Why is proper nutrition of your pet so important? Well, because nutrition is crucial for the optimal health of your pet. The diet you choose can weigh heavily on how your pet feels and acts on a daily basis. A well-balanced diet is extremely important when feeding your pet. Your pet needs the right amount of fresh water, minerals, vitamins, protein, fats and carbohydrates to remain healthy. Learn more about nutritional requirements here.
Fresh Water for Dogs and Cats
Out of all of the factors to a healthy pet, water is the absolute most crucial. If your dog or cat does not have a sufficient amount of water, serious problems can arise in your pet. Your pet, on average, should receive 2.5 times the amount of food as water; however, in order to ensure your pet has plenty of water free choice should be ensured.
Vitamins and Minerals for Dogs and Cats
Vitamins and minerals are also crucial to your pet’s diet. Vitamins and minerals ensure proper nerve conduction and for the proper production of bio-chemicals in your furry friend.
Proteins for Dogs and Cats
Protein is also an essential component in your pet’s diet. Proteins contain the building blocks for life; amino acids. The level of protein necessary for a healthy pet varies in dogs and cats. In order to ensure proper nutrition, the pet parent should ensure he or she is feeding their pet the correct amount of protein based on their species, age and level of energy.
Fats for Dogs and Cats
Fats provide your furry companion with energy. Fats are available in both plant and animal products. In order to provide your pet with proper nutrition, it is crucial not to overfeed or underfeed fats as an increase or decrease either way can severely affect your pet. A proper balance is crucial.
Carbohydrates for Dogs and Cats
Unfortunately, most pet parents overfeed carbohydrates to their pet. In the average common pet food, there is a significant amount of carbohydrates to save on expense. Carbohydrates are often the least expensive to provide. If your pet does not exercise enough, he or she is likely to become obese. Learn more about pet obesity prevention.
Amber Johnson, Animal Behaviorist
Miss Amber Johnson has many years of experience with pets and is a licensed cat and dog nutrition and behavior specialist. She currently collaborates with PetPremium where she counsels clients in pet behavior and nutrition. The statements made in this article are the personal opinions of Miss Amber Johnson and based on independent experiences and could be different from the opinions of PetPremium Pet health Insurance or any other pet health insurance provider.