This expert advice comes from Dr. Amy Nichelason, clinical assistant professor at the UW School of Veterinary Medicine.
How do I know when I should switch pet foods?
Typically, if a pet is showing signs that they don’t tolerate the food well (decreased appetite, flatulence, vomiting, diarrhea) or they are having issues with feeling full or gaining weight, a dietary switch could be considered. There are certainly health issues that would also necessitate a dietary switch.
What should I be looking for on pet food labels to indicate a good quality food?
You want a diet that is approved by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for the life stage of your pet (growth, maintenance, etc). The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has a great guideline to help you best interpret pet food labels that can often be challenging to decipher.
Should I be feeding my pet a small amount of high-calorie food, or a large amount of low-calorie food?
Cats and dogs can be a bit different here and it will also depend on the individual animal. For animals that don’t have a high hunger drive, feeding a higher calorie food will be preferred to ensure their caloric needs are met. However, most animals fall into the other category of always wanting to eat! If that is the case, for dogs, feeding a lower calorie food can be beneficial so that you can feed more of it. You can also use that low-calorie food as treats throughout the day to enhance satiety. For cats, it is a bit trickier. Some cats do better with a lower calorie, higher volume food. However, satiety in cats can be more unpredictable. Typically, adding canned food to a cat’s diet can be helpful – it is less calorically dense because most canned foods are 80% water, and the water by itself will make animals feel fuller (because it is taking space- just like in humans). I will often add water to their canned food if they will tolerate it, or find other ways to entice them to drink water. I often will try a high protein low carbohydrate diet first for cats to help them lose weight. However, sometimes this alone doesn’t work.
Is free-feeding a good idea?
Free feeding is the practice of leaving an unlimited amount of food in your pet’s bowl so they can graze throughout the day and the success depends on the animal. I think most cats prefer free-feeding but if you have a dog or cat that has a ravenous appetite, free feeding can lend itself to overeating. The other thing that you want to be careful about is the ability to monitor what your animal is eating. Often the first sign of illness is a decreased appetite. This can be missed if you are free-feeding because you have less directed oversight (especially in multi-animal houses).
Should a pet’s diet change over the course of their lifetime?
Yes. Most diets are catered to specific age groups. Puppies have different caloric and nutrient needs than adult dogs or geriatric dogs. Using life stage-based diets can be useful. Care should be taken to look at the AAFCO labeling though since marketing can be deceiving.
My pet is a fast eater, how can I slow them down?
Slow-feed feeders, snuffle mats, treat dispensers (with their normal food instead of treats), or adding water to their food can all be used to slow down the pace. Some of these options can also encourage activity and provide enrichment for your pet that can enhance their quality of life.
My pet is a picky eater, how can I support their dietary needs?
That can be tricky! Usually trying to focus on higher calorie diets to make sure they are getting enough micronutrients and calories is important. Trying different types of food to see if they have a preference (especially cats are known to have very strong preferences in terms of smell, kibble shape or texture, canned type (pâté vs broth). Heating up the food or adding a topper can also help to stimulate appetite.
Do veterinarians recommend raw/homemade diets?
Most veterinarians and veterinary nutritionists do not recommend raw diets because of the concern not just for the pet but for the pet’s family (there have been cases of humans getting antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria from their pet’s food). There is also very limited evidence of the value of feeding a raw diet. If a client decides to do this, they should take the necessary precautions to be as careful as possible and be aware of the risks.
Homecooked diets are at risk of being deficient in micro and macronutrients. If an owner wants to cook for their pet, it is important that the diet is created with the guidance of a veterinary nutritionist (see American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine specialist website for a list). They will ensure it is balanced and that the appropriate supplements are provided.