Pet nutrition is vital to the well-being of dogs, cats, and exotic pets. We can recommend
SPECIALLY FORMULATED DIETS
to help manage health conditions and provide the nourishment your pet needs to grow and play with you!
Schedule a consultation with McGehee Clinic for Animals today!
Avoiding Unhealthy Tendencies
Our pets rely on us to provide them with the proper nutrition and a healthy diet to ensure they grow and develop properly. Although it may be tempting to sneak our pets a scrap or food from the table, it’s important to avoid unhealthy patterns that may lead to weight gain or other health problems. There are several ways to maintain proper nutrition such as:
- Do not continuously feed your pets treats throughout the day.
- Refrain from giving your pet table scraps.
- Maintain a set schedule and feed your pet at the same time each day.
- Measure out your pet’s meals based on veterinarian recommendations.
- Do not leave food sitting out all day for cats.
- Consider using a food puzzle to occupy your pet and stop them from eating too fast.
- If you’re not sure, ask your veterinarian for suggestions!
How to Determine the Best Diet for Your Pet
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the many options for feeding your pet. The McGehee team can offer guidance on cat and dog nutrition in Memphis, TN including:
Seek AAFCO Guidelines
All pet food should be labeled with a nutritional adequacy claim to inform pet owners if the food meets or exceeds the guidelines set by AAFCO or if it provides total and balanced nutrition. You may also want to research pet food brands that have undergone AAFCO food trials. If pet food is marked for intermittent or supplemental use, we do not recommend this food for extended use unless otherwise directed by a veterinarian.
Contemplate Your Pet’s Age and Lifestyle
Depending on your pet’s age, size, species and health conditions, your pet’s food will need to meet specific nutritional needs. If your pet is more active, they may require a different food than a senior pet who isn’t as active. Food for a young puppy or kitten or senior pet is formulated to meet their respective needs. Our team can help you discern the best option to provide the very best care for your dog or cat.
Read Labels Closely
We recommend closely reading the label on any pet food you may consider for your companion. The nutritional adequacy statement, list of ingredients, feeding directions and guaranteed analysis can all be crucial in helping you decide what food will provide your pet with optimal nutrition.
