General Guidelines for Pet Nutrition

Welcome back, humans (and fellow pets that learned how to read)! It’s CJ and Rex here, and we are once again joined by our fine feline friend, Whiskers, to talk about pet nutrition. It’s assumed that pets are naturally bubbly and energetic – but this is only partly true. A lot of your furry friend’s temperament will be a result of a balanced diet rich in nutrition! Can I get a woof woof, Rex?

Rex: Woof woof indeed, CJ! Dogs like us require six basic nutrients in our diet: water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. 

CJ: Well said, Rex! And how should our humans go about providing us with a diet that includes those nutrients? 

Rex: There’s a lot of information out there about picking the best dog food, and a lot of it can be misleading. When it comes to choosing a nutritious option, pick a food that includes recognizable, whole-food ingredients. The price tag and the ingredients don’t necessarily indicate the quality, so just make sure that you find something that contains important ingredients that dogs want and need. 

CJ: Sounds good to me! For the feline side of things, we’ll turn to Whiskers!

Whiskers: Thank you for allowing me to share my purr-spective, CJ! While dogs can enjoy an omnivorous diet – meaning they can get all of their necessary nutrients from plant and meat-based sources – cats require an animal-based diet to meet their nutritional needs. The amino acid known as taurine helps with cats’ heart function and vision, and that can only be found in meat-based proteins. 

CJ: Interesting! So cat owners should I always keep chicken or fish around for kitty?

Whiskers: Right! Or it would be a real fur paw… y’know, like faux paus?

CJ & Rex: Hmm… 

Whiskers: Anyway! A high-quality, animal-based diet – paired with free access to fresh, clean water – will keep cats happy and energized! Meow.

 

CJ: Thanks for the insight, Whiskers! So is there any reliable rule of thumb to follow when picking out a pet food? Even though we don’t have thumbs?

Rex: Yes! When searching for a pet food company, it’s best to select a well-established company with a long history in the business. 

Whiskers: These companies are more likely to have robust test feeding systems that improve their products and achieve the best nutritional content possible. Can I get a meow, boys!?

CJ & Rex: Woof! Woof!

 

Whiskers: That’ll do!

CJ: With that said, I think this is a great place to stop; we’ve covered a lot! Thank you, Rex and Whiskers, for sharing your thoughts with us. If any of our readers have more questions about pet nutrition, reach out to the expert veterinarians at Bulverde Animal Hospital.

How to Ensure Your Pup is Getting Enough Exercise

Happy fall everyone! It’s CJ here with my good friend, Rex. We’re super excited because the holiday season is quickly approaching.  This month we want to discuss our health and the proper amount of exercise that is right for us during the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Just like our human companions, we need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Rex: Woof – I love going outside and playing fetch with my Mom!

CJ: That’s great, Rex! Exercise is really important for controlling our weight, keeping us happy, and reducing any digestive issues. It also keeps us fit and healthy. 

Rex: When I see my Mom pull out my leash, I get so excited, I can barely control myself! And I can tell she enjoys the walk too! We’re a good team when it comes to our walks; we always seem to keep the same pace and then guzzle water when we get back home – woof! – Mom doesn’t drink out of a bowl though because I’m special.

CJ: That’s so fun! I always know my Dad is ready for a walk when he puts on my favorite sneakers of his – woof! I love that it strengthens the bond between us and leads to a stronger, more trusting relationship.

Rex: That it does, CJ – it’s great! Woof!

CJ: Yeah, it is – and another thing that’s great is Bulverde Animal Hospital; they always have helpful ideas for keeping us in shape! Woof, woof - what’s your favorite type of exercise?

Rex: Woof, yeah! I love walking, hiking, Frisbee, ball throwing, and swimming!

CJ: Those are all great forms of exercise! We need to take part in some form of daily physical activity, so that’s great you love exercising – woof – Exercise tones the muscles, helps our body and metabolic system to function properly, and engages the mind!

Rex: Without exercise I get bored and end up chewing on shoes and furniture, or getting into the trash. Woof.

CJ: I’d never chew my Dad’s sneakers! I do agree that boredom sets in though and I wonder what I can do to get out my energy.  Good thing we both have such fun parents to keep us active!

Rex: You’re right, CJ – now I have to go bother my Mom to take me for a walk. All this talk of exercise is making me energized! Woof!

CJ: Sounds good to me, Rex. Woof, woof - Enjoy!