Why Good Nutrition is Important to Your Pet’s Health

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. 

Healthy Skin and Hair Coat

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. 

Muscle Tone and Strength

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. 

Weight

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. 

Disease Prevention

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. 

Digestion

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. 

How to Choose the Right Foods

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. 

Call Our Team Today to Discuss Your Pet’s Nutritional Needs

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.