Nutrition is a fundamental pillar for the health and longevity of dogs and cats. Choosing the right pet food—whether it’s choosing dog food or choosing cat food—not only ensures a good quality of life but also helps prevent diseases. In this article, we will explore how to select the best option based on the breed, age, physiological state, and activity level of each pet.
Variables For Choosing Dog Food And Cat Food
Nutrition based on breed
Nutritional needs vary according to the size and metabolism of each breed:
- Small breeds: They have a faster metabolism, so they need energy-dense diets with high-quality proteins. Additionally, kibble size should be appropriate for their jaw.
- Large and giant breeds: They have a slower metabolism and are prone to joint and digestive issues. Therefore, they require foods with adequate levels of energy and protein, with chondroprotectors, adequate calcium and phosphorus levels, and appropriately sized kibble to prevent rapid ingestion.
Nutrition based on age
Each life stage brings different nutritional requirements:
- Puppies and kittens: They need diets high in protein, fat, and essential micronutrients for optimal growth and development. Additionally, kibble size should be appropriate for their jaw.
- Adults: They should receive a well-balanced nutrient intake to maintain their energy and overall health.
- Senior: Older pets require lower-calorie, easily digestible food enriched with antioxidants, and chondroprotectors for joint support.
Nutrition based on physiological sate
Certain physiological conditions require dietary adjustments:
- Sterilized pets: They have a slower metabolism and a higher tendency to gain weight, so they need diets lower in fat and calories.
- Pregnant or lactating females: They require higher energy and protein intake to support puppy development and milk production.
- Pets with health issues: Conditions such as allergies, kidney disease, liver failure, or digestive problems require specially formulated food for their treatment.
Nutrition based on activity level
Energy expenditure varies a lot depending on the pet’s physical activity:
- Sedentary pets: Dogs and cats with low activity levels require low-calorie diets to prevent overweight.
- Active pets: Those that engage in regular exercise need higher protein and healthy fat intake to maintain their energy levels.
- Working or sporting dogs: They require highly energetic diets with increased levels of protein and fat to sustain their physical performance.
Frequently asked questions about choosing dog food and cat food
What happens if I do not adapt the food to the specific needs of my pet?
Failure to adapt the diet can affect health in the medium and long term. For example, a sedentary pet consuming high-energy food may become overweight, while a puppy fed adult food may not receive the nutrients needed for healthy development. Choosing the right food helps prevent digestive, joint, kidney or even behavioural problems.
How often should a pet’s food be changed?
It is not necessary to constantly change the food if it meets all the animal’s needs and is well tolerated. However, it is important to adjust at key times: when changing life stages (puppy to adult, adult to senior), if neutered, if becoming more active or sedentary, or if a health condition occurs. The change should always be made gradually, over a period of 7 to 10 days.
How do I know if a food is of high quality?
A quality feed uses animal protein as the first ingredient, includes healthy fats, digestible carbohydrate sources and is formulated with balanced vitamins and minerals. It also avoids low-quality by-products, artificial colouring or unnecessary preservatives. Reading the label and knowing the ingredients is key to making a good choice.
Conclusion about choosing dog food and cat food
Choosing the right food should be based on the pet’s breed, age, physical condition, and activity level. As distributors, providing this information to customers will help them make informed decisions and improve their pets’ quality of life. Investing in high-quality nutrition is key to ensuring the longevity and well-being of dogs and cats.
At Summit 10 we offer you a wide variety of foods to adapt to each of the situations described above and thus accompany each dog and cat throughout their life.
