Pet Nutrition in Miami, FL
Give Your Pet the Healthy Life They Deserve
Proper nutrition is essential for pet health, especially as they age, and weight management plays a crucial role.
Unlimited access to food through free feeding is not recommended, and maintaining the standard serving size for felines and canines, which is around 120-170 calories per pound of body weight, is crucial. If your pet needs to gain or lose weight, caloric intake should be increased or decreased accordingly. During regular exams, we can discuss the ideal amount of food to add or subtract from your pet’s diet based on breed, activity level, and current weight. Overweight pets are more susceptible to health issues, such as arthritis, certain cancers, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and skin problems.
Pet Food Classifications:
The following pet food classifications are as defined by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO):
By-products – Pet food that contains by-products that are declared clean and free from foreign substances and bodily waste.
Natural – Natural pet food is defined as having ingredients that are obtained entirely from plants, animals, and/or mined sources. Natural pet food is free from all chemical processing.
Organic* – Organic pet food is, at minimum, 95% produced and handled in observance of all USDA National Organic Program requirements. *If advertised as 100% organic, then 100% of the ingredients (including additives) must be organic.
Remember that the classification of pet food does not necessarily determine its quality. While some manufacturers may promote their natural or organic foods as superior to those containing by-products, this is not always the case. In some instances, natural or organic foods may lack essential vitamins and minerals found in other types of pet food. The most important factor is providing your pet with a nutritious and well-balanced diet, which can be achieved through a variety of pet food options. If you are unsure which type of pet food is best for your furry friend, our veterinary staff is available to provide you with recommendations.
Prescription Diets
If your pet is dealing with an illness or disease, therapeutic diets may help address their specific nutritional needs. Various pet food manufacturers create diets that are specifically designed to help pets with certain conditions such as allergies, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, gastrointestinal problems, kidney disease, liver disease, pancreatitis, and more. If you believe that your pet would benefit from a medicated diet, please contact our office at (786) 396-1209.
Supplements
As pets grow older, their nutritional needs change, and dietary supplements can help meet those needs. Older pets require less phosphorus, sodium, calcium, and protein, and more fiber. Supplements can also provide therapeutic benefits. For example, vitamins and glucosamine are commonly used to support pet health. If you’re considering dietary supplements for your pet, consult with your veterinarian to ensure that they are appropriate and effective for your pet’s needs.
Common Pet Food Concerns
A: Each of these categories requires a different nutritional balance to meet the specific needs of the pet. Puppies and kittens require higher protein and fat intake than adults, while senior pets need more supplements in their diets. This is true for both dogs and cats.
A: Food allergies in pets can result in ear infections or skin problems, which may be hard to detect. One of the most apparent signs is excessive paw licking. Changing your pet’s food to a higher quality brand or a different flavor could help if they are allergic to a specific ingredient. Waiting a few weeks after changing the food can help you determine if it has helped. If you still have issues, consult with your veterinarian to discuss possible options.
A: Raw meat can contain E. coli and Salmonella and is not recommended as it can be harmful to your pet. While a raw diet can provide an abundance of protein, it lacks other vital nutrients and can be harmful to older pets. Homemade meals can be beneficial, but it is crucial to prepare them correctly, and it is recommended to consult with a licensed pet nutritionist. Without extensive knowledge of pet nutrition, preparing homemade meals can be harmful to your pet.
A: There are weight management treats available at most national retailers that offer low-sodium, sugar-free, or grain-free (low-carb) options. Other pet treats include dehydrated natural vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, and for hot days, you can offer your pet frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, soybeans). It is important to keep in mind that treats should never make up more than 10% of your pet’s total food consumption.
A: There are no health risks associated with feeding corn to a pet unless the pet is allergic to it. In recent studies, it has been found that less than 3% of pet food allergies are caused by corn, and more than 70% are the result of chicken, beef, dairy, or wheat. Corn is an excellent source of protein that helps with muscle and tissue growth, and it contains several antioxidants that are beneficial for pets.
Call for Pet Nutrition in Miami
Dollys Animal Clinic offers urgent care, orthopedic surgery, pet wellness care, in-house laboratory testing, and dental care for dogs and cats in Tamiami, Sweetwater, West Kendall, Westchester.
