How to ensure your four legged friend enjoys every meal
Tips to follow to ensure your pet gets the right nutrition
Have you ever wished that your four-legged companions could tell you exactly what they like to eat? Not sure exactly what to give them at dinner time?
Then this article is especially for you.
With so many different brands of pet food on the market that promise everything from shinier coats to healthier digestive systems, as well as fresher breath, picking the right food for you fur-child can become very tricky.
But, it is not impossible, and if you follow these suggestions, your pet will thank you with lots of tail wagging and slobbery kisses.
The first thing to check is the nutritional information section on the back of the pet food pack. It should contain a healthy level of fats, such as Omega 3 and salmon oil, plus fibre and a limited quantity of carbohydrates. To ensure your pet gets a higher percentage of protein (instead of by-products and other less nutritious ingredients), check whether the ingredients contain real meat as opposed to meat by-products.
The next question owners tend to ask, is, “Should I buy wet or dry pet food?” The answer is simple, either one is fine, and all depends on your pet’s preference. Wet food can be a good additional source of hydration, especially for pets that do not drink as much water as they should. It could also be a good solution for older pets that need food that is easier to digest or if they are suffering from loss of appetite due to illness.
On the other hand, dry food is not only for the convenience of easy storage for pet owners, it’s also good for their dental health, and a great training treat.
Pet food safety is very important. Owners should remember that it does not mean strict health and safety standards should not be met just because it is pet food. Look for the Pet Food Industry Association (PFI) logo on pet food products – brands with this certification wear the badge proudly, because it demonstrates that their products are aligned to world-class standards of quality and safety. All pet foods should also be registered with the Department of Agriculture.
Age is not just a number, and the variety of options available to cater for pets at different stages of their lives is a good indication of that. The reason for this is simple – your pets’ dietary requirements change as they get older, meaning their pet food should also change with age, to ensure they maintain good health and have a longer life-span.
Take control of the health and well-being of your pets and ensure they receive the food that is best for them.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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