Tomorrow, October 16th, is National Food Day. While we’re certainly happy to do our share to celebrate by having something delicious to eat, we also feel that this is a good time to talk about nutrition. A good diet is the cornerstone of any great pet care regimen! A Crown Point, IN veterinarian discusses pet nutrition below.
Food As Medicine
The awareness that nutrition can play a huge role in the body’s health is certainly nothing new. It goes back to the famous Hippocrates quote: Let food by thy medicine. This very much aligns with the thinking behind holistic care, which encompasses the whole body and healing from within. But how does it translate to pet care? Giving your animal friend good, wholesome food will go a long way towards keeping them healthy. Supplements and vitamins can also help improve and sustain your pet’s general health.
Choosing Food
Picking the right food can be quite overwhelming, especially given the slick marketing techniques that make even low-quality products seem great. You’ll want to give your pet something that is appropriate for their age and lifestyle, and contains whole, healthy ingredients, and limited fillers. With dogs and cats, get into the habit of reading labels. Meat, fish, or poultry should be listed first and most often. If you have a different type of pet, ask your vet for recommendations.
Unsafe Foods
While every animal has a unique list of do’s and don’ts, there are some things that are unsafe for almost all animals. That includes chocolate, avocado, junk food, raw dough, caffeine, alcohol, and anything containing garlic and onions. Grapes, currants, and raisins are also unsafe for cats and dogs. Always check to make sure a food is safe before feeding it to your pet.
Suitable Treats
Of course, you can’t really celebrate National Food Day without a special meal. Give your animal companion something special, too! Plain, cooked meat, fish, or chicken is fine for dogs and cats. Just be sure to remove the skin, bones, and fat. Birds may also enjoy some pasta, while a hamster might like a small piece of cheese or some cooked egg. Of course, every animal is a little different. Ask your vet for specific advice, including portion sizes and suitable treats.
Do you have questions about holistic care, or your pet’s dietary needs? Contact us, your Crown Point, IN animal clinic!
