Let’s talk pet nutrition. When adopting a new pet, it’s important to start them off on the right foot at their new forever home. Things like feeding a healthy diet, getting necessary veterinary care, and proper socialization and training are all important steps to help create a longer, healthier, happier life for your new family member.
Kitten and Puppy Nutrition
When it comes to diet, I cannot stress how vital it is to feed a good, biologically appropriate food from the get go. Do not be afraid to switch your puppy or kitten’s food away from what the breeder or shelter had them on. Continuing to feed a sub-par food just because that is what they came to you on is irresponsible and not doing any favors to your pet.
Not sure if their food is great or not? Ask! You have a wealth of professional animal nutritionists at your fingertips who are all willing to make sure you are doing right by your cats and dogs.
Tips for adopting or purchasing a new puppy or kitten
· Never adopt or purchase a dog or cat before 8 weeks of age. This should be an enormous red flag for the breeder or shelter you are adopting from.
· Ask the person you are getting your pet from what type of food they are feeding and why they are feeding it.
· When switching your pets’ food, move slowly over the course of 5-10 days depending on the cat or dog to avoid stomach upset. Just mix in a little bit at a time, if their stool loosens, wait a day or two before mixing more in.
· Puppies and kittens should not have prolonged bouts (more than 2 days) of diarrhea or vomiting. This is a sign that they need veterinary care and most likely a new diet after your vet has cleared them of parasites, worms, etc.
More Pet Nutrition Advice…
· Most veterinarians do not receive extensive training in nutrition, so it’s important to consult with a pet nutritionist for many diet related issues.
· Never attempt to make your pet’s food without consulting a pet nutritionist. It is dangerous to feed an unbalanced diet and over 90% of pet parents who make their pet’s food are doing so incorrectly.
· Try your best to raise lean pets. Over 50% of American pets are overweight, leading to huge increases in cancers, heart disease, arthritis, and a slew of other problems. Be conscious of your cat or dog’s calorie needs, treat intake, etc. If they start to gain unnecessary weight, reach out!
Did you find this article useful? Would you like 100% free access to more articles like these, and free access to over 5,000 vetted pet care service professionals throughout the United States? Sign up here for a free Petworks account, and take 10% off your first booking, on us!
Did You Know?…The Pet Nutrition Alliance
(PNA) is a collaborative organization dedicated to promoting optimal pet health through sound nutritional practices. Formed by leading veterinary groups, including the American Animal Hospital Association and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, the PNA provides reliable, science-based resources to veterinarians and pet owners. It aims to raise awareness about the importance of proper pet nutrition, support veterinarians in making informed dietary recommendations, and combat misinformation. By encouraging transparent dialogue with pet food manufacturers and offering tools like the PNA Nutrition Calculator, the alliance plays a vital role in advancing pet wellness and veterinary nutritional care.
About the Author
Samantha has spent the last 12 years dedicating her life to the health and wellness of animals. She has helped well over 1,500 cats and dogs live their happiest and healthiest lives through proper, biologically appropriate nutrition, supplementation, and exercise. Samantha gives pet owners the tools and education they need to help their furry family members. She started Next Generation Pet Wellness as a way for people to get unbiased information about pet nutrition.
About Us
In 2021, Dr. Marty Goldstein DVM joined the pet care platform Petworks as an advisor in its Animal Nutrition care division. Dr Marty Nature’s Blend is on a mission to help your pets live their healthiest lives possible. Dr. Marty’s pet nutrition expertise and guidance has helped Petworks evolve and become the preeminent animal and pet nutrition consultation service for pet parents in North America.
In 2022, Blue Buffalo Founder Bill Bishop Jr. joined Petworks as Senior Advisor in our Animal Nutrition Care Division. Bill brings his extensive expertise in pet food innovation and business leadership. His guidance helps Petworks enhance our pet nutrition service offerings, helping to ensure that pet parents throughout the world receive trusted, science-backed nutritional support for their dogs, cats, and animals.
Petworks Co-Founder Kevin Kinyon is a life-long animal lover who works tirelessly to improve the lives of pets and their parents. Human and animal qualities he values most are integrity, humor, and empathy.
