Pet Nutritional Counseling in Bluffton, SC

Proper nutrition is key to keeping your cat healthy and happy. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need a diet rich in high-quality animal protein to thrive. Look for foods that are tailored to their specific needs, with the right balance of fats, vitamins, and minerals to support their overall health. A well-balanced diet will help your cat maintain a healthy weight, strong muscles, and a shiny coat!

First-rate nutrition sets the stage for a thriving breeding and pregnancy. Maintaining nutrition and bodyweight before, during the course of, and after pregnancy is essential to the wellness of the momma dog and her young pups. Malnourishment caused by inadequate nutrient consumption can lead to miscarriages or health problems. While lactating, energy needs increase and are directly proportional to milk generation, which subsequently is directly corresponding to the number of nursing pups.

Stage show and working dogs have special dietary needs. Generally, working dogs are larger breeds such as an Akita, a Mastiff, or a Newfoundland that are specifically bred to perform tasks like sledding or herding. To perform their best, these dogs need a high-performance pet food that helps keep them working at top productivity. Depending on the amount of work, working dogs may require 1.5 to 2.5 times the volume of food as a sedentary pet, and if the dogs are doing work in high conditions, the volume of food needed increases even more.

Puppies and kittens have special nutritional needs as they grow and develop. During their first few months, they need food that supports their rapid growth, energy levels, and developing immune systems. Look for high-quality puppy or kitten food that’s rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients like DHA for brain development. Proper nutrition now will help set the foundation for a healthy life, supporting everything from strong bones and muscles to a shiny coat. 

When a cherished animal gets older, their eating habits and dietary requirements can adjust too. As a general guideline, animals are regarded as elderly when they've arrived at one-half of their expectation of life. If a senior animals' exercise and metabolic levels decline, it may be time to decrease their caloric consumption to help prevent obesity as the extra weight is just as unhealthy for animals as it is for people.