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We are all familiar with the adage “You are what you eat.” Well, imagine how much more applicable that
would be if we ate the same thing every day. That is the case with our four-legged companions. All of
their nutrition comes from the food that we provide for them, and that puts a tremendous responsibility
on us to ensure that their diet meets their every need. In addition, if the nutrients we supply are not sufficiently
healthy, or even not appealing to them, well, they simply will not eat. As a veterinarian, I often
have to answer difficult questions regarding complex behavioral changes, such as pets getting into the
garbage or, worse, eating inedible objects. Very often these behaviors can be linked to diets that are poor
in nutritional value or deficient of certain vitamins or minerals.
In my practice, we will rarely address even the most simple medical conditions without discussing
diet. Whether it is a minor skin condition or a complicated metabolic disorder, changes in diet are always
part of the treatment plan. In this day and age, while there are many prescription diets to choose from,
most are not designed to meet the individual taste buds or personality of every pet. For this reason, having
simple recipes that are both nutritious and appealing is a great way to supplement your pet’s diet and
help give him a happier and longer life.
It is important to stress that these recipes are designed to be supplemental and are not replacements
for everyday food. While cooking for your animal companion can be a very rewarding, and sometimes
bonding, experience, our pets have different physiological needs than we do. In fact, even different
breeds have different nutritional requirements and may tolerate certain foods differently. For example,
Bulldogs and Boxers require a specific proportion of fiber in their diets, or they will be more prone to
stomach irritations and diarrhea. Before embarking on an entirely home-cooked feeding regimen for
your pet, you must have him thoroughly examined by a veterinarian to determine his exact needs. If your
pet is older or has a history of recurring illness, certain diagnostics, including full bloodwork, may help
determine what type of diet best suits his individual needs.
Always remember that healthy pets help make happy pets. What better way to keep your pets healthy
than by feeding them a healthy diet? |
