Pets Get Healthy The New Nerdel Way
Diet and overall nutrition plays a key role in a healthy and long life for your pet. Just like us, it is very important to maintain a proper weight and healthy lifestyle to avoid diseases. We can help our pets to live a long healthy life by choosing the proper diet, making sure they are not getting too many treats, and allowing them to exercise regularly.
When you go into a pet store or your veterinarian’s office, there are many brands of foods to choose from. One of the most important requirements that I make sure all my clients do when choosing the brand of food to feed their pet, is that it has been approved by the AAFCO (Association of American Food Control Officials). This organization assures that the pet food is well balanced for your pet with all the proper nutrients that they need. So whether you chose from Purina, Science Diet, Eukanuba, or any other brand of food, make sure the food is AAFCO approved. http://www.aafco.org
In addition to a proper well balanced diet, feeding your pet the right type of treats is important in maintaining their weight. As a general rule, I recommend feeding your pet no more then 10% of his or her diet as treats. Some healthy treats that I recommend are carrots, chicken, turkey, or low calorie dog treats which can be purchased at your local pet store.
There are many ways to make sure your pet is staying within his or her proper weight group. As veterinarians we evaluate pets based upon a body condition score. This score is graded from a 1 to a 9 with 1 being too thin and 9 being too overweight. . When your pet comes to see your local veterinarian, we want your pet to receive a 5 out of 9 body condition score. Please click on the following chart to review what your pets’ healthy weight should be…
Just like you and me, regular exercise is very important in maintaining your pet’s weight and health. Swimming, walks, and fetch with a ball or stick are some wonderful ideas that you can do with your pet for exercise. Many nearby beaches are pet friendly. Dog parks are a great place where your pet can run and play with other dogs.
Maintaining a proper weight for your pet with regular exercise and a well balanced diet is crucial in giving them every opportunity to live a long healthy life. Our pets rely on us to make healthy decisions for them. By maintaining their weight, choosing a proper diet plan, and exercising them regularly, we are helping our pets to have many years of health and happiness.
Emerald Hills Animal Hospital
(954) 983 2300 – phone
(954) 983 6021 -fax
Posted in: Your Pet with Dr. Birken
