Learn how to provide the best nutrition for your furry friend based on their age, breed, and activity level.
Good nutrition means providing the nutrients and calories your individual pet needs—not choosing the food with the most appealing advertising.
Your pet's species, life stage, body condition, activity, and medical history all matter. Dogs and cats have different nutritional requirements, and a diet suitable for one animal may not suit another.
For a healthy pet's main diet, look for a nutritional adequacy statement indicating that the food is complete and balanced for the appropriate species and life stage.
Food labeled for intermittent or supplemental feeding is generally not intended to replace a complete everyday diet. Therapeutic diets may have specific instructions and should be used under veterinary guidance.
Terms such as “premium,” “natural,” or “holistic” do not, by themselves, establish nutritional adequacy or quality.
Puppies and kittens need diets formulated for growth. Growing large-breed puppies have additional nutritional considerations, so ask your veterinarian whether the food is appropriate.
Adult pets need a diet and feeding amount suited to their condition and activity. An “all life stages” food is not automatically the best choice for every adult animal.
Senior pets do not all need fewer calories or the same supplements. Some gain weight as activity declines; others lose weight or muscle. Diet decisions should reflect the individual pet's health and examination findings.
Use the feeding directions as a starting point, not a fixed prescription. Measure food consistently and monitor weight and body condition.
Treats, table food, chews, and supplements contribute calories. For many healthy pets, treats and other extras should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories, with the main diet providing the rest. Medical conditions may require different instructions.
Fresh drinking water should always be available unless your veterinarian provides specific directions.
Adding vitamins or minerals to a complete diet can create an imbalance. Discuss supplements with your veterinarian rather than assuming that more is better.
A homemade diet needs appropriate formulation; a recipe that sounds healthy may still lack essential nutrients.
Unexplained weight changes, muscle loss, reduced appetite, increased thirst, or recurring digestive problems deserve veterinary attention. They may indicate illness rather than simply the wrong food.
Do not repeatedly change foods to manage persistent symptoms without an assessment. Contact a veterinarian promptly if your pet stops eating, particularly if your cat is affected or other symptoms are present.
During an in-home wellness exam, our team can review the food, portions, treats, supplements, and health history you provide. Explore senior pet care when age-related changes are a concern.
VestaSoul — My Vet At Home® is a mobile veterinary house-call practice serving select areas of Miami-Dade County and select areas of Broward County.