If you have a pet at home, it is very likely that you greatly care for their wellbeing, and it is probably even safe to say that you consider them to be a part of the family as it is. As owners we will likely do whatever we can in order to ensure the health and love of our animals. Whether you are a cat or a dog owner, or you have a smaller animal such as a bunny or even a hamster, you want to keep them not just alive but well looked after. Especially for families with cats and dogs, they often hold a specifically place in our hearts because they have personality and character, even if they can't speak to us. We will spend thousands of dollars on veterinarian bills for a surgery to remove our dog's cancerous tumor, and we will take our cats to receive teeth treatments to keep them pretty; basically we will do whatever it takes to care for them.
As a part of our daily routine for our animals, we obviously feed them on a regular basis; and perhaps we even buy them the expensive brands to make sure they receive the high quality nutrients they need to live long and healthy lives. What we may not consider, though his fact that it just might be time to change their food brand. There is a long standing myth among animal owners that it is good for animals to have the same type of food for their lifetime of however many years. With humans, it is obvious that we change and grow over time, and require different nutrients and even crave new things-could that be the same thing for our animals? Could their age, health and even physical level of activity play a role in what type of food they are consuming and their stage of life? Here are a few things to consider when weighing the option of switching up your pet's food regime.
As people, what we eat affects our very appearance, it keeps our skin healthy, our hair and nails strong, etc. the same goes for our pets; they too require the essential fatty acids in their nutrition in order to keep a healthy fur coat and skin. When you start to notice that your pet's fur coat is getting dull or their skin is growing flakey or dry- it just may be time to switch up their food. When you are buying new food, keep an eye out for the Omega's in the nutrients if you want to bring your pets coat back to health.
Another common sign to look for is if you notice that your animal is acting very lethargic or lazy all the time. Was your dog known for being an over active playful pet, and over the past few months they have grown weaker and more tired? Diets can often have a lot to do with this; just like in a human. By looking for new food that is high in antioxidants, you could be able to help boost their immune system and energy levels and bring them back to their happy playful selves once again. However, it is also important to know that having your pet examined by a veterinarian is also encouraged before making these changes.
You pet's age also plays a vital role in what they should be consuming in their diet. A middle age pet is usually between 5 and 7 years of age and after that they are considered to be seniors. Older animals will often need fewer calories in their diet though they will need higher nutrients, especially fiber and antioxidants. You will want to find a food that is created specifically for older dogs as it will have the specific nutrients they need, that varies greatly from hat of puppy or middle age animal.
As any American will say that they begin to diet when they start noticing their midsection getting a little pudgy, so should you pet. If you notice that they are packing on the pounds, changing what they eat can greatly help this. You want to make sure they receive all the essential nutrients that are needed for a healthy animal, however you will want to likely feed them less and lower caloric food types.
When addressing any concern with your animal, before making changes it is always encouraged to discuss your questions with your pet's veterinarian who may be aware of a greater problem that is resulting in the symptoms you are noticing. Find a local vet near you for more information!