Frequently Asked Questions
Should I supplement my pet's diet?
Vitamin and mineral supplements are not necessary unless they are recommended by your veterinarian for the management of certain conditions.
What can I do to improve my pet's skin and coat?
Improper nutrition is only one of the many things that cause poor skin and coat. After your veterinarian rules out disease as a possible cause, a diet high in energy and fatty acids such as a lamb and rice formula will usually improve the hair, coat and skin.
Are dry foods better for my pet's teeth than canned foods?
Feeding your pet a dry food will help to reduce tartar build-up. Tartar starts with a soft deposit called plaque. Hard food helps to scrape away the plaque before it turns to tartar. If you feed canned foods, biscuits or hard chew toys will help to reduce plaque. All dogs and cats should have their teeth checked by a veterinarian at least once a year.
Does my pet need variety in his or her diet?
The desire for a variety of foods is learned. Scientific studies show that pet's offered a choice of foods, tend to eat the same food day after day. Meeting your pet's changing needs should determine what food you feed your pet. Your pet will be happy and consistently eat the correct diet if you don't introduce bad eating habits.
Do certain foods make my dog more susceptible to bloat?
There are many factors thought to make a dog bloat, whether it be dietary or not. Poorly digestible diets, especially if fed large amounts at one time can stretch the tissues supporting the stomach, which can allow twisting to occur. Diets containing excessive amounts of calcium may lead to changes in the stomach that have been linked to bloat. Ways to prevent bloat include:
- Feeding a balanced, digestible diet without calcium supplements.
- Dividing the amount of food given per day into several meals.
- Minimizing excitement and activity before and after a meal.