Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Since March is National Nutrition Month, what better time to think of our beloved pets and they’re nutritional needs. It’s important to analyze what your pet’s overall health is like and how feeding them the proper foods can help to alleviate a lot of symptoms and disease.
The right nutrition can enhance your pet’s health and extend the life of your companion. A well-balanced nutritional program can reduce or eliminate episodes of the following conditions:
• Pet allergies
• Itching and scratching
• Dull coat
• Arthritis
• Joint and hip problems
• Bad breath
It’s important to look at the labels on your pet’s food. The key ingredients that dogs need are proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals and minimal carbohydrates.
Many name brand dry pet foods are loaded with carbs because they are a cheap substitute for pet companies to bulk up their food. More often than not, these carbs are of poor quality, like corn, wheat, and soy. Unfortunately, an excess of carbohydrates will lead to weight gain, obesity, and illnesses or disorders.
There is dry kibble that is acceptable and nutritious, but canned food or homemade food is always a better alternative because the main ingredient will be protein and fats, which are key elements for your pet’s health. However, it’s always important to read the label and make certain that the protein is from a high-quality source.
Most dogs need 15%-30% of protein and 10-30% of fat in their diet depending on their lifestyle, stage of life and general health and wellness. Cats require an even higher amount of protein than dogs, because their liver enzymes break down the protein at an unregulated rate. Both cats and dogs need 22 amino acids which are highly abundant in quality proteins, like fish, chicken, lamb, duck and beef.
Water is essential for your pet’s health. It’s imperative to make sure that they always have access to fresh cool water. This is particularly the case here in Florida where our warm season lasts for the majority of the year.
To better understand your pet’s nutritional needs and to evaluate your feeding method, please contact your veterinarian to get the appropriate professional advice.
Best Friends Animal Hospital
Best Friends Animal Hospital believes in providing quality health care for your pet in a warm and welcoming environment. Their doctors routinely attend educational seminars to stay abreast of the latest medical treatments and technologies. Their hospital also prides itself on having state-of-the-art equipment including a digital X-ray machine and surgical laser, both of which are used in human medicine. The digital X-ray machine allows them to take high-quality radiographs in seconds and gives their doctors images with better diagnostic quality. The surgical laser helps to decrease pain and bleeding as well as increase healing speed of the incision.
Best Friends Animal Hospital offers free 24-hour access to your pet’s medical record through a pet portal, as well as home delivery of your pet’s prescriptions through an online store. Their online Pharmacy carries prescription medications, heartworm, flea and tick preventative, pet food, treats, and toys.
The doctors and staff are devoted to helping your pets’ live longer, healthier and happier lives because they understand what an important member of your family your pet. Their knowledgeable staff is available to answer any questions you may have, and they look forward to seeing you and your pet(s) soon. Please visit their website to find out more, or call them to book your appointment.
Best Friends Animal Hospital
12220 Towne Lake Dr., Suite 50
Fort Myers, FL 33913
Phone: 239-768-7387
www.bestfriendsanimalhosp.com
