5 Easy Tips for Choosing the Right Pet Food

5 Easy Tips for Choosing the Right Food for Your Cat or Dog

Choosing a food for your dog or cat will need some careful consideration, but with our Top 5 Tips, we will help you choose the right pet food every time.

1. Choose a Food That Suits Your Pet’s Age

The age of your pet is a vital factor when choosing her food. Under 1 year, and your puppy or kitten will be growing rapidly and will needs lots of nutrients and support to help their development and growth.

As you pet reaches adulthood, her energy needs will reduce as her body won’t need as much now that she has stopped growing.

Again, once your pet starts to enter her senior years, her metabolism start to slow, as will her activity level. She will also be more prone to aging related weight gain and other issues. At this stage in her life, your pet will need a diet that will support her aging muscles and joints, as well as offering a lower calorie count.

Whatever the age of your pet, we recommend that you choose a food that has been especially developed for her lifestage.

2. Find a Pet Food the Matches Her Activity Level

An active pet will need significantly more energy (calories) than on that is less active, so your pet’s diet should take account of his daily activity and how much food he needs to sustain and support his active lifestyle.

An outdoor cat for example, can require up to 40% more calories in his daily meal plan than an indoor cat! Choose a food that has been formulated to support the lifestyle of your pet. Most brands offer an option for more active pets, and our team are on hand in-store should you need help choosing the right food for your dog or cat.

3. Choose a Pet Food for Neutered / Spayed Pets

Neutering is recognised as a contributory factor in unwanted weight gain for both dogs and cats. If your pet has been spayed, she may need a food that has been formulated to support her after surgery, as her body adjusts to the change. Choose a food that has been developed for neutered dogs or cats.

4. Identify Any Sensitivities Your Pet May Have

if your pet has sensitive skin or his tummy is easily upset, choosing a hypoallergenic or grain free food may help. We carry a range of options for both dogs and cats that have specific dietary needs, and our team are on-hand to help you navigate through the options should you need us.

5. Match Food to the Size and Breed of Your Pet

For both dogs and cats, breed and size will be critical factor in choosing their food. Larger dog breeds will need a food which will support their long limbs and joints, while smaller breeds will need a smaller kibble and fewer calories. Most brands of dog food will have a “large breed” and a “small breed” option, while brands like Royal Canin offer a breed specific diet range for both dogs and cats