Dietary Advice
Nutrition is an important indicator of your pet’s health and welfare. The GoVets Greenwood Dietary Advice service offers discussions around any health, diet, or weight fluctuations during your pet’s examination. Our team can help you plan a diet to suit your pet’s age and lifestyle. The correct diet can greatly enhance your pet’s quality and length of life.
Our Nutrition Recommendations:
Choose quality pet foods
Feeding your pet a premium pet food made with high-quality ingredients is one of the best ways to support long-term health and wellbeing. Premium brands are typically developed by companies that specialise in pet nutrition research and have a proven track record for digestibility, palatability, and nutritional balance.
Avoid Low-Quality Pet Foods
In contrast, low-quality pet foods often contain fillers, artificial additives, and poorly sourced ingredients. These can contribute to a range of health issues such as obesity, digestive problems, irregular bowel movements, and excessive gas.
To ensure your pet stays healthy and active, always choose food formulated for their specific needs. Talk to our team to find the best option for your pet.
Ensure the food is fresh
Proper pet food storage and handling are essential for maintaining your pet’s health and the nutritional value of their meals. When purchasing pet food, always check the expiry date and buy only the amount your pet will consume within a reasonable timeframe to ensure maximum freshness.
To keep your pet’s food safe:
Store dry food in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to prevent spoilage and pests.
Always serve food in a clean bowl and discard any uneaten portions.
Ensure fresh food and water are available at every meal.
In terms of diet, dry food (kibble) is often recommended for promoting dental health, as it can help reduce tartar buildup. Wet or canned food, on the other hand, is typically more palatable and may be easier to digest for some pets, especially seniors or those with dental issues.
Choosing the right balance between dry and wet food, as well as storing it properly, can go a long way in supporting your pet’s overall wellbeing.
Keep an eye on portion control
Feeding your pet the correct amount
This is the key to maintaining a healthy weight and preventing serious health issues. Always refer to the feeding guide on the pet food label, and adjust portions based on your pet’s ideal weight (which may differ from their current weight. If you’re unsure, our team is happy to help you determine the right amount for your pet’s specific needs.
Avoid free-feeding
Avoid letting your pet eat as much as they want or offering large meals all at once. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, digestive upset, and in some cases, bloat—a potentially life-threatening condition, particularly in larger dog breeds.
Consistent portion control
Portion control combined with a high-quality diet and regular exercise is essential for your pet’s long-term health and well-being.
Maintain a daily routine
Maintaining a regular feeding schedule is essential for promoting healthy digestion and helping your pet maintain normal bowel movements. This can also reduce the risk of indoor accidents. A consistent routine helps regulate your pet’s metabolism and creates a sense of stability, especially for anxious or high-energy animals.
Puppies and Kittens
Young pets, such as puppies and kittens, typically require more frequent meals throughout the day. Their higher energy levels and faster metabolism means they burn calories quickly and need consistent nourishment to support growth and development.
Providing structure around mealtimes supports both your pet’s physical health and their overall well-being.
Avoid "people" food
Feeding your pet table scraps might seem harmless, but it can lead to serious health issues. Human food often lacks the nutritional balance pets need and can result in digestive upset, obesity, or even pancreatitis.
Toxic Food
In addition, many common human foods are toxic to pets. Items like grapes, raisins, chocolate, onions, and xylitol (found in sugar-free products) can cause severe illness or death, particularly in dogs.
To keep your pet safe and healthy, stick to a veterinary-recommended diet and avoid offering leftovers or treats from the table.
