Dogs

Reinventing the meal!

Have you even wondered why there are so many different foods available for your dogs and cats?

Well, 'you are what you eat' and as a result many food companies now make lifestage diets - different foods for young, adult and older dogs and cats which are specifically designed to meet the needs animals have at particular stages in their lives.

Our young pets can benefit from junior/growth diets which tend to be higher in energy and protein to aid controlled growth (while having the right mineral balance to help pups and kittens bones and joints to grow healthily).

For adult pets (between around 12 - 18 months and 7-8 years), maintenance/adult diets are ideal, helping to keep pets healthy and active during their middle years, though dietary changes may be needed at times of increased activity or during pregnancy.

In older pets, geriatric/senior foods are ideal. These usually have a lower energy content to avoid weight gain as pets grow more sedentary; fibre levels are maintained to avoid constipation, and protein and mineral levels are altered to reduce the workload of ageing kidneys, liver and heart. Essential fatty acids and other products may also be added to help to keep the skin and joints healthy.

Together with a growing range of prescription diets that help animals with specific diseases, lifestage diets help your pets to live lives that are as long and healthy as possible.

Please call your surgery for more information and we can help choose the best diet for your pet.