• "Healthy Foods" for Pets
  
  Be sure to check all foods, treats and snacks that you buy for your canine and feline companions. There are still many, many dog and cat food recalls going on.

Good nutrition is essential to pets leading a happy and healthy life. Maintaining a sound diet will strengthen bones, build up immunity, produce a shiny and healthy coat and give pets the energy and sustenance to lead active lives. However not all pet food is made the same and though you may think an animal’s digestive system can handle just about anything the truth is certain foods and snacks are simply not healthy for a dog or cat to be eating. There is also the danger of pet food recalls that don’t often make headlines the way human food does but is just as serious. Caring pet owners need to understand the importance of good nutrition and healthy diets so that their dog, cat or horse can enjoy life to the fullest.

Salmonella has been a recurring problem in several brands of pet food and snacks and several recalls have been issued to pull potentially hazardous foods from the shelves. Though this information is made public through www.avma.org it is not always featured on newscasts so pet owners need to be vigilant in their checks of pet food information and of course the ingredients in pet food. While salmonella is a well-known bacteria many popular snacks for dogs and cats including pigs ears and biscuits contain other harmful toxins that cause moderate to severe illnesses in pets.

Nutrition is always important to pets but when dogs and cats get older the need for balanced diets and specially formulated foods become even more crucial to their overall health. Geriatric dog and cat food, usually labeled “for older”, can be found in any pet supply store or through certain online web sites. Just as well special foods and snacks are available for young puppies and kittens so each develops properly. As a caring pet owner taking active interest in your pet’s nutrition is paramount to the dog or cat leading a healthy, active and fulfilling life.