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The importance of high quality nutrition throughout the life of your pet cannot be overemphasized.
Most pet foods on the market today are free of nutrient deficiencies that could cause harm in the short-term, however, many commercial foods contain nutrient excesses which can cause harm over time. For example, if a food is excessive in phosphorous, this will cause undue wear and tear on the kidneys over the life of the pet and can lead to earlier onset of kidney failure. Many pet foods are formulated to feed “all lifestages“, from puppy or kittenhood into the senior years. Since growing puppies and kittens have different caloric and nutrient requirements than adults and seniors, an “all lifestages” food will automatically be inappropriate in certain nutrients and calories when fed to an adult or senior.
There is an enormous variety of pet foods on the market, and pet owners will often read labels in an attempt to determine the best food for their pet. Unfortunately, the information gathered by reading the label on a pet food does not help determine the nutritional value of that food. For example, the percentage of protein listed in the guaranteed analysis on a pet food label refers to the minimum percentage of protein, not the actual amount. The nutrient analysis, revealing actual nutrient percentages, can only be obtained through direct contact with the company, and in many cases, is not accessible at all. In addition, one can tell nothing about the quality of the food by simply reading the label. We only recommend foods from companies we trust will provide high quality, consistent products. Those companies provide us with all of the appropriate nutritional information about their products so we can make an educated recommendation for your pet.
When making a recommendation, nutritional requirements depending on lifestage, breed, and health status must be considered. Pets with health conditions such as, diabetes, kidney disease, arthritis, or a skin allergy will have different nutritional requirements than pets without specific health concerns. Large and giant breed puppies should be fed differently from small and medium breeds. Decisions regarding your pet’s nutrition should not be made without first consulting your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will take into account your pet’s lifestage and medical needs when making a pet food recommendation.
Most pet foods on the market today are free of nutrient deficiencies that could cause harm in the short-term, however, many commercial foods contain nutrient excesses which can cause harm over time. For example, if a food is excessive in phosphorous, this will cause undue wear and tear on the kidneys over the life of the pet and can lead to earlier onset of kidney failure. Many pet foods are formulated to feed “all lifestages“, from puppy or kittenhood into the senior years. Since growing puppies and kittens have different caloric and nutrient requirements than adults and seniors, an “all lifestages” food will automatically be inappropriate in certain nutrients and calories when fed to an adult or senior.
There is an enormous variety of pet foods on the market, and pet owners will often read labels in an attempt to determine the best food for their pet. Unfortunately, the information gathered by reading the label on a pet food does not help determine the nutritional value of that food. For example, the percentage of protein listed in the guaranteed analysis on a pet food label refers to the minimum percentage of protein, not the actual amount. The nutrient analysis, revealing actual nutrient percentages, can only be obtained through direct contact with the company, and in many cases, is not accessible at all. In addition, one can tell nothing about the quality of the food by simply reading the label. We only recommend foods from companies we trust will provide high quality, consistent products. Those companies provide us with all of the appropriate nutritional information about their products so we can make an educated recommendation for your pet.
When making a recommendation, nutritional requirements depending on lifestage, breed, and health status must be considered. Pets with health conditions such as, diabetes, kidney disease, arthritis, or a skin allergy will have different nutritional requirements than pets without specific health concerns. Large and giant breed puppies should be fed differently from small and medium breeds. Decisions regarding your pet’s nutrition should not be made without first consulting your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will take into account your pet’s lifestage and medical needs when making a pet food recommendation.
