What type of food should I buy?
Dry food is recommended. It is the most economical (canned food is up to 70% water), doesn't spoil if left out, helps prevent dental tartar, and most pets eat it readily.
Some folks like to feed mostly dry with a daily "treat" of canned food. The smell and fat content of canned food are attractive to pets, but it contributes more to tartar build up.
Table scraps are not a balanced diet and encourage begging, finicky eating, and obesity.
What brand do you recommend?
Avoid generic and store name brands. Although low in price, these foods are made with poor quality ingredients that aren't very digestible. This means many of the vital nutrients aren't absorbed, and much of the food
is excreted. Your pet can end up malnourished. Often pets refuse to eat these foods.
Brand names are fine, as long as the label states the product is complete and balanced. The quality and digestibility are generally good and they are readily available at groceries as well as pet stores.
Premium brands, which are typically only sold at vets and pet supply stores, have the highest quality, most digestible ingredients. Pound for pound they appear more expensive than other brands, but since you need to feed less,
the cost is comparable. The high digestibility results in fewer, smaller stools, which is helpful for housebreaking and minimizing litter box odor.
You should discuss the use of puppy or kitten food with your veterinarian.
How much should I feed?
Initially follow the package directions. Since the manufacturers are selling food, their recommendations are sometimes a little high.
Monitor your pet's weight. You should be able to feel you pet's ribs without pressing. Adjust the amount fed accordingly. Consult your veterinarian if you have questions.
How often should I feed my pet?
If fed dry food, you can leave the cat / kitten food out and allow your pet to eat when it wants. If your cat / kitten overeats, or if you feed canned food, divide the food into equal portions and feed adults twice daily
and kittens at least three times daily. Since free choice feeding complicates housebreaking, it is not recommended for canines.
Dogs should be fed once or twice daily. Puppies should be fed 2 - 3 times daily. If your dog or puppy hasn't eaten after five minutes, remove the food until the next regular mealtime.
How should I go about changing my pet's food?
Frequent changes in food can lead to finicky eating. Abrupt changes to a new diet can cause diarrhea. Change to the new diet over 4 days by first mixing 1/4 new diet + 3/4 old diet, then 1/2 + 1/2, 3/4 + 1/4, and finally feeding
only the new diet.
My pets are on different diets. How do I keep them from eating each other's food?
One solution is to portion feed and to feed them all at the same time. You can stand guard, or separate them into different rooms during meals.
To keep your dog from eating the cat's food, place the cat's dish on a table or counter, or put it in a room closed off with a baby gate.
Your cat will be able to jump over the gate or onto the table to reach his dinner.
For health reasons, cats and dogs should not eat food designed for the other species.
What about treats?
Too many treats can cause your pet's diet to become unbalanced, so limit them to less than 10% of the total diet. Milk and scraps high in fat can cause diarrhea; avoid them. Pieces of fruit
and vegetables are good low calorie snacks for dogs.
Also be aware that too many treats can sabotage your efforts to housebreak a puppy.
