Most pet owners treat their furry friends like they are part of the family.  Cats lounge on the couch and watch television with their owners or hang out in their laps while they surf the net.  Dogs love to cuddle up in bed with their owners and know exactly how to bring a smile to anyone’s face.  Whether you are a dog lover or a cat person you want your pet to live a long and healthy life.  Part of that is providing them with a diet formulated to meet their individual needs. 

Why Do Animals Need Special Diets

Animals are like people in that not all foods are good for them.  As we grow older our diets change.  Foods that we used to eat do not agree with our stomachs and can cause a lot of digestion problems.  The same is true for animals.  While age formulated foods are common among household pets so are foods designed for active breeds, overweight pets, and even those with allergies.  Depending on your pets age and how active they are, a veterinarian might suggest a special food to cut down on health related problems. 

Foods for Overweight Pets

In recent years more and more pet food companies have begun manufacturing foods specially formulated to help overweight cats and dogs reduce their weight.  While some recommend cutting down on the amount of food your pet is eating or making them become more active, a growing number of veterinarians are finding that changing the pets food helps speed the process.  Pets that are placed on diets which include special weight reducing food see noticeable results in just a few short weeks.  Their once overweight dog is able to play again like a puppy.  Foods for overweight cats and dogs include antioxidants, are easy to digest, and promote muscle mass rather than fat. 

Feeding Older Pets

As pets age their nutritional needs change.  In many cases they begin to gain weight because of inactivity or because their joints do not work the way they used to.  Veterinarians recommend feeding older pets a diet that includes a higher amount of protein than most dog foods.  While it’s been said that higher protein can lead to kidney problems in some pets, most experts believe if you keep the with the protein levels in name brand food formulated for Senior pets there is no risk for developing kidney problems.

Allergies and Pets

Just like their owners some pets become allergic to certain types of foods.  In many cases these allergies can develop over time.  If your pet is reacting funny to a brand of food they have eaten for years they may be developing an allergy to a certain ingredient.  Since many foods include the same basic ingredients you may have to resort to pet foods that are all natural.  Natural animal pet nutrition foods come in many different varieties and can be found in most pet stores. 

Other Options

One of the most recent trends in cat food is indoor formula foods designed for cats that spend most of their time inside.  These indoor formula foods have a lower fat content than other types of cat food because indoor cats are said to be less active.  They also contain additional nutrients that outdoor cats get from eating bugs and insects. 

Another popular option among pet owners is to completely stop using commercial dog and cat foods and instead prepare a meal for your pets.  Depending on the individual situation this might be a feasible option.  Many who own pets with allergies resort to this method because it is the easiest way to make sure they know what is going into their pet’s body.  Before changing your pets diet to a program like this or a raw food diet, consult with your pet care professional to learn what foods could be harmful to their health.

Brands Worth Noting

There are dozens of pet food brands on the market and each has their pros and cons.  Depending on your pet food budget some might be a little more cost effective.  Rather than subjecting your pet to a diet that does not meet their nutritional needs check out these brands for natural animal pet nutrition benefits.

Science Diet® – Science Diet® is specially formulated for a wide variety of conditions from obesity to age.  Science Diet® foods contain quality ingredients and come in both can and dry formulas.  For more information visit:
http://sciencediet.com/.

Natures Best – Also manufactured by Science Diet, Natures Best combines fruits and vegetables into a healthy food for cats thereby ensuring all natural animal pet nutrition.  Ingredients include everything from cranberries to broccoli.  For more information visit:
http://www.naturesbest.com/.

Eukanuba – Another high quality food for both cats and dogs.  Options include weight management and hairball relief for cats as well as sensitive stomach, indoor formula, and senior.  For more information visit:
http:// www.eukanuba.com/.

Nutrish™ – Developed by Chef Rachel Ray Nutrish is one of the newer brands to hit the marketplace.  Instead of including fillers as the main ingredient as many pet foods do: this one lists either chicken or beef as the first ingredient making it one of the more natural animal pet nutrition foods.  For more information visit:
www.rachaelray.com/pets/nutrish.php.

Before You Buy

Before you head off to your favorite pet store in search of that magic cure for your pets special needs, make an appointment with your veterinarian for advice about all natural animal pet nutrition.  This is especially important if you have noticed drastic changes in your pet’s health and well being.  There may be a more serious underlying problem causing your pet to gain weight or act differently after being fed.  Your pet care professional may also be able to recommend a natural animal pet nutrition diet formulated for your pet’s special needs. 

Another thing to be aware of is that changing your dog or cat’s food from one brand to another quickly could lead to digestive problems.  Experts recommend mixing older food in with the newer food for the first few feedings so that your pet is able to better adjust to the new diet.  With proper care and feeding of your furry friend you should be able to improve their quality of life and increase their lifespan. 

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