Power of pet nutrition: 8 Ways to keep your furry friends healthy

A balanced diet is important for stable blood sugar levels and weight management in diabetic pets (Image: Canva)

A happy and healthy pet needs a balanced diet, exercise, mental stimulation, social interaction, grooming, veterinary care, and lots of love and attention from their owners when it comes to diet, each pet has unique nutritional needs determined by factors like breed, size, age, activity level, and environment.

Providing a balanced diet and ample water is crucial, especially during hot weather, Dr Bala Guru Chinnappan, Scientific Communications Specialist at Royal Canin. “Understanding their pets’ needs helps pet parents to care for them better. Moreover, prioritising health through nutrition is essential for ensuring a happy, healthy life for the furry companion. The secret to ensuring their well-being is extremely simple: providing good nutrition," he adds.

Dr Chinnappan shares 8 ways nutrition supports your furry friends’ well-being:

Steer clear of diabetes: A balanced diet is important for stable blood sugar levels and weight management in diabetic pets. A 2021 report highlights a 10-20 percent increase in dog diabetes cases due to irregular feeding and poor nutrition. Opting for high-protein, low-carb diets can help reduce starch degradation, while adding dietary fiber, antioxidants, and essential amino acids like arginine promotes better blood glucose regulation.

Prevent dental ailments: Dental and gum diseases commonly affect dogs older than 3 years. Opting for diets containing special nutrients designed for dental health, along with specific kibble textures, can help maintain your pet's oral hygiene and reduce plaque buildup. Look for products carrying the VOHC label to ensure they meet dental health standards. Combined with regular dental check-ups, proper nutrition can prevent dental disease and contribute to your pet's overall well-being.

Address weight concerns: Address weight concerns: Preventing obesity in pets is easier than managing it, as obesity can lead to diabetes, heart problems, and more. The right diet, appropriate feeding amounts, and adequate physical activity are important. Proper nutrition supports healthy bones and joints, reducing the risk of joint disease, especially in large-breed dogs. Diets with added glucosamine, chondroitin, and fish oil (EPA and DHA) are essential for joint health.

Maintain the skin health and coat shine: Your pet's skin and coat mirror their well-being. Poor nutrition can result in skin irritation and dull coats, while a balanced diet can enhance skin and coat health. Essential nutrients like fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, protein, and amino acids play a vital role in maintaining a healthy skin and shiny coat. Ensure that your pet's food includes these essential ingredients.

Healthy energy levels: Monitor your pet's energy levels to gauge their health status and dietary needs. Adjust fat intake based on factors like age, breed, and activity level. Essential fatty acids, like EPA and DHA from fish oil, are crucial for overall well-being, even in low-fat diets.

Support digestive health with fibre: Include fibre in your pet's diet to improve stool quality and promote healthy gut bacteria growth. High-fibre diets and prebiotics support digestion, while low-fibre diets may be suitable for underweight pets. Adjust fibre intake based on your pet's specific needs.

Protein for muscle: Ensure your pet gets enough high-quality protein to maintain healthy muscle mass, considering factors like life stage and activity level. Opt for highly digestible protein to reduce the workload on the liver and kidneys.

Keep them hydrated: Water is importsnt for drinking and cooking meals. Provide your pet with clean drinking water at all times to prevent overheating, dehydration, and other health issues. Water intake can be influenced by various factors, so ensure access to fresh water to maintain hydration and overall health.