Understanding Your Pet’s Nutritional Needs: How to Choose the Right Diet for Your Pet

If you have ever stood in the aisle at the store overwhelmed by the choices in pet food, you are not alone. Everyone wants to choose the best food for pets available, but it can be hard to know what that is. Pet nutrition is a tricky topic and one you shouldn’t need to navigate alone. That’s why Borgfeld Animal Hospital is here to help you choose the best diet for dogs and cats. 

Know What to Look For

Choosing the proper diet for dogs or cats is essential to their health and well-being. To start, you should consider your pet’s basic needs. Take into account:

• Your pet’s age
• Size
• Breed
• Age
• Dietary restrictions or allergies
• Specific health needs
• Your budget

This is a great jumping off point. For example, a puppy’s needs are going to differ from those of a senior pet. Keep in mind, too, that there are great options at most price points. It is all about what works best for your family and your individual pet.  

Choosing the Best Food for Pets

The best pet food isn’t going to be the same for every pet. When considering the options, it is important to look at:

• Credentials —  Select brands that employ qualified veterinary nutritionists and have a rigorous quality control process. It’s important to check that the food has undergone feeding trials rather than just being formulated to meet standards on paper.
• AAFCO Statement  — Look for brands that provide complete and balanced nutrition, meeting guidelines from reputable organizations like the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This statement should tell you what lifestages your pet’s food targets. While there are some foods targeted toward all life stages, this is usually not a good choice.
• Labeling  —  Look at the label for clear, specific information about ingredients and feeding instructions. Beware of catchy, but meaningless words like “holistic” and “human-grade,” as these are often just marketing. You should be able to easily find out how to contact your pet’s food company with questions or concerns. 

How Do I Know My Pet’s Nutrition is on Point?

Ensuring that you’re feeding your pet the right diet means observing their overall health. Monitor your pet’s body condition score. A healthy pet should have a visible waist when viewed from above, and a slight abdominal tuck from the side. Being overweight is not healthy for people or pets.  

Look for a healthy coat, clear eyes, good energy levels, and normal bowel movements. It is also important to be sure that your pet likes their food. 

At your pet’s wellness check ups, we will also discuss their nutrition and our expert staff can weigh in on how we think your pet is doing while answering your questions.

We are dedicated to helping you make informed decisions about your pet’s nutrition. Whether you’re selecting the right diet for your puppy, kitten, or senior pet, or managing specific health conditions through food, we’re here to provide guidance and support every step of the way. Your pet’s well-being is our top priority, and we’re committed to ensuring they receive the nutrition they need to live a happy, healthy life.