Feeding your pet properly is an important part of keeping your pet healthy. Food allergies, sensitivities, and other health conditions can make it tough to figure out what foods are the best fit for your pet. At West Boca Veterinary Center in Boca Raton, FL, our veterinarian and animal care team are here to provide you with help and support to ensure that your pet’s food meets all of its needs.
Not All Pet Foods are Equal
Common Food Allergies in Pets
Food allergies can be tough to spot since your dog or cat cannot tell you which foods give them an allergic reaction. That is why it can be helpful to know some general food allergies your pet may face.
Proteins are the most common allergen for dogs. Many canines are allergic to proteins derived from eggs, chicken, dairy, beef, soy, and gluten. Cats are often allergic to similar proteins, as well as proteins derived from seafood.
It is important to work closely with your veterinarian if you think that your pet may have a food allergy. Our veterinarian can help you determine the cause of the allergy and create a nutrition plan for your pet.
Making the Most of Your Pet's Nutrition Plan
Food allergies and sensitivities are not the only concern when it comes to pet nutrition. It is also important that you are meeting your pet’s caloric needs. Overfeeding your pet can result in obesity and obesity-related conditions, while underfeeding can make it impossible for it to thrive.
The proper amount of food for your pet will depend on its breed, age, body weight, activity level, type of food, and more. Your veterinarian will tell you exactly how much food your pet should be eating each day. Do not forget that treats and table scraps add to your pet’s calorie count. It is important to keep your pet’s weight within a healthy range to avoid a wide variety of health conditions.
Do not hesitate to contact our veterinarian if you are not sure what food is the best for your pet. Our veterinarian are here to work with you to make sure your pet’s nutritional needs are met.
Puppies/Kittens
It’s easy to get confused or overwhelmed by all the pet foods on the market. We can help you weed through the choices and find a puppy or kitten food that will meet your growing pet’s nutritional needs. We even carry many nutritionally balanced, veterinary-approved brands in our clinic.
Feel free to ask us for a food recommendation or to contact us with any nutrition questions or concerns you might have.
Giant Breeds
Giant breeds such as Great Danes, Irish wolfhounds, and giant schnauzers have unique dietary requirements. Very few commercial puppy foods offer the ideal mix of calcium, energy, and protein levels that these breeds need. We can provide you with feeding recommendations that will encourage your dog’s maximum growth potential without causing developmental problems. For added convenience, we also stock veterinary-approved diets for giant breeds.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns regarding your dog’s nutrition or if you would simply like to discuss this topic with us.