Developing proper pet feeding habits is one of the most important responsibilities of being a pet parent. The right nutrition and feeding routines will help set your furry friend up for a long, healthy, happy life. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about feeding pets properly at every life stage.
Consult Your Veterinarian
The first step with any pet diet is obtaining professional veterinary advice. Schedule an appointment to discuss:
- Your pet’s health status, body condition, and any issues like allergies or intolerances
- Growth rate guidelines including recommended daily caloric intake and feeding amounts based on weight
- Nutrient profile guidance and ingredients to seek/avoid
- Appropriate food formats like wet, dry, raw, etc. for your species and breed
- Feeding schedule recommendations based on age and activity level
- The right brand of pet food to meet your animal’s needs as well as your budget
Follow your vet’s tailored recommendations to give your pet the best nutrition possible.
Select the Right Pet Food
With your veterinarian’s input, you can zero in on an appropriate pet food brand and formulation. Here are tips for choosing wisely:
Ingredients
- Seek recognizable, high-quality protein sources like chicken, salmon, lamb etc. as the first 2-3 ingredients.
- Avoid filler ingredients like corn, wheat, soy, by-products.
- Ensure added vitamins, minerals, and supplements come from reputable sources.
Life Stage
- Choose a “growth” or “all life stages” formula for puppies and kittens.
- Feed an “adult” formula geared for vitality starting around 1 year old.
- Consider a “senior” or age-specific blend for older pets.
Health Needs
- Select a “sensitive skin and stomach” variety for pets with allergies or digestion issues.
- Opt for prescription or therapeutic formulas if advised for medical conditions.
Format
- Kibble provides complete nutrition in an easy-to-feed and affordable form.
- Wet food adds moisture and palatability for picky eaters.
- Freeze-dried, dehydrated, or raw food caters to pet parents seeking more natural options.
Finding a formula aligned with your pet’s needs ensures proper nutrition.
Learn Proper Portioning
Serving sizes are not one-size-fits-all. Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations and the pet food package guidelines based on your animal’s:
- Species: Dogs, cats, birds, and reptiles have vastly different caloric needs.
- Breed: Larger breeds require more food than smaller counterparts.
- Weight: Heavier pets need larger portions than lighter ones.
- Age: Growing puppies and kittens need more food per pound than adults.
- Activity Level: Pets who are very active need additional food to fuel their lifestyle.
Stick within the recommended daily serving range based on these factors. Measure using a calibrated pet food scoop for accuracy.
Set a Consistent Feeding Schedule
Establish set mealtimes rather than free-feeding. Consistency helps:
- Optimize digestion and waste elimination patterns
- Encourage anticipation and excitement around mealtime
- Monitor appetite and consumption ability
- Maintain a healthy body weight
Puppies should eat 3-4x per day. Adult dogs do well with 2 scheduled feedings. Cats prefer to graze and do best with 3-4 light meals.
Divide daily portions across these feedings. Don’t waver from the schedule unless advised by your vet.
Choose the Right Food Dispenser
Serve your pet’s food in an appropriate dish to suit their needs:
- Dogs benefit from elevated, non-slip bowls to ease neck strain. Choose stainless steel, ceramic or plastic.
- Cats prefer wide, shallow dishes that won’t obstruct whiskers. Go with glass, ceramic or metal.
- Use puzzle feeders or slow eating bowls to deter fast gobbling and relieve boredom.
- Place multiple water bowls around the house for convenience and hydration.
Wash food and water bowls frequently with soap and hot water to prevent bacteria buildup.
Store Food Properly
Keep your pet’s food fresh and prevent spoilage by:
- Pouring kibble into an airtight container rather than the original bag
- Placing cans in sealed plastic bins or bowls with lids
- Always using a clean, dry scoop to dispense kibble
- Keeping food in a cool, dry spot rather than beside hot appliances
- Checking expiration dates and disposing of food that’s expired
Proper dry food storage extends freshness for months. Discard wet food cans once opened.
Recognize Changes in Appetite
Stay alert to any shifts in your pet’s appetite, which could indicate an underlying issue:
- Sudden increased interest in food or overeating may signal metabolic changes like diabetes or thyroid disorder.
- Complete disinterest in favorite foods can accompany illness, dental problems, or depression.
- Slowness when eating, dropping food, or altered feeding posture could point to injury or musculoskeletal disorder.
If appetite changes last more than 1-2 days, contact your veterinarian right away. Don’t attempt to diagnose on your own.
Incorporate Treats Moderately
It’s fine to give your pet approved human foods or store-bought treats occasionally. But this should only form up to 10% of daily calories. Too many treats lead to obesity and other problems. Follow these tips:
- Only offer treats during scheduled training sessions or as intentional rewards. Avoid giving them freely.
- Vary treats to keep them interesting. Consider healthy options like carrots, blueberries, sweet potato chews or frozen yogurt.
- Break treats into tiny pieces so your pet still eats their full meal.
- Account for treats in your pet’s daily calorie allotment and deduct from meals.
- Skip table scraps, which encourage begging and provide empty calories.
With a light hand on treats plus proper feeding, your pet will thrive for years to come!