Did you know that your pet’s nutritional needs change with age and activity level? Do you know the amount of calories your pet should have each day and whether you are over or underfeeding? Knowing what your pet’s individual dietary needs are and how they change as they age is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. Nutritional counseling and a customized diet for your pet play a key role in the management and prevention of kidney disease, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease and other health issues.
Feeding your pet a nutritionally dense diet is essential for optimal health. The massive selection of pet foods available in your pet store can be overwhelming. Many pet owners take for granted that all of those selections provide a balanced and nutrient-dense diet for their furry companions. Our staff is here to walk you through the process of sorting out the info on a pet food nutrition label—which ingredients are healthy and which are unhealthy for your pet.
Additionally, there are cases where pets may be suffering from food allergies. Pet owners may be unknowingly contributing to their pet’s food sensitivities by feeding them the wrong foods. Symptoms of food sensitivities can include:
- Chronic scratching
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Chronic ear problems
- Flatulence
- Coughing, wheezing or sneezing
Knowing the symptoms of allergies and food sensitivities is important so you can avoid irritating foods in their diet. Scheduling an appointment for nutritional counseling with your vet can help you choose the healthiest foods for your pet.
Whether your pet has special dietary needs or simply needs to shed a few pounds, the veterinarians at Hoegemeyer Animal Clinic are will partner with you to maintain your pet’s health. We offer counseling in food selection and feeding practices for pets during various life stages, such as growth, pregnancy, nursing and the “golden years.” If your pet has a medical condition, such as heart disease, bladder stones, diabetes or kidney failure, we can help you select a complementary diet.
Giving your pet a balanced and healthy diet is the first step you can take, before medications and medical treatments, in order to keep them in optimal health. Contact us at Hoegemeyer Animal Clinic to learn more about nutritional counseling for pets in Kerrville, Texas.
