🥗 Pet Nutrition Consultation
Expert guidance on optimal nutrition for your pet's health and wellbeing
Essential Nutrition Guidelines
🐕 Dog Nutrition Basics
- Protein: Should make up 18-25% of adult dog diet
- Fats: Essential for energy, aim for 8-15%
- Carbohydrates: Provide energy and fiber
- Water: Fresh water should always be available
- Feeding frequency: 2-3 meals per day for adults
🐱 Cat Nutrition Basics
- Protein: Cats need 26-30% protein minimum
- Taurine: Essential amino acid for heart health
- Fats: Should be 9-15% of diet
- Water: Cats need high moisture content
- Feeding: Small, frequent meals preferred
Nutrition by Life Stage
👶 Puppy/Kitten (0-12 months)
- Higher calorie and protein needs
- Frequent feeding (3-4 times daily)
- Specialized puppy/kitten formula
- Gradual weaning from milk
- Monitor growth and development
🐕 Adult (1-7 years)
- Balanced maintenance diet
- Regular feeding schedule
- Monitor weight and body condition
- Activity-based calorie adjustment
- Quality protein and fat sources
👴 Senior (7+ years)
- Easily digestible foods
- Joint support supplements
- Lower calorie if less active
- More frequent health monitoring
- Softer foods if dental issues
Common Nutrition Issues & Solutions
⚠️ Foods to Avoid
Toxic Foods for Pets:
- Chocolate and caffeine
- Grapes and raisins
- Onions and garlic
- Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
- Avocado, alcohol, raw dough
✅ Healthy Treat Options
Safe & Healthy Treats:
- Carrots and green beans
- Apple slices (no seeds)
- Plain cooked chicken
- Blueberries and strawberries
- Plain rice and pumpkin
Special Dietary Considerations
🤧 Food Allergies & Sensitivities
Common symptoms:
- Skin irritation and itching
- Digestive upset (vomiting, diarrhea)
- Ear infections
- Excessive licking or scratching
Management: Work with a veterinarian to identify triggers and create an elimination diet plan.
🏥 Medical Dietary Needs
Conditions requiring special diets:
- Kidney disease - low protein, phosphorus
- Diabetes - consistent carbohydrates
- Heart disease - low sodium
- Digestive issues - easily digestible foods
Important: Always consult your veterinarian for prescription diets and medical nutrition therapy.
Practical Feeding Tips
📅 Feeding Schedule
- Consistent meal times daily
- Measure portions accurately
- Remove uneaten food after 30 minutes
- Fresh water always available
- Quiet, comfortable eating area
🔄 Diet Transitions
- Gradual change over 7-10 days
- Start with 25% new food
- Increase by 25% every 2-3 days
- Monitor for digestive upset
- Return to original food if problems occur
💡 Storage & Safety
- Store in cool, dry place
- Seal containers tightly
- Check expiration dates regularly
- Clean food and water bowls daily
- Watch for signs of spoilage
Ready to Optimize Your Pet's Nutrition?
Start by evaluating your pet's current diet and gradually implementing these evidence-based nutrition principles.