nutritionGuide.title

nutritionGuide.subtitle

nutritionGuide.description

Essential Nutrients

Understanding what your pet needs for optimal health

🥩
Protein

• 18-25% of diet for adult dogs
• Builds and repairs muscles, organs, and tissues
• Sources: Chicken, beef, fish, lamb, eggs
• Higher needs during growth, pregnancy, and illness
• Complete proteins contain all essential amino acids

🫒
Fats

• 8-15% of diet for adult dogs
• Provides energy and essential fatty acids
• Supports skin, coat, and immune system
• Omega-3 and Omega-6 are crucial
• Sources: Fish oil, chicken fat, flaxseed

🌾
Carbohydrates

• Provides quick energy and fiber
• Not essential but can be beneficial
• Sources: Rice, sweet potatoes, oats
• Avoid excessive amounts
• Choose easily digestible sources

💊
Vitamins & Minerals

• Vitamin A: Vision and immune function
• B vitamins: Energy metabolism
• Vitamin D: Bone health
• Calcium and phosphorus: Strong bones and teeth
• Iron: Oxygen transport in blood

💧
Water

• Most important nutrient
• 60-70% of adult dog's body weight
• Fresh water should always be available
• Increase intake during hot weather
• Monitor for changes in drinking habits

Life Stage Feeding

Nutritional needs change throughout your pet's life

🐶
Puppy/Kitten (Growth)

• Higher calorie and protein needs
• Feed puppy/kitten specific formulas
• Small breeds: 4 meals/day until 6 months
• Large breeds: 3 meals/day until 6 months
• Free-choice feeding not recommended
• Monitor growth rate and body condition

🐕
Adult (Maintenance)

• Balanced nutrition for daily activities
• 2 meals per day is ideal
• Adjust portions based on activity level
• Monitor weight and body condition
• Quality over quantity approach
• Regular meal times help digestion

🦮
Senior (7+ years)

• Often need fewer calories
• May need easier to digest foods
• Higher quality protein important
• Joint support supplements beneficial
• More frequent vet nutrition checks
• Watch for dental issues affecting eating

Feeding Guidelines

Practical advice for daily feeding routines

⚖️
Portion Sizes

• Follow feeding guide on food package as starting point
• Adjust based on your pet's body condition
• Active pets need more, sedentary pets need less
• Use measuring cups, not estimates
• Body condition score is more important than weight
• Consult vet if unsure about portions

⏰
Feeding Schedules

• Puppies under 6 months: 3-4 meals daily
• Adult dogs: 2 meals daily
• Kittens under 6 months: 3-4 meals daily
• Adult cats: 2-3 meals daily
• Consistent timing helps digestion
• Allow 30 minutes for meals, then remove food

🍖
Treats & Extras

• Maximum 10% of daily calories
• Use for training and bonding
• Choose healthy, species-appropriate options
• Fruits/vegetables: Small amounts only
• Avoid chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic
• Table scraps can unbalance diet

Food Selection Tips

How to choose the best food for your pet

🏷️
Reading Labels

• Look for 'Complete and Balanced' statement
• AAFCO feeding trial statement is ideal
• Ingredients listed by weight (heaviest first)
• Named protein source should be first ingredient
• Avoid foods with excessive fillers
• Guaranteed analysis shows minimum/maximum levels

⭐
Quality Indicators

• Reputable manufacturer with good history
• Made in facilities with quality controls
• Transparent about sourcing and testing
• Appropriate for your pet's life stage
• No recent recalls or safety issues
• Veterinary nutritionist involvement in formulation

❌
Common Mistakes

• Feeding the same food to dogs and cats
• Choosing based on price alone
• Frequent diet changes without transition
• Ignoring body condition changes
• Over-supplementing balanced diets
• Following fad diets without scientific backing

⚠️
Foods to Avoid

☠️
Toxic Foods

• Chocolate (especially dark chocolate)
• Grapes and raisins
• Onions and garlic
• Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
• Macadamia nuts
• Avocado (especially for birds)
• Alcohol
• Caffeine

⚠️
Problematic Foods

• High-fat foods (can cause pancreatitis)
• Bones that can splinter (cooked poultry bones)
• Excessive treats or table scraps
• Foods with artificial colors/preservatives
• Raw diets without proper preparation
• Generic or store-brand foods with poor quality control

Ready to Find Your Perfect Pet?

Take our quiz to discover which pet breed matches your lifestyle and care capabilities

Take the Quiz