WHAT ARE YOU FEEDING YOUR PET?

It seems a simple enough question but many owners just don’t know what goes into their pets food…and therefore into their pet! But a good diet is the first step to a naturally healthy pet.

It is easy to be bamboozled by attractive packaging showing lovely fresh ingredients and a fit, bounding dog or cat or to be pressured to feed what your breeder, friend, dog trainer, cattery owner etc. feeds.

Your first step should be to look at the ingredients listed on the packaging. Named meats, grains and vegetables are good. ‘Derivatives’ and ‘by-products’ and chemical sounding preservatives are usually bad.

SO WHAT SHOULD I FEED MY PET?

At Four Seasons Holistic Veterinary Care we feel pets should be fed a diet which is a natural as possible, but which also fits their owners lifestyle.

Dogs and cats should be eating a diet based largely on meat protein, but most can also utilise grains. Fruit, herbs and vegetables provide vitamins and fibre and some herbs can be used as natural preservatives.

Rabbits and guinea pigs need a diet based on grass and hay with extra vitamins provided by small amounts of vegetables, fruit and herbs. A small amount of a rabbit or guinea pig pellet will ensure a balanced, appropriate diet.

Many people like to feed their pets a home-made diet as this gives them full control over the quality of ingredients.

IS A RAW DIET BEST FOR MY DOG OR CAT?

Raw feeding your dog or cat means you have control over the ingredients but also means you have the responsibility of providing a balanced diet. To raw feed well you must be prepared to invest some time and freezer space to your pets diet.

Raw feeding is not suitable for all pets, or owners and there are some really good quality frozen, wet and dry foods which you could choose as an alternative.

If you are concerned about your pets diet, or would like more information on providing a balanced raw diet please book an appointment!