that 30 to 40% of pets are overweight; 25% of those are considered obese. Obesity can shorten a pets life by contributing to heart and liver problems, diabetes, arthritis, bladder cancer and skin disorders and puts a pet at higher risk while undergoing anesthesia and surgery. Overweight pets also have a greater chance of tearing ligaments and wearing down their joints, both of which make mobility difficult. If your pet needs to lose weight, he should do so gradually; 1 to 2% loss per week is best. Reduce caloric intake by giving less food & by feeding dry food versus canned.

"Treating" Your Pet Right

The most dangerous problem overindulgence in treats can cause is obesity. Treats can be a hidden cause of weight gain because you may not realize how many you give your pet throughout the day.

Choosing the "Right" Treat for Your Pet