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Spring is an exciting season at the veterinary
practice where I work. Each year our patient "family"
grows with the addition of new puppies and kittens. Some of these
youngsters are joining a family with many years’ experience as pet
owners, while others become the first four-legged "child"
in the home. But whether pet owners are seasoned or brand new, the
issue of proper feeding of the new baby is always an important one.
Just as baby humans have special dietary needs and
considerations, so do puppies and kittens. Because they are active
and growing quickly, building muscle and bone, their nutritional
needs far exceed that of their adult counterparts. Puppies and
kittens need a diet higher in protein and fats, as well as with
increased mineral levels and the proper calcium/phosphorous ratio.
Most commercial foods meet these criteria; however, many generic and
store brand pet foods do not. The rule of thumb for buying any type
of pet food is: A higher priced food does not necessarily mean a
better food, but foods that are very low in cost cannot and do not
contain the high quality ingredients necessary for proper nutrition.
Also important to remember is: The addition of table foods and
vitamins will NOT make a poor diet better.
Choosing the right food for your new pet is just the beginning.
"How much food?" and "How often should I feed?"
are questions commonly asked. Most good pet foods will have a
feeding guide on the bag or can. These guides are meant to be
starting points for an average pet. Your pet may need more or less
than the guide suggests. The amount fed will depend largely on the
age, breed and estimated adult weight of your puppy. When in doubt,
ask your veterinarian or the staff member in charge of nutritional
counseling at the veterinary practice you visit for your pet’s
health care.
While it may be easier to "free feed" your puppy or
kitten by leaving a bowl of food out all the time, this method of
feeding can contribute to a number of health and behavior problems
later. Puppies and kittens should be fed 2 – 4 times per day
depending on age. By meal feeding, the pet owner, not the pet,
controls how much food is consumed. This not only helps prevent
obesity, but can be very advantageous in situations where
medications must be given with meals. Meal feeding also makes
housebreaking the puppy a much easier chore. Remember to moisten dry
foods for ease of chewing for very young pets under 12 weeks of age.
In large breed dogs, the food should be moistened throughout
adulthood as well, to prevent digestive problems. Fresh water should
always be available.
Proper nutrition for your pet is no mystery. If you are concerned
or confused about any aspect of feeding your pets, help is only as
far away as your telephone. Your veterinarian has the information
you need to make the best choice for your dog or cat.
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