Get the Dish on Proper Nutrition for New Pets

(Family Features) As families continue to cope with changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, many are taking advantage of more time at home by welcoming a new puppy or kitten to their households.

One possible reason for animal lovers looking to expand their households is the mental and physical health benefits from the human-animal bond. A library of studies shared by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute found pet ownership can provide a variety of benefits, including lowering blood pressure, reducing feelings of loneliness or stress and helping manage depression.

However, before welcoming a new pet, even seasoned pet owners may benefit from a refresher on proper care, especially when it comes to feeding and nutrition. Dogs and cats have unique nutritional requirements, which means their pet food recipes must be carefully formulated. Puppies and kittens need more of certain important nutrients such as protein, fat and key minerals to grow into healthy, strong adult animals.

If you’ve welcomed a new pet to the family, or plan to soon, learn how you can care for his or her special nutritional needs with this advice from the Pet Food Institute.

Identifying Life Stages
Food labeled as appropriate for puppies and kittens or pets of all life stages includes different levels of nutrients than food for only adult pets. For example, this food includes additional sources of energy, such as protein and calories, to support rapid growth and development.

Your veterinarian can help determine an appropriate time to transition your pet to adult food; usually when it is nearly full-grown. For kittens, that may be around 10-12 months. For puppies, the timing can vary depending on size with larger breeds taking up to two years to fully mature.

Understanding Food Labels
Pet food labels are full of information to help shoppers make informed decisions about their dog or cat’s food. Some key pieces of information include the intended life stage for the pet eating the food and a claim of complete and balanced nutrition, which confirms each serving provides the proper levels of more than 40 essential nutrients pets require. Pet food labels also include a guaranteed analysis, which identifies a minimum or maximum of at least four nutrients: protein, fat, fiber and moisture. State regulators, who read pet food labels for compliance, also review the package to ensure accuracy. In fact, pet food is one of the most highly regulated food products in the United States with oversight at both the state and federal levels.

Keeping Pets at a Healthy Weight
Pet obesity can lead to a range of health issues, such as joint damage, difficulty breathing, cancer and heart disease, which makes helping your pet maintain a healthy weight important. For example, as you spend time at home with your pet, consider how many treats are given throughout the day.

Treats can be useful tools to help reinforce good behavior, keep pets occupied, aid in training or show love. However, they should be fed in moderation, accounting for no more than 10% of a pet’s caloric intake. Pet food is formulated to provide dozens of essential nutrients that dogs and cats need in their diets, so avoid using treats in place of regular meals. Also know that sharing table scraps adds calories and many common human foods can be dangerous for animals.

Providing your pet with the right nutrition early in life can help ensure proper growth and long-term well-being. Find more advice to ensure your four-legged family member is getting the necessary nutrition at petfoodinstitute.org.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

5 Ways to Keep Your Pet Healthy in the Heat

(Family Features) Warm weather calls for outdoor activities with your pup such as hiking, traveling and spending time in the park. While spending quality time with your canine companion is essential, making sure your furry friend is healthy and clean inside and out is also a must. 

"Warm weather means more outside play time, and while that can be great for increased exercise, it’s also important to be sure you’re keeping your pet healthy, starting with proper hygiene,” said Dr. Ernie Ward, veterinarian and Mars Petcare spokesperson. “Maintaining your dog’s hygiene, including cleaning his ears, bathing him and cleaning his teeth, is a critical component of helping him live a healthy lifestyle – from head to paws.”

These five tips can help keep your pup cuddle-worthy throughout the hottest time of the year.

Bond Over Bath Time
After a day in the sun with your pup, a bath is typically a must. Not only will it get your pup clean, but it can help cool him down from a hot day. When bathing your dog, be sure to clean his whole body, including his eyes and face. Moisten a soft washcloth or sponge with room-temperature water and gently wipe your dog’s face to clean it.

Sit, Stay, Hydrate
Keeping your pet clean and healthy starts on the inside. Be sure to have fresh water accessible at all times to keep your pet hydrated, especially in warm weather. If you’re thirsty, chances are your pet will be, too.

Freshen Up Snuggle Time
There’s nothing like a good snuggle with your furry best friend after a long day, but bad dog breath can put a damper on getting too close. Give your dog dental treats like Greenies Dental Treats or Pedigree Dentastix Treats to help keep teeth clean and breath fresh so you can enjoy more snuggle time together.

Make Nap Time Cozy and Clean
Your dog’s bed may be where he feels most comfortable, which is why it is so important to keep that area clean during the dog days of summer. Any bugs, fleas or germs your dog may contract will follow him into the bed. Using a bed with a removable cover can make keeping it clean as simple as regular washes.

Keep Clean on the Road
If you’re planning to travel with your dog in the car, groom your pup before you leave to reduce messiness in the car. Also while you are packing your toothbrush, don’t forget to pack dental treats for your furry family member as well.

“Oral care treats such as Greenies Dental Treats or Pedigree Dentastix Treats not only help freshen breath, but they also help clean your dog’s teeth and gums,” Ward said. “They’re great to have on hand whenever traveling with your pets.”

Find more information and tips for your pets oral care needs at greenies.com.

Photos courtesy of Fotolia.

Health Help for Your Feline Friend

(Family Features) Cats are typically self-sufficient family members, but owners tend to forget that those furry feline friends do need help when it comes to their daily nutrition. To keep your cat healthy, it’s important to look for a cat food with high-quality ingredients to help with their nutrition needs from head to tail.

“March is National Nutrition Month, which is the perfect time to re-evaluate what your cat is eating and make necessary changes to ensure you both are on the right path for a happy, healthy life,” said Dr. Jeff Werber, registered veterinarian. “Like humans, cats need a balanced diet to be healthy; look for a premium food that has animal protein as the No. 1 ingredient to help satisfy their nutritional needs and carnivorous appetites.”

Other key elements to look for in your cat’s food include:

• Optimal levels of fatty acids for a soft and shiny coat.
• A fiber blend, including prebiotics and beet pulp, for healthy digestion.
• A good mix of premium, high-quality ingredients to contribute to healthy energy levels.

Keeping your cat healthy and happy doesn’t stop with general nutrition. It’s also important to pay close attention to other health concerns, like oral care, which is often overlooked.

“In my experience, one of the most common health concerns I see cats face today is oral care,” Werber said. “That’s why I was happy to see that IAMS released a great-tasting cat food, IAMS Oral Care Complete, specifically designed to help reduce plaque and tartar while also providing cats with a 100 percent complete and balanced nutrition. It’s a win-win.”

With the proper nutrition from a quality food, your cat can be healthier inside and out, which means more energy and vitality for playing and bonding. Whether you’re starting a kitten on a new eating routine or reassessing your adult or senior cat’s nutrition, remember the importance of supplying them with a premium cat food that includes high-quality ingredients for lifelong health.

For more nutritional information for cats of all sizes and ages, visit IAMS.com.