Animals need a well-rounded diet, just as people do. What’s more, quality foods directly impact your pet’s heath. “You are what you eat” can ultimately be applied to animals, too. At Blue Lake Animal Hospital, our talented veterinarians help pet owners understand their pet’s nutritional requirements and how to fulfil them. Learn how nutrition influences your pet’s wellness, and why you should be selective about the kinds of foods you feed your pet.
A shiny, healthy coat is a sign of excellent health in many cases. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids supports healthy skin and coat by reducing irritants that causes fur to break and fall out. For instance, cats with food allergies may bite or scratch at their fur, leading to bald patches. Changing your pet’s diet can alleviate the inflammation and discomfort, which then stops it from harming its coat.
All cells are made of protein. Protein is an essential component of building tissues that make up your pet’s fur, skin, organs and muscles. Young animals that are still growing may need a different protein intake than a senior pet. Plus, certain breeds require more protein in their diets, such as dogs. Our veterinarians can help you choose the best food to support your pet’s protein intake requirements.
It’s common for house pets to become overweight when their diet is not properly regulated. For instance, cats tend to become overweight when they are graze fed, meaning you may leave out a large bowl and let them eat at it all day. While this may be easier, you might underestimate how much food your pet actually consumes.
A healthy diet ensures your pet maintains a strong immune system. Vitamins and minerals in food are integral in regulating a healthy immune response and metabolism. They lower the damage done to cells and help them function properly. Both plant and animal sources provide these vitamins for disease prevention, so be sure to speak with a veterinarian on how to provide a balanced diet for your pet based on whether it is a herbivore or omnivore.
Fiber is one of the most important nutrients that aids in digestive processes, and it is found in carbohydrates. There are specially formulated pet foods that contain additional nutrients that are easily absorbed by the body to support digestive health.
Considering the significant impacts of diet, it’s important to find a high-quality food for your pet. Generally, it’s best to avoid artificial ingredients and foods that contain mostly grains. Some pets have allergies to wheat, corn and soy, which are common fillers in pet food. Make sure there are no by-products or artificial colors since these ingredients can cause upset stomachs and are not usually supportive of good health. Of course, the best food for your pet’s specific needs can be highly variable. We recommend speaking to our veterinarians before making any drastic changes to your pet’s diet.
If you have questions about choosing the right food for your pet, reach out to our veterinarians at Blue Lake Animal Hospital. We are happy to answer your questions.
Prevention is key to supporting your pet’s ongoing health. We devise an individualized strategy to keep your pet healthy and happy.
We perform standard and specialized surgeries to address your pet’s health concerns, including spays, tumor removal, orthopedic surgeries, and more.
Vaccinations are an important part of preventing communicative diseases. Keep your pet up-to-date on their vaccinations right at our office.
Dental health is essential to your pet’s overall wellness. Our dental services cover all of your pet’s oral health needs, from tooth extraction to cleaning.
Year-round heartworm prevention is key to keeping your pet healthy. We provide FDA-approved treatments to prevent infection.
Fleas and ticks aren’t just a nuisance: they pose a serious threat to your pet’s health. Protect your pet with preventative medicine.
Pocket pets have unique health needs. Our team addresses your pet’s health issues and develops a strategy, so they feel like their energetic self.
We provide comprehensive reproductive care for pets, including artificial insemination, neonatal care, fertility exams, and more.
Various orthopedic problems with your pet can call for surgical operations, and our vets have a wide range of experience handling orthopedic issues.
Managing your pet’s medical needs is easy when you use our online pharmacy. Renew your pet’s prescription and purchase FDA-approved medication right from the comfort of your home. If you have any questions, contact us to speak with a trusted veterinarian.