Pet Nutrition

Pet nutrition is as important to your pet's happiness and wellbeing as your nutrition is to you. While humans face numerous external stresses (work, traffic, bills) that take a toll on their health, most animals don't. Their overall health is usually based on exercise and diet, so understanding pet nutrition is crucial for a pet owner.

Most pet nutritionists recommend a balanced pet food for your animal companions, but what does that mean? There are six major nutrient groups: water, proteins, fats (including oils), carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. The goal of studying pet nutrition is to find the proper balance of these nutrients for your pet's diet.

The Variables of Pet Nutrition

Every pet is unique, and although there are rules of pet nutrition, you must also look at the special requirements of your individual pet. For example, neutered male cats eating a low-acid diet are much more likely to develop bladder stones than other cats on a higher-acid diet. Large-breed dogs and longhaired cats may also require certain specific nutrients for their conditions.

You don't have to be an expert in pet nutrition to care about what you feed your animals, but you should know that healthy food for pets is important. Like most Americans, many pets don't get enough exercise either, and this will help them become healthier, too. If you have questions or doubts about the wellbeing of your dog or cat, consult a veterinarian--your pet's health is worth it.