What Type of Nutrition Is Best for My Pet? 

Maintaining a healthy, nutritious diet is one of the most important aspects of pet health. There are many considerations involved, including your pet’s breed, stage of life, and specific health concerns. Our team at Newport Center Animal Hospital and Pet Suites is pleased to offer nutritional counseling to help you determine the best diet to help your pet thrive!

Nutrition for Life Stages and Special Considerations

Here is a look at the unique nutritional needs of pets depending on their life stage or special health concerns:

Puppy/Kitten Diets: Kittens and puppies need to consume complete and balanced diets to set the stage for healthy, vibrant lives. Their foods are typically higher in calorie count per serving to meet the requirements of rapid growth. The foods must be rich in proteins, fat, calcium, phosphorus, and other essential nutrients. The type and amount of food will depend on your new family member’s breed, size, and health. 

Adult Diets: Adult dogs and cats ages 1 – 7 (or younger for large breeds of dogs) typically require healthy, balanced diets focused on promoting overall well-being, good dental health, and optimal weight. Adult cat and dog foods usually have a healthy balance of animal-based protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and carbs. If your pet has a specific health condition, we may recommend specialized diets or nutritional supplements.

Senior Diets: As the years go by, obesity, chronic health concerns, and mobility are often a concern. Your furry companion may require a reduced-calorie diet to meet lower energy requirements and maintain a healthy weight. They may also need foods with glucosamine and DHA or EPA to help promote joint health. 

Weight Control: Pet obesity is a significant health problem with devastating impacts on a pet’s quality of life. It is one of the primary causes of mobility issues and chronic diseases like joint pain, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Our team may recommend a diet low in calories but rich in essential nutrients to enhance your pet’s health and quality of life.

Additional Considerations: Chronic diseases, weakness, digestive problems, food allergies, or other health concerns may require specialized diets. Our experienced veterinary team will recommend dietary choices to ensure your furry companion enjoys the healthiest, most active life possible. 

High-Quality Pet Nutrition – Examine Food Labels 

We recommend feeding your pet quality food with certification from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This organization is a private, nonprofit group of agencies at the state and federal levels that reviews the contents of pet foods. While AAFCO provides nutritional standards, it is not a regulatory agency – its role is to provide guidelines for pet food manufacturers.

AAFCO certification will ensure your pet enjoys a healthy, complete, and balanced diet. Here is a look at some of the criteria used by the AAFCO when determining certification:

• Turkey, beef, lamb, or another type of high-quality meat is listed as the first ingredient instead of animal by-products.
• The second ingredient can be any type of meat meal.
• The third and fourth ingredients must be whole fruits or vegetables.
• The food label should not list preservatives or flavors like soy, wheat, or corn that may cause allergies or sensitivities.
• The food should be fortified with Vitamin C or Vitamin E.

Pet Nutritional Counseling Near Me in Newport Beach, CA

Contact Newport Center Animal Hospital and Pet Suites to learn more about pet nutrition for long-term health and wellness. Our dedicated veterinarians and team will help you determine the ideal diet depending on your furry companion’s unique needs. You can always count on us for the highest quality care. Contact our office at 949-644-5460 to schedule your appointment, or request one online today!