The Challenge of Choosing Proper Pet Nutrition
in Pasadena
Your pet depends on you for their nutritional needs, but how do you know you’re meeting their dietary requirements? There’s a lot of information out there that can be more contradicting and confusing than helpful. Luckily, the veterinarians at Lake Shore Pet Hospital can help you make the best choices for your pet’s diet. The first step is debunking some pet nutrition myths so you can have a clear view of what’s fact and what’s fiction. We clarify several common myths below and have included a video from Royal Canin with more tips on choosing the right cat or dog food.
Myth #1: Don’t ever feed your pet table scraps.
This pet nutrition myth is more of a half-truth. While science tells us that your pet’s stomach simply can’t handle some of the foods you eat, others are actually beneficial for their health. Plain cooked vegetables, unseasoned, well-cooked lean meat, and even some fruits are actually good for your pet! But these should never replace your pet’s meals, only compliment them!
Myth #2: Homemade diets are superior to commercial.
Not necessarily. Many commercial brands boast a better nutritional balance than what you can provide at home, and many are also less expensive, too. It’s important to look at the nutrients in your pet’s diet, not just the ingredients. Many commercial brands are able to include all the nutrients your pet needs one single helping of food, while your homemade food will likely be lacking.
Myth #3: Organic is always better.
“Organic” is unfortunately misleading, as is the term “all natural.” Commercial diets are required to include vitamin and mineral supplements, so no pet food is actually 100% organic or all natural. This doesn’t mean your pet is worse off, though. The vitamins and minerals included are actually necessary for their health and well-being!
Myth #4: One type of food is good for life.
Dogs and cats have changing nutritional needs as they age, so no one diet will suit them for their entire lives. Your pet’s diet may change a few times throughout their lives, and our veterinarians will be happy to guide you through every transition.
Myth #5: Grain-free diets are healthier for my pet.
Grains are actually much more than fillers and are important parts of pet nutrition! Fact is, they are easily digestible and provide your pet with important nutrients such as fiber, carbohydrates, plant proteins, and more. Furthermore, there is mounting evidence that grain-free diets may be tied to cases of Dilated Cardiomyopathy, a form of heart disease in dogs.
Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Help with Pet Nutrition
While we hope this information was helpful in your understanding of pet nutrition facts vs. myths, we know it can still be hard to choose the right diet for your pet! That’s why we’re here to help. Our veterinarians can evaluate your pet’s unique nutritional needs and recommend the perfect diet for them. If you notice any weight change on a new diet, whether loss or gain, let us know right away so we can reassess their needs! Contact us today at (410) 317-2028 to ask us anything and schedule your appointment to get all the nutrition advice you need.