The origin of dietary needs in the cat and dog diet.

American society as a whole should be aware of the importance of nutrition and its effect on health. The information is readily available everywhere you look. The fact that so many of us choose not to embrace this knowledge is baffling to me. I would hope that the pet-owning public will do for our dogs and cats what we often don’t do for ourselves. Please remember your pet’s health and well being is completely in your hands.

“Optimum Nutrition” is a key element in raising and maintaining a healthy pet. As owners, we are tasked with providing the right amount of food that meets energy needs as well as all of the essential nutrients required to sustain a healthy life. This can be much more difficult than one might suspect.

Growing Puppies and Kittens

The primary feline and canine nutrition goal for any growing pet would be to achieve its full genetic potential with healthy organs, strong muscles, tendons and bones. Most pet owners have a tendency to overfeed a growing animal. Rapid growth in dogs can often lead to lameness from either osteochondritis or early onset hip dysplasia.

Today’s commercially prepared pet foods often defy common sense and may even contradict nutritional science.

A Report from the Animal Protection Institute

Today’s commercially prepared diets are based on minimum pet nutrition guidelines.