With hundreds of pet food available on the market, it can feel difficult to choose between the different options available. Even pet food advertisements don’t always provide the best information on the nutrients your furry family member needs to support their wellbeing. Nutrition counselling can support you to make the best decisions for your pet’s health.
What is nutrition counselling?
Nutrition counselling allows us to assess your pet’s overall health and provide dietary recommendations. It’s an opportunity to share information like your furry family member’s feeding schedule, daily food intake, and any new food you’ve recently included in their diet. This will help us provide recommendations on the best types of food to support their nutritional needs. This is also a great time to ask any questions about the correct food quantities you should be feeding your pet or the best types of food to support their life stage. To book an appointment, you can contact us at 604-464-6666.
Should my puppy/kitten get the same food as adult pets?
Puppies and kittens have different nutritional needs than adult pets since they are at different life stages. For example, puppies and kittens need more fat and calorie-rich food to provide more energy for their growth. Also, they need higher levels of protein to support muscle development. Adult pets usually don’t need as much protein, since their muscles are more developed. Our veterinary team can tailor your pet’s diet to their specific needs.
How do I read nutrition labels?
It can be overwhelming trying to decipher the various ingredients listed on your pet’s food. The ingredients are listed in descending order, with the densest ingredient at the beginning of the list. Your pet’s food should include a balance of key nutrients like carbohydrates, fats, protein and fibre. Carbohydrates help fuel your pet, giving them energy. Fats and fatty acids help improve the health and look of your pet’s skin and coat. Proteins build muscle and fibre promotes good gut health. You can look out for ingredients like:
- Corn, rice, barely – carbohydrates
- Fish oil, vegetable oil – fats and fatty acids
- Chicken, fish, soybean meal – protein
- Cellulose, beet pulp – fibre
