Here is a list of answers to frequently asked questions. If we have not answered your question below or you would like further clarification, please call us at 360-609-3505 or email us your question.
Feeding and Nutrition
Can I mix foods?
It is fine to mix a dry product and a canned product if you like to feed a mixture of these types of foods to your pet. If you are interested in mixing two dry products, it would be better to find one product that meets your pet’s needs. You can rotate flavors of the same brand, however anytime you change foods you want to transition between the foods for 5-7 days. We also recommend using a product such as Holistic Transitions to aid digestion and avoid stomach upset.
How do I know my pet is overweight?
Nearly half of all pets that are seen in veterinary clinics are overweight or obese. It is not very common that we see a pet that is too thin, as the obesity epidemic in pets is mimicking that of the human population in the United States. If a pet is too thin, there is often a medical explanation. If you are concerned that your pet is too thin, please contact your veterinarian right away. To determine whether your pet is too thin, look at them from the top and the side. If you can see the outline of each rib, your pet is too thin. Also, if you can see the actual hip bones when looking down on your pet, this is also an indication that your pet is too thin. If you are seeing these things but your pet has a large belly, there is most likely a medical problem that needs to be addressed immediately.
A normal, healthy pet will have a nice waistline and a tucked up abdomen. From the side, your pet’s belly should go up at the end of the ribs. You might be able to see the last rib and this is ok, but you should not see more. If you don’t see any ribs, this is probably ok too, just rub your hand gently across your pet’s ribcage. The ribs should be very easy to feel, with very little fat between the ribs and the skin. From the top, your pet’s waist is very visible. Between the rib cage and the hips should be a nice indentation. Unless your dog is very furry, you will probably be able to see the outlines of the major muscles in their legs.
If you think your pet is too fat, he probably is. If you have to press your hand against your pet’s side to feel the ribs, there is too much fat. Also, if you look at your pet from the side and the abdomen does not go up at the end of the ribcage, there is too much fat in the belly. And finally, when looking from the top, if your pet is a solid sausage with no waistline, he is too fat.
Being overweight is not only a burden to your pet’s bones and joints, but is also a health hazard. Dogs that are overweight are more likely to suffer from pancreatitis and heart disease than dogs that are at a healthy weight. Research has proven that dogs live longer when they are kept at an ideal lean body condition than if they are allowed to be overweight. Cats that are overweight are susceptible to type 2 diabetes, just like people. They are also more likely to suffer from breathing problems and fatty liver disease.
Talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s weight and start making an effort to get your pet to the ideal lean condition. Many natural food brands include a low fat formula. Adding pumpkin to your pets food will also help reduce weight. (Do not buy pie filling pumpkin as it has added sugar)
Is it ok to feed my pet people food?
It is really best if you do not feed your pet table scraps. You want to distinguish between healthy wholesome foods that are natural and good for all of us and the things we eat and consider food, but have no nutritional value (french fries may appeal to your dog, but are not nutritious). The problem with table scraps is really the way that we cook. We often use seasonings that are too strong or even potentially harmful to pets. The way we prepare our meats is also problematic because of the high fat content. When veterinarians suggest feeding meat to a dog because of an upset stomach, they always say that the meat should be boiled. This gets rid of most of the fat in the meat. Rarely do we boil meat that we are going to be eating for our evening meal.
Feeding from the table encourages begging during meal times. Feed your pet his own healthy meal during your regular meal time. This will ensure that he is satisfied and will not be begging for a morsel from the table. Feeding table scraps also encourages finicky behavior. Your pet may begin “holding out” for the stuff that comes from the table. You may interpret this as your pet not enjoying his food as much when this is not really the case, he just is not as hungry because you are feeding him from the table and he knows he might get something if he just skips that kibble in the bowl.
Do yourself and your pet a favor and feed them a healthy, balanced diet that is designed for pets and stick with it. If you want to give a treat, try a spoon of canned food, a treat or biscuit, or even a dental treat to help keep the teeth clean.
How much water does my pet need?
Your pet should have free access to fresh water at all times. Most pets will drink the amount of water that they need. Pets that are outdoors or very active will drink more water than pets that live indoors or lead a sedentary lifestyle. Monitor how much water your pet typically drinks. If he is suddenly licking the bowl dry faster than before, a visit to your veterinarian is important. An increase in water consumption can be an indication of many different health problems including diabetes, kidney disease and even infections.
How much do I feed?
There are feeding guides on every package. It is important to remember that the amounts listed on the package are expressed in the number of 8 ounce measuring cups (a standard kitchen measuring cup, to be fed per day. So, if it says 2 cups in the chart and you feed your dog twice daily, each meal should be 1 cup.
However, each dog is different. People have different metabolic rates and so do dogs. They also have different activity levels. Feeding guides on pet food packaging designed for adult dogs use one equation, figuring that most adult pets are “moderately” active. Obviously some dogs will need more food than the moderately active adult because of higher activity levels and some dogs will need less food because of their “couch puptato” lifestyle.
Puppies have a much higher energy requirement per pound of body weight than adult dogs do. Very young puppies need more calories than older puppies as well. So, if you have two puppies that both weigh 10 pounds but one is 10 weeks and the other is 10 months, you will find that the 10 week old puppy actually will need to be fed quite a bit more food than your 10 month old puppy.
Talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s body condition. It is best for your pet’s health to be kept in lean body condition. Feed the amount of food that keeps your dog lean and fit, and remember it might not be the amount that is listed on the package.
