Picking pet food is not just about flavor or price. The right diet supports your pet’s energy, weight, coat, digestion and long term health. Here are some simple points to help you choose wisely.
1. Start With Age and Life Stage
Pets at different ages need different nutrition.
- Puppies and kittens need higher calories and protein for growth. Choose formulas labeled for “puppy” or “kitten”.
- Adult pets need balanced food that maintains a healthy weight and supports daily activity.
- Senior pets often need fewer calories but good quality protein and support for joints, kidneys and digestion.
Always match the food to your pet’s current life stage.
2. Read the Label, Not Just the Front of the Bag
Do not rely only on words like “premium” or “natural”. Look at the ingredient list.
- A clearly named animal protein (chicken, beef, fish, lamb) should be near the top.
- Carbohydrates and fiber such as rice, oats or beet pulp help provide energy and support digestion.
- Healthy fats like chicken fat or fish oil support skin and coat.
Look for a statement that the food is “complete and balanced” for your pet’s life stage.
3. Consider Your Pet’s Health
Some pets do well on standard diets. Others need special nutrition.
You should speak with a vet about diet if your pet has:
- Weight issues (overweight or underweight)
- Allergies or skin problems
- Ongoing digestive upset
- Kidney, liver, heart or joint disease
In these cases, a veterinary or prescription diet may be safer and more effective than a random store brand.
4. Dry, Wet or a Mix
Each type of food has benefits.
- Dry food (kibble) is convenient, stores well and suits many healthy pets.
- Wet food provides more moisture, can help picky eaters and is often easier for older pets to chew.
- Mixed feeding (dry plus wet) can combine the benefits of both, as long as you control total portions.
The best choice depends on your pet’s teeth, hydration, health and your routine.
5. Portion Control Matters
Even a high quality food can cause problems if you feed too much or too little.
- Use the feeding guide as a starting point.
- Measure food with a scoop instead of guessing.
- Watch your pet’s waist, weight and energy level.
If you are not sure how much to feed, our team at K-9 Pets Clinic can create a simple feeding plan for your pet.
6. Change Food Slowly and Watch for Signs
When you switch food, mix the new with the old over 7 to 10 days. This helps the stomach adjust.
Contact a vet if you notice:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Persistent itchiness or ear problems
- Sudden change in energy or behavior
Your pet may need a different formula or further checks.
When to Ask K-9 Pets Clinic for Help
Ask our vets about your pet’s diet when:
- You bring home a new puppy, kitten or rescue
- Your pet gains or loses weight
- A new illness is diagnosed
- You want to try a special, homemade or raw diet
At K-9 Pets Clinic, we can guide you to safe, balanced food that fits your pet’s age, health and lifestyle, so their bowl supports their wellbeing every single day.