Pet Nutrition
Good nutrition is integral to optimal health in our pets. Genetics, environment and temperament are beyond our control but nutrition is something that all pet owners can influence every day of their pet's lives. If you would like to have the pamphlet "What should I be feeding my pet?" mailed to you please call or email us.
Recent Food Recalls
For an easy, up to date summary of recent pet food recalls visit: www.avma.org/petfoodsafety/recalls/default.asp For more details visit the FDA at: www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/newpetfoodrecalls or the manufacturers websites to determine lot numbers, expiration dates, etc.
Links of Interest
Frequently Asked Questions:
What should I be feeding my pet? (nutrition pamphlet coming soon)
http://dels.nas.edu/banr/petdoor.html
Can I make my pets food at home?
Yes, if you have the time and energy, visit www.petdiets.com or www.balanceit.com for more details. These are professional websites that charge for their expertise in nutrition. Balancing the proper amounts of vitamins, minerals, protein, calories, carbohydrates, etc is not easy so I would recommend getting help from a veterinary nutritionist.
What diseases can be addressed with proper nutrition?
Many different diseases can be treated with the proper diet, ranging from; diabetes, to food allergies, kidney disease, liver disease, arthritis, urinary issues, and obesity.
What are probiotics?
A probiotic is a beneficial bacteria supplement that is often given to help animals with gastro-intestinal disorders recover quicker. There are often imbalances in the GI flora which favor bacteria that can cause vomiting and diarrhea as well as bloody stools. A probiotic is designed to help increase the number of positive bacteria and reduce the number of negative bacteria in the GI tract. We carry a product called Fortiflora that is specifically designed for either cats or dogs.
My Internet Caveat!
Please read with a reasonable level of skepticism, anything that you find on the internet. There is an enormous amount of misinformation available on the web, look for credible sources of information, I have tried to include only links to reputable, knowledgable nutrition resources for your use. If you are ever in doubt, please utilize your veterinarian to help you sort through the good, the bad and the ugly on the internet. We are here to help you and your pet. I have completed the Veterinary Nutrional Advocate levels 1-3 from Hills Pet Nutrition and the Purina Certified Weight Coach which both require approximately 15 hours of continuing education and would be happy to share what I have learned with you. Dr. Rick Upshaw.
How to read a pet food label! (pamphlet coming soon)