Does your puppy or kitten come running when you open a bag of treats? Are they eager to sit, wait, or come for food? Most pets love to eat and some are very food motivated, which can help with behavioral training, but
proper diet & nutrition
can also play an important role in their overall health. At South County Animal Hospital, we can help determine the best choice of pet food for your dog or cat’s diet.
Providing Adequate Cat and Dog Nutrition in Morgan Hill, CA
We understand that you want the best for your companion, and that includes offering the most beneficial formula of pet food. Nutrition plays a vital role in your dog or cat’s overall health by helping to manage a variety of conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. Our animal hospital carries an array of specialized and prescription diets to meet the diverse needs of our patients. Here are a few general guidelines we recommend when deciding which pet food to purchase:
Check for AAFCO Guidelines
All pet food should have a nutritional adequacy statement to let pet owners know if a particular food is “formulated to meet or exceed the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO nutritional profiles” or if it has met the AAFCO standards during animal feeding tests to ensure it supplies adequate nutrition. Pets should not be fed treats, snacks or anything that has been labeled for supplemental use as a substitute for proper pet food.
Think About Your Pet’s Nutritional Needs
Consider your pet’s individual needs by considering their age, size, species, and health conditions. Each of these factors can affect your dog or cat’s dietary needs. You wouldn’t want to give food formulated for seniors to puppies and kittens. A large breed dog wouldn’t benefit from a smaller breed’s formula. Your veterinarian can help choose pet food best suited to your furry friend’s needs.
Examine Pet Food Labels Closely
We recommend reading the labels on any pet food you’re considering prior to purchasing. The nutritional adequacy statement, listing of ingredients, feeding directions and guaranteed analysis can each provide useful information regarding the nutritional value of each pet food.
