Are pet supplements important?

Tinned, dried and packaged dog food is relatively cheap to buy and certainly a big time saver which makes it the common choice for pet owners - and who can blame them? Preparing dog or cat food from scratch is something that few people would have the time or even desire to do. Although there are good quality products on the market, they are often at the more expensive end of the scale. Cheaper tins and biscuits for pets often mean the quality of protein within the product is sacrificed or a large amount of “filler” has been used (such as refined grains). Pet food that is capable of being stored for long periods of time indicates that it has undergone a very high heat treatment during the manufacturing process which often depletes the levels of nutrients and vitamins within.

If you are worried about the quality of the food in your pet’s diet but don’t want to spend more or drastically change your pet’s diet (which could lead to other digestive problems), then a pet supplement could be the answer. Supplements ensure your pet is getting everything it needs for a healthy and balanced diet. Here at Viovet, we can provide advice and information about the different supplements available and how they can benefit your pet.

Supplements have been shown to improve the overall quality of life of animals and positive benefits can be seen almost immediately. Supplements can aid intestinal health and digestion, improve the quality and feel of coats and skin, support healthy bones and joints, prevent disease and boost overall levels of energy. It is important to choose a supplement that is suitable and designed for your pet’s age specifically as well as ideally having a money-back guarantee. Come and talk to us here at VioVet if you would like to know more about supplements for your pet.

Have any of you given your pets a supplement? If so, what were the benefits? Send in your comments below.

What food is best for cats?

Cats differ from one to the next when it comes to the best food for them. There are a number of different factors that will affect the type of food you give them. The age of a cat is a factor as nutritional needs change during their life depending on their age. Kittens need a different diet to old cats for example. The condition of your cat is another factor to take into consideration. Overweight cats need a special diet, as do underweight cats and there is no one size fits all solution. The health history of a cat is also important as existing conditions like diabetes or other illnesses mean a very particular diet may be required. Your vet can advise you on what food would be suitable if your cat is suffering from ill health. Cost also plays a part in cat food as prices vary considerably between brands. Generally speaking, the more expensive a food, the healthier and better for your cat it will be, but budgets often cannot stretch so a cheaper food should be found.

Cats have different tastes. Whilst some cats love tuna, others may loathe it. It is a good idea to try out your cat on a variety of foods to see which they prefer. Taste preferences should not be forgotten about when it comes to selecting a cat food. Understanding cat food labels is very important when choosing a food, as clever wording can mean something that looks healthy and delicious, may in fact not be. Look closely at the ingredient list on the back of the product when choosing a food and make sure the first product listed in a high protein item such as chicken or tuna.

If you are switching to a new food, your cat may need a little time to get used to it. If they turn their nose up the first day, that doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t ever like it, so a bit of patience and perseverance is required. If your cat continues to avoid a food, it is probably time for a change, and if your cat appears to become unwell and shows signs of sickness or diarrhea it could also meant the food is not appropriate.

Do any of you have any comments about the best food for cats? Send in your thoughts and advice below.