Proper nutrition essential for optimal pet health

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Just as following a nutritious and healthy diet is important for optimal human health, the same holds true for our furry, four-legged family members.

Dr. Elisabeth Giedt, director of Continuing Education, Extension and Community Engagement at the Center for Veterinary Health Sciences at Oklahoma State University, said proper nutrition for your pet will help ensure good overall health and performance, as well as help manage symptoms and progression of specific diseases.

“When it comes to selecting food for your pet, the choices in the supermarket and pet stores can be overwhelming. Your veterinarian is probably the best place to start regarding the appropriate diet for your specific pet,” Giedt said. “There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a pet food, including your pet’s preference, economics, availability and any health issues that need to be addressed.”

There are ways to calculate the general nutritional requirements for your everyday dog or cat, but the exact caloric needs of any individual pet will depend on genetics, environment, activity level and life stage. A family dog that is taken on frequent walks, plays fetch or runs around in the local dog park has different food needs than an older, more sedentary pet. Be sure to look at the caloric content of your pet’s food to make sure you are not over- or underfeeding. If that information is not on the label, contact the company or find it on the company’s website.

Giedt said the prevention of obesity if important for maximizing the health and lifespan of your pet.

“It’s always a good idea to regularly evaluate your pet to ensure proper body condition,” she said. “Your veterinarian can help you determine the proper weight for your specific pet. Ideally, your pet should have an hourglass shape when viewed from above,” she said. “Pet owners should easily be able to feel the pet’s ribs, but the animal shouldn’t have a bony appearance.”

Some pet owners may feel they are doing the right thing by buying pet foods with terms such as premium, gourmet or organic on the labels. Although these terms are highly governed in human foods, there are no legal definitions when it comes to pet food.

Pet owners also may question whether or not to add supplements to their pet’s canned or dry food, but Giedt said if your pet is eating a complete and balanced commercially available pet food, supplements are not recommended unless specifically prescribed by your veterinarian.

“Make sure you talk to your veterinarian if you’re interested in using a particular supplement for your pet, and be sure to let him or her know if you’re already giving your pet a supplement,” she said. “It’s important to communicate this information to your vet so your pet receives optimal care.”

Not only should pet owners give serious consideration to what their pet should be eating, they also must keep in mind the types of food their pet should not consume under any circumstances. There are many foods pets should not eat because they are toxic or because they can cause other health problems.

Foods high in fat such as chicken skin, as well as grapes, raisins, bread dough, chocolate, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts and foods sweetened with xylitol can be extremely dangerous or even deadly for your pet.

“I know pet owners want to do what is best for their four-legged friends, so I suggest you start by talking to your veterinarian to put together a well-balanced eating plan for your pet,” Giedt said.