PROPER  NUTRITION

Providing proper nutrition is one of the most valuable means of ensuring a healthy life for your companion.  Feeding a high quality diet and offering fresh, clean water will provide your pet with the correct balance of minerals, vitamins, and nutrients.  A proper diet will help your companion to obtain optimal health, including a shinier coat and a boosted immune system.  As with humans, different age groups have different nutritional requirements.  Below are some age-related tips that will help you to make the correct nutritional choices for your pet. 

YOUNGSTERS (UP TO 12 MONTHS**)
            Kittens and puppies require a diet that is formulated for growth and which will allow them to develop strong bones, teeth, and muscles.  Higher levels of proteins and other nutrients found in growth formulas help to provide for this important stage of life.

            PUPPIES
            Nutritional requirements for puppies can vary depending upon the breed of dog.  Speak with your veterinarian about which type of food is best for your dog's breed.  Both overfeeding and underfeeding can lead to health problems late on, so be sure to follow the appropriate nutritional plan.

            KITTENS
            A basic growth formula is usually appropriate for most kittens.  However, it is very important to make sure that your youngster eats his or her own food and that he or she does not snack on the food of your other household pets.  If you have any questions regarding the proper diet for your kitten, speak with your veterinarian. 

**Some veterinarians recommend that puppies and kittens be weaned onto an adult formula of food after they are spayed or neutered, which is usually done around six months of age.  Double check with your doctor to determine what is best for your companion.

ADULTS (1 TO 6 YEARS)
            Dogs and cats should generally be fed an adult maintenance formula food once they have reached adulthood and their nutritional needs taper off.

            DOGS
            As with puppies, breed should be taken into account.  There are different adult maintenance formulas for small, medium and large breed dogs.  Consult your veterinarian about which choice is best for your dog's individual needs. 
            Dogs are omnivores, which means that they need to eat a combination of grains, vegetable matter and protein.  It is possible to make you dog a vegetarian, but you must be very careful to make sure that he or she continues to receive the proper types and amounts of protein.  If you are considering a vegetarian or raw diet for your dog, please contact your veterinarian to discuss nutritional requirements.

            CATS
            As opposed to dogs, cats are true carnivores, meaning that they must eat meat and a certain amount of protein in order to survive.  Cats cannot survive on a vegetarian diet.  In addition, cats cannot produce taurine, an essential amino acid which is found in eggs, fish, milk and meat, and therefore must have it supplemented in their diet.  Any high quality adult maintenance formula of cat food will provide the proper levels of minerals, nutrients and protein required for your cat's healthy diet. 

SENIORS (OVER 7 YEARS**)
            All pets age differently, depending upon their breed.  **Although most doctors consider age seven the proper age for a senior diet, it is recommended that you speak to your veterinarian regarding when to change your pet's diet.
            There are a variety of senior diets available, each with a different focus.  Some senior diets offer specific nutritional formulas to help with age-related changes such as joint health, urinary healthy and sensitive digestion.  Speak with your doctor regarding your pet's special needs so that he or she can help you to choose the appropriate blend for your companion.