“You Are What You Eat”
The saying “you are what you eat,” is a phrase which originated in 1826, meaning to be fit and healthy you need to eat good food.
This phrase still stands strong today, with modern day research emphasising the importance of having the correct nutritional considerations, not only for the human species, but also being just as important for our animal companions too.
We understand that not every dog and cat can be fed the same diet and this is why tailoring their diet is essential to meet their individual needs through nutritional considerations. We know that a paediatric has a different set of nutritional needs compared to the ageing cat, dog or rabbit.
It is important to understand as a pet owner the various nutritional requirements for our family member.
Working with you, our client, to understand what your pet needs, will hopefully provide you with a greater understanding and knowledge so that your family member will lead a full and happy life too.
If you would like to discuss your pets nutritional requirements then please book a free consult. The nutritional consult is aimed at providing guidance to enable you to make an informed decision about your pet’s diet. The consult is aimed at being 30 minutes in duration
Frequently Asked Questions
No, there are fundamental differences between the species, even though their biochemical and physiological principles are the same.
Canines are omnivores, which means they require a wide range of animal and plant foods to thrive.
In contrast, cats are obligate carnivores, which means that they are more restricted in their diet and have special needs for dietary sources (taurine, arginine, arachidonic acid, niacin, Vit A and D). They require a diet low in plant food concentrations.
Essential nutrients are required by the animal because they cannot be synthesised within their body and therefore must be gained within that animal’s diet from protein sources. This is why we should be providing a balanced diet for our pet.
Dogs have 10 essential amino acids that they need from their diet.
No
As our pets become older we know that their nutritional requirements change.
Canine’s energy requirements typically reduce by 20%, due to a reduced energy excursion and the loss of lean body mass. Studies have shown that cats as they become older, their ability to digest fat, protein and carbohydrates declines.
This means it is vital that they receive the correct nutrition from the beginning of their life
Calcium and phosphorous are important in bone development, pregnancy and lactation.
Bone deformities, mainly seen in larger breeds, are seen when there is an imbalance in phosphorous or calcium, leading to skeletal deformities.
No
Guinea pigs have a dietary requirement for Vitamin C, which means they are unable, like humans, to synthesise the vitamin at a rate sufficient to avoid severe deficiency. This is known as scurvy in human medicine. Many animals have no dietary requirement. Rabbit food contains no supplementation of Vitamin C.
Shockingly, a recent research paper has shown that our canine friends in the UK are more over weight than their American counter parts. Being overweight, the same as in humans, has shown to reduce the life expectancy of our pet, increase chances of certain illnesses (arthritis, heart disease etc). Is your pet able to live a happy and fulfilled life over weight?