Pets, like people, are affected by the way they eat. And while it is true that every pet should be fed the most nutritious food possible, it is also true that there is a need to sometimes put them on a special diet. In this post, we will discuss some of the reasons why this may be necessary.
Should My Pet Be On A Special Diet?
Your Pet Has Allergies
If your pet has suffered with continual itching, redness, and in severe cases, swelling, it is likely he or she has an allergy. Your veterinarian can recommend that you conduct a food trial during which you remove the fare suspected of causing your pet’s outbreaks, as blood tests are not considered particularly accurate for diagnosing sensitivities.
Foods that pets are commonly sensitive or allergic to can include eggs, wheat, dairy, corn, and chicken, and these are often the most frequently used ingredients in dog food recipes. If you determine that your pet has improved after a period of at least three weeks, your vet’s nutritional counselor may prescribe a diet that will help you navigate your furry friend’s needs.
Anal Gland Disease
Dogs and cats both have two small glands, sometimes referred to as anal sacs, that release their particular scent when they pass stool, letting other animals know this is their territory. These sacs can often become inflamed, infected, or impacted, allowing abscesses to form, and these can burst, causing your pet tremendous pain. You can provide a high-fiber diet to help your pet express these glands during excretion in order to prevent the various problems mentioned above.
Cancer
Pets who have cancer are susceptible to weight loss even when their food intake would otherwise be considered adequate. They tend to lose equal amounts of fat and muscle mass, and this process can be exacerbated when they suffer from a decreased appetite. Your pet’s quality of life and rate of survival can be affected by the food he or she eats at this time, and it is recommended that you feed your companion energy-dense foods that are high in fat and protein and that are low in carbohydrate.
Advancing Age
A dog or cat is considered a senior when he or she is in the last third of their normal life expectancy, and this will be different for each animal, depending on their species and breed. Many pets develop arthritis and other degenerative conditions as they age, and their sleep tends to be more restless and harder to come by. It is advised that older pets be given food that is lower in calories and that is higher in fiber and that they also be given a supplement.
Obesity
Many pets get used to eating high-calorie table food or too much of their own food, and this results in them becoming overweight. Pet owners can choose commercially available food that will satiate their pet’s appetite while supplying them with less calories, or they can prepare a homemade diet. Whichever method is chosen, it is necessary to increase the food’s fiber content and to decrease the amount of fat it contains.
Contact the office of Circle B Veterinary Hospital for more information on specialty pet diets!
