🥗 Nutrition
Feeding Your Pet Well
Good nutrition is the foundation of a long, healthy life. Here's what you need to know.
Nutrition Matters
What you feed your pet directly affects their energy, coat condition, weight, and longevity. A good diet reduces the risk of obesity, diabetes, dental disease, and organ problems. The right food depends on species, age, size, and health conditions — when in doubt, ask your vet.
Feeding Dogs
Dogs need a balanced diet of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Feed twice daily for adults; puppies need three to four meals. Choose an AAFCO-approved food appropriate for your dog's life stage. Avoid grapes, raisins, onions, chocolate, and xylitol — all are toxic to dogs.
Feeding Cats
Cats are obligate carnivores and require animal protein to survive. A diet combining wet and dry food is widely recommended. Wet food supports hydration, which is critical for urinary health. Never feed dogs' food to cats — it lacks the nutrients cats specifically need, such as taurine.
Small Animals
Rabbits thrive on unlimited hay, fresh leafy greens, and limited pellets. Guinea pigs need vitamin C daily (they can't synthesise it themselves) — bell peppers and leafy greens are great sources. Hamsters do well on a commercial mix supplemented with fresh vegetables in small amounts.
Hydration
Fresh, clean water should always be available. Cats especially are prone to under-drinking — consider a cat fountain, which encourages drinking. Signs of dehydration include lethargy, dry gums, and skin that doesn't spring back when gently pinched. Dehydration is a veterinary emergency.