Important factors in selecting an appropriate food should include:

 

Life Stage—Growing animals need additional nutrients. Adults and seniors need high-quality protein, but adults need moderate energy. In general, encourage owners to select a food formulated for their pet’s life stage.

 

Size—For adult and senior dogs, smaller breeds need less food by volume but more calories per pound of body weight than medium and large breeds. Small breed puppies often grow faster than medium and large breeds, and need more nutrients and energy. Owners should consider a food formulated for their dogs’ size or should adjust portions accordingly.

 

Weight—Adults should be fed a food designed to help them maintain a healthy weight. Overweight animals should be fed slightly smaller portions, or a formulation designed for weight control or less active pets. Underweight animals may need more food or “performance” formulations designed for more active pets. Exercise—Active animals need a diet that supplies more energy; sedentary or less active animals need less energy and calories. More active animals may need to be fed larger portions, more frequent meals or a performance formulation.

 

Indoor vs. Outdoor—Pets that spend significant time outside in cold temperatures often need to eat more calories, protein and fat to maintain their weight. Outdoor cats tend to be more active than indoor cats; strictly indoor cats generally need less food to maintain optimal body condition

When transitioning a pet to an adult formulation, the objective is to make this switch when the animal has stopped growing and no longer needs the additional nutrients, calories and energy found in puppy and kitten food.

• Cats usually can move from kitten food to adult food at about one year old.
• Smaller dog breeds will typically reach adulthood between 8 and 10 months of age.
• Medium-sized dog breeds are generally ready to transition to adult food at one year old.
• Larger dog breeds take longer to stop growing, and usually should stay on a puppy diet for 1-1/2 years.
• Giant breed dogs need puppy food until 18 months to two years, depending on breed.

Nutritional requirements vary based on size and activity level, as well as by individual animal. Owners should monitor young animals closely and consider moving them to an adult food sooner than the general guideline if the animal has stopped growing, appears to be gaining excessive weight or consistently does not eat all of the food provided.

Healthy dogs and cats have a clearly defined waist when viewed from above and ribs that can be clearly felt when the owner lightly strokes over the area. In overweight animals, pressure must be applied to feel the ribs and there is no defined waist. Overweight animals should be fed less food and/or exercised more. In some cases, owners may need to transition their pet to a mature or senior diet to maintain a healthy weight and prevent related health problems.

To make sure pets get the nutrients they need, rather than dramatically reducing portion size, it is recommend to switch to a reduced calorie, weight control formulation that includes additional vitamins and minerals to compensate for the lower energy intake.

Owners who suspect a food sensitivity or allergy should consult their veterinarian. For animals with food sensitivities, you may suggest:

• A brand or formulation that includes different ingredients
• An omega-3 fatty acid supplement
• A food formulation that includes increased omega-3 fatty acids
• An alternative-protein, grain-free or raw diet or baked food
• A specialized, therapeutic or prescription diet (in severe cases)

Without proper care, plaque and tartar build up can cause bad breath; red, swollen and tender gums; pain; bleeding and tooth loss. Over time, the inflammation and infection from periodontal disease can damage the heart, liver and kidneys, leading to serious health problems.

To help keep pets’ teeth and gums healthy, owners should:

• Have their pets’ teeth checked once a year by a veterinarian.
• Consider feeding a formulation designed for dental health.
• Supplement wet food with dry food.
• Brush pets’ teeth at least once a week.
• Provide toys that encourage gnawing and chewing.
• Offer tartar control treats.