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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.
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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

Q: What are the differences between puppy food, adult dog food, and senior dog food? Is it the same for cats?
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.
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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 Tamiami, Sweetwater, West Kendall, Westchester.