Animals have to acquire all the vitamins and minerals they receive from the food they actually eat as, unlike humans, their bodies do not produce them owing to their genetic makeup. Therefore, quality pet food is of paramount importance and our pets are totally dependent on us to supply the correct vitamins and minerals through their food chain. Good nutrition is the key element to ensure the well being of a healthy pet. We must remember that we have a duty to care for our animals and pay particular attention to pet nutrition.

Pre-prepared pet food caters for almost all their needs, animal preferences, special diets and even for specific breeds of animals. There are dry foods, wet foods, mixers, biscuits along with tins and sachets and we should be aware that chew sticks and biscuits should be consciously incorporated into the overall diet to ensure that the animal is not overfed. There is a wealth of science to support the fact that commercially prepared pet food is a very good and convenient option and the evidence shows that domestic pets are now living longer and healthier lives.

On the other hand, some people believe that a diet containing raw meat and bones is the best option for pets but there is no scientific evidence to back this up. On the contrary, this type of diet is extremely difficult to regulate and invariably results in nutritional deficiencies which can have very damaging effects on the animals. Bones are particularly dangerous as they can get lodged in the foodpipe and lead on to serious complications. Uncooked raw meats also carry the risk of bacterial contamination. Commercially prepared pet food contains thoroughly cooked meat and fish, they have been developed by cooking at extremely high temperatures thereby eliminating the risk of any bacterial infections being present in the finished product.

These days, most pet owners do not have the time and resources to devote to the preparation of wholesome home cooked meals for their pets so those concerned with pet nutrition should do all they can to support their pets health. A veterinarian approved multivitamin has all the compounds which are essential to a balanced diet and is so simple to incorporate into the animals diet.

The key to the pet nutrition quandary is fairly obvious; as pet owners we should find and place our trust in a recognized pet supplier who can then share their wealth of knowledge with us and guide us through the veritable maze of do’s and don’ts. As long as the animal is receiving the very best ingredients, vitamins and minerals be it in dried or tinned form, and the highest quality local ingredients, the rest is just common sense. We do not have to spend vast sums of money to obtain the purest foods and basic accessories such as straw, wood chips etc for our smaller domestic pets and it is evident that by making the best informed choices with the help of the trained supplier, we can and will be the owners of happy contented animals who are glowing with health and vitality.

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