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MVRAS information

Nutrition

Nutrition is important at every stage of a pet's life. Puppies and kittens require adequate protein, calcium and other nutrients to allow them to grow rapidly. Feeding puppy food to your new puppy or kitten food to your new kitten will provide adequate nutrition for their rapid growth during this time. In addition, puppies that are considered to be large breed dogs such as German shepherd dogs, Labrador retrievers, rottweilers, and others may benefit from eating a diet specifically formulated for them, usually called "large breed puppy food". Feed puppy or kitten food as long as your veterinarian recommends it then switch to adult food.

Adult pets must be fed a diet that takes into account their energy requirements with regard to their level of daily activity. The optimum amount of food to give your adult pet is one that allows them to maintain a trim weight. Obese animals are often plagued by osteoarthritis and other health conditions that are worsened by a pet's excess weight such as asthma.

Geriatric pets that are not obese benefit from higher levels of protein and fats. Many pet food manufacturers have diets specially formulated for older dogs and cats, often called "senior" pet food.

Your veterinarian may also recommend supplements to your pet's diet during your pet's life such as joint supplements. Some pets must be on special diets that your veterinarian will prescribe to help treat your pet's health conditions.

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Pet Health Matters

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