The veterinarians at VMC of Caldwell take your pet’s overall health and wellbeing seriously. We know that one of the most important factors to optimizing your dog or cat’s health is their nutrition. Our veterinarians can formulate custom pet nutrition plans and give diet recommendations for our canine and feline patients in the Caldwell, NJ area. These diets are tailored to your pet’s age, breed, lifestyle, and medical history. There are many specially formulated diets available that not only provide proper nutrients, but can also assist in the management of various medical conditions, such as kidney disease, diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.
Choosing the Right Diet for your Pet
We know that choosing a diet for your pet can be overwhelming as there are countless options available. When choosing a food, it is important to consider your pet’s lifestyle and preferences, as well as their nutritional needs. Use the following tips to choose the right diet for your pet.
Look for AAFCO Guidelines
The AAFCO (i.e., Association of American Feed Control Officials), is an organization that regulates standards for pet foods and animal feeds in the United States. For a pet food diet to meet the standards set forth by the AAFCO, they must undergo a pet food trial. When choosing a pet food, be sure to look for a nutritional adequacy claim on the packaging stating that the diet is either “formulated to meet or exceed the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO nutritional profiles” or that “animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that the pet food provides completed and balance nutrition” for dogs or cats.
Consider your Pet’s Nutritional Needs
It is important to consider your pet’s age, size, species, breed, and health conditions when selecting an appropriate food. Just like people, dogs and cats all have individualized nutritional and caloric needs. We recommend selecting a diet that is specifically formulated for your pet’s size, breed, and/or age.
Read the Labels Carefully
Pet food labels share more information other than AAFCO guidelines and lifestyle requirements. Pay close attention to feeding directions, the ingredient list, and guaranteed analysis statements to ensure that the food is the right fit for your furry family member. Food labeled for supplemental or intermittent use should not be used long-term unless otherwise directed by a veterinarian.
Need more advice? Consult with your veterinarian at VMC Caldwell for a specific diet recommendation for your pet.
