Right foods keep pets healthy - Daytona Beach News-Journal
Last week we discussed the importance of regular exercise for your pet, but of equal or even greater importance is proper nutrition.
Although most owners think they understand their pet's nutritional needs, petMD studies have revealed that up to 90 percent of them do not know what the proper nutrition is for their animal. Learning the basics of animal nutrition, combined with getting your pet the appropriate amount of exercise, will go a long way toward keeping your animal happy and healthy.
Although both cats and dogs are carnivores, a cat usually requires two to three times the protein of a dog, relative to their size. Cats rely mostly on animal-based proteins, which provide them with essential amino acids, notably taurine. Wet foods are preferred by some veterinarians over dry foods, but it is more important to avoid any cat foods that are high in carbohydrates. No more than 10 percent of the calories in a cat's diet should come from carbs.
Dogs require a more balanced diet. Foods should be labeled as "complete and balanced." This means the food meets the criteria of the Association of American Feed Control Officials. The food should also be labeled to show the life stage (puppy, senior, etc.) for which it is intended. A dog's diet should consist of about 30-70 percent carbohydrates, 18-25 percent proteins and 10-15 percent fat. "Filler" grains, namely most corn- and wheat-based ingredients, should be minimized or avoided entirely.
Adult cats and dogs should usually eat two meals a day to ensure their nutritional needs are met. Pets should always have easy access to water. As tempting as it may be, try to avoid giving your pet table scraps. This can result in weight gain and bad teeth, and some human foods can be very unhealthy for your pet. For more information on pet nutrition, contact your veterinarian.
WATCH FOR WINNERS
Keep an eye on our Facebook page over the next couple of weeks, as our monthly Best Friends Calendar winners are about to be released. Beginning Monday, we will be unveiling one featured animal from the calendar each day, leading up to the calendar's release date on Oct. 1. If you have not already, be sure to "Like" us on Facebook by simply searching for Halifax Humane Society, or by going to facebook.com/halifaxhumanesociety. Remember, you can still save $5 by pre-ordering the calendar before Oct. 1.
PLAN FOR BARKTOBERFEST
The Halifax Humane Society is proud to present the seventh annual Barktoberfest event, taking place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 8 at the HHS property, 2364 LPGA Blvd., Daytona Beach. Thanks to our sponsors, Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Lohman Funeral Homes and Petango, guests and their dogs will enjoy the Disc-Connected K-9 Frisbee dogs, an agility course, contests and music. There is also a bounce house, face painting and a balloon artist for younger guests to enjoy. Cubby from the Daytona Cubs will be entertaining guests as well, and there will be food and drinks available from vendors.
A $5 suggested donation for entry is encouraged, and you can bring a nonperishable food item to be included in the drawing. For details, call Jessica Yelvington at 386-274-4703, ext. 328.
The Halifax Humane Society is a 100 percent donation-based facility taking in hundreds of animals a week. HHS relies on your generosity to help provide:
· Care for the 18,000 animals taken in each year
· Medical care for animals on the mend through the Emergency Medical Fund
· Free spay/neuter program for pit bulls and pit mixes
· Two hundred pounds of dry food needed to feed the dogs and cats daily, plus treats
All proceeds from this event will directly support the abused and abandoned animals of the shelter. Remember, bring your pets along.
Tyler Stover is the community outreach director for the Halifax Humane Society in Daytona Beach. He can be reached at 386-274-4703, ext. 320, or at tstover@halifaxhumanesociety.org.
17 Sep, 2011--
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNE25IuBmO0QNVCC_Po5rd66W7aPOw&url=http://www.news-journalonline.com/lifestyle/living/pets/2011/09/17/right-foods-keep-pets-healthy.html
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