Our pets occupy a place in our home as if they were a member of our human family, and that makes it hard to resist giving them a “taste” of what you are eating for dinner. Although this may not seem like such a big deal, over time it can be detrimental to your pet’s health. About ⅓ of dogs in the US are obese and almost ½ of cats are obese. What may seem like a couple of extra pounds is not terrible on us, but an extra 5 pounds on a small dog or cat is harmful to their overall health.
It is also not optimal to feed our pets table food due to the fact that they simply do not possess the same digestive enzymes as humans. In turn, this may cause stomach aches, diarrhea, and even unintentional poisoning. Cats should eat a diet that is high in protein, like their wild counterparts such as tigers and lions. Meat proteins provide the essential amino acids needed for optimal health. Dogs love meat protein as well but also have a taste for vegetables! Unlike humans, they need far less carbohydrates than we do in order to function.
The staff at Apollo Pet Hospital & Resort can advise you on what foods and portion size to serve your pets to keep them healthy and satisfied after eating. We will take into account your pet’s breed, weight, age, activity level, and special dietary needs. Based on these criteria, we will develop a plan to help your pet maintain a healthy exercise level and weight.
With the help of our nutritional guidance, and through regular checkups, we can help your pets stay strong and in top physical condition. We not only carry nutritious foods in our clinic, but we also have hypoallergenic foods that can help your pet that may be suffering from flea, food or skin allergies.
Make an appointment with us today to make sure you’re doing the right things for your pet’s health and well-being. Apollo Pet Hospital & Resort provides nutritional counseling services to pets in Huntsville, and other nearby communities including Meridianville, Hazel Green, Lacey’s Spring, and Athens.