Pet Nutrition
Our pets are important to us, and in many cases, they are like family. And so naturally, we want what is best for their health. One fundamental way of making sure our pets stay healthy and happy is to give them the proper nutrition.
Why is Pet Nutrition Important?
Just like with humans, what you put into the body of your pet is important. One way a pet owner can help the longevity and life span of their pet is by providing as much high-quality food as possible. Feeding them good nutritional food has a direct impact on your pet’s overall health. Quality is key, and “you are what you eat” is really a true statement, even for your beloved pets.
In short, better quality of food equals better quality of life. This results in fewer illnesses, diseases, itching, ear infections…you name it. And while the food you give them is not an absolute guarantee that they will not suffer injury or disease, it helps with their overall health. They will have better muscle tone, better bones, more energy…this in turn helps protect their overall immune systems, which may translate into fewer trips to the vet.
How can I Provide my Pet with the Best Nutrition?
So what is “high-quality food?” A good place to start is to seek out pet food that does not contain by-products. Foods that contain meat, or meat meal, contain carbohydrates with minimal fillers, which are ingredients such as corn, wheat and soy. These fillers are often the culprit of any allergic reactions to the food your pet may experience.
What you don’t want in your pet’s food are by-products, fillers, artificial colors, flavors, or chemical preservatives. These unnecessary ingredients build up in your pets’ digestive system and can cause health issues down the line.
Seek out foods that contain all-natural Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. The higher the quality of food, the better your pet is able to digest and absorb all of the good nutrients. This makes for a strong, healthy pet. Protein is a major food source your pet needs. But there is a difference between digestible protein and crude protein. The latter contains such nasty ingredients as chicken beaks, goat hair, cow hooves, and the like – which are sources of protein but they are not digestible – indeed they are “spare parts” of other animals that act as fillers. Not good for your pet!
These foods with fillers are less expensive, which makes them attractive to pet owners. Often times these foods will also contain sugars and artificial flavorings to make the food more palatable. But the reality is that any money you save on pet food, will just be offset by expensive vet bills down the line when your pet gets sick. High-quality food is more expensive, to be sure, but it will ensure a healthier life for your pets, and this equates to much lower vet bills.
Finally, there is no one brand or type of healthy food that is good for all pets, or even type of pet. Do your research and take into account your pet’s age, medical condition and lifestyle – there is the perfect food out there for your pet. And they will love you for it!
