I Basic nutritional requirements of pets
Pets of different species, ages, sizes and health conditions have different nutritional needs. Generally speaking, the basic nutrients needed by pets include protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and water.
· Protein: It is the key to the repair and growth of pet body tissues. High-quality protein sources include meat, fish and poultry.
· Fat: It provides energy and helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins. However, it is necessary to control the total amount to avoid obesity.
· Carbohydrates: It mainly provides energy for pets, but excessive intake may cause indigestion.
· Vitamins and minerals: They are necessary to maintain the normal physiological functions of pets. Lack of them can lead to a variety of diseases.
II Different types of pet food
There are a wide variety of pet food on the market, which can be roughly divided into the following categories:
· Dry food: convenient for storage and feeding, suitable for daily consumption. But you need to pay attention to maintaining water intake to avoid problems such as urinary stones.
· Wet food (canned): high water content, good taste, suitable for picky eaters or pets who need to increase water. But it needs to be refrigerated after opening to avoid spoilage.
· Fresh food: homemade or professional fresh food, balanced nutrition and fresh. But it takes more time and effort, and it is necessary to ensure that the ingredients are safe and pollution-free.
· Snacks: used as rewards or training, but not too much, so as not to affect the appetite for meals.
III How to choose suitable pet food
1. Understand the needs of your pet: Choose the appropriate feed type according to the pet's type, age, size and health status.
2. Check the ingredient list: Give priority to feeds containing high-quality protein (such as meat first), appropriate fat, appropriate fiber, and necessary vitamins and minerals. Avoid products containing large amounts of grain fillers, artificial colors and preservatives.
3. Pay attention to brand reputation: Choose brands with good reputation and quality assurance, which can be understood by checking consumer reviews, professional reviews, etc.
4. Gradual transition: When changing feed, the transition should be gradual to avoid sudden changes that cause gastrointestinal discomfort to pets.