From the Vet: What to Look for When Buying Pet Food

Dog wit empty bowl.

Every pet needs plenty of TLC, quality veterinary care, and a healthy diet. But finding a food that checks all the boxes—nutritious, delicious, and within budget—can be overwhelming. There are more options now than ever before, with new brands, specialty diets, and textures, and even refrigerated foods for both cats and dogs.  

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A Broken Heart: Exploring the Link Between Grain-Free Diets and Cardiac Disease in Dogs

Dog with cardiac disease eating

As pet owners and animal lovers, we want the best for our furry family members. That means feeding them a high-quality, nutritious diet. With major advances in our understanding of pet nutrition and a broader availability of commercial pet food, this task has has never been easier. Human diet trends, such as paleo, organic, vegetarian, and grain-free, have also infiltrated the pet world, leading to more and more choices, along with more and more confusion.

Unfortunately, some devastating side effects have resulted from these incredible improvements in pet nutrition, specifically the recent incidents of cardiac disease in dogs.

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What Every Pet Owner Should Know About Pets and People Food

Pets and people food can be a threat to pet nutrition

There’s no question that a high-quality, nutritionally balanced, life-stage appropriate pet food is the ideal diet for any pet. Although our companions don’t need quite the same range of foods and nutrients that we do, adding some variety to their diet can be fun and easy (and healthy!).

While pets and people food are generally a recipe for disaster, there are some foods that are just fine for animals to eat. The trick is knowing which ones are safe and which ones to avoid. Let the team at Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital offer some guidance!

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Therapeutic Diets for Pets: Why Nutrition Can Benefit Pets With Medical Conditions

Dog with therapeutic pet dietPet food has come a long way from the table scraps people used to feed their pets. It wasn’t until the 20th century that the idea came along that, yes, pets also need the right nutrition. From organic options to grain-free foods, specialty diets now flood the market. In fact, the pet food aisle can be downright confusing and overwhelming for some people.

Pets with medical conditions are no exception, with many products available that aim to alleviate conditions or at least slow their progression. Indeed, specialty diets are invaluable components of treatment programs and can support a pet’s overall well-being.   Continue…

Help! I Have an Overweight Pet!

An overweight pet is not funny, nor is it good for pet healthHave the winter blahs left your pet with a few extra pounds around the middle? Have you noticed that you both are sitting on the couch a wee bit too much? As we welcome the return of the longest (and sunniest) days of the year, it’s easier than ever to get motivated to shed those few extra pounds.

Not sure if you have an overweight pet? Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital is here with some tips for how to tell if your pet is at the correct weight, and if not, provide some help for your overweight pet.

Why Is Pet Weight Important?

According to the latest veterinary surveys, over 50% of our pets in the U.S. are now either overweight or obese. That means that 80 million pets! Just like in people, pets who are overweight are at greater risk for developing debilitating disease, such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and many forms of cancer.

In addition, because pets age so much faster than we do, you can expect to see these diseases pop up even earlier in their lives. In fact, studies show that pets who are leaner live a full 2 years longer then their heavier counterparts. Continue…

Do I Need to Change Pet Food According to Age?

You should select a pet food according to age for proper pet nutrition and pet healthA walk through the food aisle at your local pet supply store is likely to have your head swimming. There are diets for puppies, large breed seniors, small breed puppies, and more. There is cat food, senior cat food, food for cats with sensitive stomachs, and food for cats who live indoors. There are even pet foods geared towards certain breeds.

Likely, you have found a diet that works well for your pet and have stuck with it. But do you need to change your pet food according to age? The answer isn’t always clear cut. Lucky for you (and your animals) our expert veterinarians at Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital are happy to help you select the right food for your pet.

Importance of Pet Nutrition

This well-known phrase – you are what you eat is actually quite accurate. A balanced diet is the foundation of good health in our pets.

A solid nutritional foundation is important in order to support: Continue…

The Right Stuff: Choosing the Perfect Food for Your Pet

food for your petThere is a lot of information out there (especially online) about pet food, and much of it is misleading or incorrect. Your veterinarian is your best source for helping you dive into the world of pet nutrition, and to help you select an appropriate food for your pet.

Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital can discuss your pet’s nutritional needs at your next preventive care exam, but let’s also take a look at why choosing the right food for your pet will encourage a long and healthy life.

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Is Pet Weight Gain a Seasonal Phenomenon? How to Slim Down This Spring

Pet Weight GainWhen it’s cold, wet, and possibly slippery outside, it’s hard to muster any enthusiasm for daily jaunts around the block. It might not make that much difference to some dog owners, but reducing or restricting outside exercise can negatively affect a pup’s state of mind – and silhouette. Pet weight gain is common during the colder months, but now that spring has sprung, it’s time to address those love handles.

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