{"id":1156,"date":"2018-05-09T11:07:51","date_gmt":"2018-05-09T18:07:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rocklinranchvet.com\/blog\/?p=1156"},"modified":"2024-07-25T05:49:34","modified_gmt":"2024-07-25T12:49:34","slug":"food-for-your-pet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rocklinranchvet.com\/blog\/food-for-your-pet\/","title":{"rendered":"The Right Stuff: Choosing the Perfect Food for Your Pet"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"foodThere 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.<\/p>\n

Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital<\/a> can discuss your pet\u2019s nutritional needs at your next preventive care exam<\/a>, but let\u2019s also take a look at why choosing the right food for your pet will encourage a long and healthy life.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

First Things First<\/h3>\n

Just like people, the importance of good nutrition for pets cannot be overstated. You know how great you feel when you make healthy choices with your diet, and our pets are no different. In fact, studies show that the right pet food can not only help your pet feel their best, it can actually lengthen their life! Amazing.<\/p>\n

But again, how do you choose the right pet food for your pet? Pet foods must be nutritionally balanced and offer a complete source of a pet\u2019s diet, and there are literally hundreds of options out there. Before you throw up your hands in confusion, here are some things you will want to consider.<\/p>\n

Age, Activity, and Breed<\/h3>\n

Age<\/strong> \u2013 Age should always be a consideration when selecting a pet food. Puppies and kittens<\/a> need extra protein to help their bodies grow and develop properly. Senior pets can benefit from a different ratio of fats, carbohydrates, and protein, since their energy needs begin to decline with age (though not always).<\/p>\n

Activity<\/strong> \u2013 As mentioned above, some pets have different energy needs based on their lifestyle, and these should be taken into consideration when selecting a pet food.<\/p>\n

Breed<\/strong> \u2013 Breed should also be a consideration. Large breed dogs have a different nutritional need than toy breeds, and some breeds can benefit from a diet that takes their genetic predispositions into account.<\/p>\n

Manage Disease with Diet<\/h3>\n

All foods should contain these three elements: protein, fat, and carbohydrate. The ratios between these depend upon the overall health of your pet, something we can help you to assess. Some pets benefit from a different protein source if they are susceptible to allergies. Other pets may need a urinary\/kidney support diet, or one that helps to manage their diabetes.<\/p>\n

Whatever the health of your pet, you can be sure that we can assess them, and then work with you to select a diet that will help manage any health problems.<\/p>\n

A Word About Raw Food for Your Pet<\/h3>\n

Raw diets have become popular in recent years. The common thought is that, since pets descended from wild animals, feeding them a raw diet is healthier and more \u201cnatural\u201d than a commercially prepared diet. Unfortunately, the marketing wheel has spun this one to a pet\u2019s disadvantage.<\/p>\n

Veterinarians are concerned with raw diets, since it\u2019s very hard to determine if there is the right ratio of nutrients, or even if all the necessary nutrients for good health are found at all in a raw diet. Adding to that, pathogenic bacteria that can easily make their way from a raw diet into your kitchen, your pet, and even your family, and it\u2019s clear that raw diets are risky.<\/p>\n

Cooking for your pet holds some of the same concerns. Without very specific knowledge and follow through, it\u2019s tough for the home cook to deliver pet meals that are consistently nutritionally balanced and complete.<\/p>\n

Treat Them Well<\/h3>\n

In addition to a nutritionally complete and balanced diet, make sure that whatever treats you are feeding enhance, rather than detract from, your pet\u2019s health. Many treats on the market today are truly nothing but junk food for your pet. Ask us how to select a nutrient-rich treat for your pet, and make sure that your pet\u2019s calorie intake is balanced when you treat them.<\/p>\n

If all the above information still seems overwhelming, don\u2019t despair. Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital<\/a> is here to help you navigate the world of pet food and nutrition, and we are excited to help your pet on the path to feeling great with the right diet. Call us<\/a> today for a consultation on selecting the right food for your pet.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

There 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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[75,29,53],"tags":[626,627,628,624,629,612],"class_list":["post-1156","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-exercise-nutrition-obesity","category-pet-health-wellness","category-you-your-pet","tag-best-pet-foods","tag-food-for-your-pet","tag-pet-food","tag-pet-foods","tag-pet-nutrients","tag-pet-nutrition"],"yoast_head":"\nThe Right Stuff: Choosing the Perfect Food for Your Pet<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital can discuss your pet\u2019s nutritional needs at your next preventive care exam, but let\u2019s also take a look at why choosing the right food for your pet will encourage a long and healthy life.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, 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