8 Things Your Pets Wish You Knew About Their Food

As pet owners, we always strive to provide our furry companions with the best nutrition. However, when it comes to the dietary needs of our pets, it can be quite challenging to understand what's best for them.

Did you know that cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require animal protein in their diet to thrive? Similarly, dogs are omnivores, which means that their diet should consist of a balanced mix of animal protein, carbohydrates and fats.

Apart from understanding the basics of pet nutrition, there are several other things that pet owners should know. For example, did you know that feeding your pet with table scraps could lead to obesity, dental problems and other health issues? Also, it's important to note that not all pet food is created equal - some pet food brands use fillers and artificial ingredients, which may not be suitable for your pet's health.

As pet owners, we all want the best for our companions. We know that regular vet visits, daily walks and lots of love and attention are important for their health and well-being. However, one thing that we often overlook is the quality of their food. Just like us, the food our pets eat can significantly impact their overall health and happiness.

There is a lot to consider! In this blog post, we'll explore the top eight things your pets wish you knew about their dietary needs.

1. NUTRITIONAL VALUE

Your pet's health and well-being are of utmost importance, and the food you provide them plays a crucial role. High-quality pet food is essential for providing all the necessary nutrients that your furry friend needs to stay healthy, energetic and with a shiny coat. These essential nutrients include a balanced mix of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals, which support overall health, including energy levels, immune system and coat quality.

When it comes to low-quality pet food, it often lacks these essential nutrients, which can lead to long-term deficiencies and health problems. This can result in a variety of issues, such as dull coat, low energy levels, weak immune system and digestive problems. Therefore, it's important to choose a high-quality pet food for your pet's optimal health and happiness.

Additionally, high-quality pet foods are often made with natural and wholesome ingredients, which are free from harmful additives, preservatives, and chemicals. Such foods are not only better for your pet's health, but they also taste better, which means your friend is

2. DIGESTIBILITY

As a pet owner, it's important to pay attention to the quality of food you're providing to your companion. After all, what they eat can have a significant impact on their overall health and well-being. When it comes to pet food, quality matters and it's essential to choose food that is formulated to meet their unique nutritional needs.

High-quality pet food is made with high-quality ingredients and it's formulated to be easily digestible. This means that your pet can efficiently absorb and utilise the nutrients in the food. On the other hand, lower-quality pet food may contain fillers or excessive amounts of indigestible ingredients, resulting in stomach upsets, gas, and poor nutrient absorption.

If your pet is eating lower-quality food, they might need to consume more of it to meet their nutritional requirements. This can lead to weight gain over time and expensive visits to the pet store. In addition to this, lower-quality pet food may also contain artificial preservatives, flavours and colours that can have negative effects on your pet's health.

When choosing pet food, it's important to read labels carefully and look for high-quality ingredients such as real meat, vegetables and whole grains. Avoid food that contains by-products, fillers, and artificial additives. It's also important to choose a diet that is appropriate for your pet's age, size, and activity level.

3. WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

Quality pet foods are carefully portioned and formulated to provide your pet with all the necessary nutrients while helping them maintain a healthy weight.

Overeating cheap, low-quality food can lead to obesity and its associated health issues. Obesity is a serious problem for our friends and can cause various health complications such as heart disease, diabetes and joint problems. Just a few reasons why it is crucial to feed your pet a balanced diet with the right amount of nutrients to prevent obesity and other health concerns.

Proper nutrition is essential to control your pet's weight. By providing your companion with a balanced diet, you can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and joint issues. So, it’s important to choose a food that is rich in protein, fibre, and vitamins to provide your friend with the necessary nutrients for a healthy and active lifestyle.

4. ALLERGIES AND SENSITIVITIES

It's not uncommon for pets to suffer from food allergies or sensitivities which can be quite uncomfortable for them. Fortunately, high-quality pet food brands offer a wide range of options to cater to pets with specific dietary needs, including grain-free and limited-ingredient diets. These diets can help alleviate allergy symptoms, promote better health and improve the overall quality of life for your friend.

Grain-free diets are particularly beneficial for pets with allergies or sensitivities to grains like wheat, corn or soy. These diets are made without any grain-based ingredients and instead, rely on high-quality protein sources like fish, chicken, or lamb, combined with vegetables and fruits. They can help reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and promote healthy skin and coat. Canagan is proudly grain-free, you can learn more about us here.

5. REDUCE HEALTH ISSUES

Just like humans, pets need a balanced diet that provides them with all the essential nutrients they need to thrive.

When your pet eats a well-balanced diet, they're less likely to develop health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Plus, a healthy diet can help to maintain a healthy weight, lower cholesterol levels, and regulate blood sugar levels. But that's not all - a healthy diet can also improve your pet's immune system, promote healthy skin and coat and give them more energy to play and explore.

By investing in high-quality pet food that is tailored to your pet's nutritional needs, you can ensure that they receive all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and happy. And the best part? A healthy pet means fewer visits to the vet, saving you money and giving you peace of mind knowing that your furry friend is well taken care of.

6. IMPROVED DENTAL HEALTH

One of the many benefits of feeding your companion a high-quality food is the possibility of improved dental health. Some pet foods are specially formulated with ingredients that help clean your pet's teeth and gums, reducing the risk of dental problems such as plaque and tartar build-up, gum disease and bad breath.

Take our Dental range for example; we’ve built into the recipe ‘Plaque Off’ which gets to work from the saliva, softening the plaque, helping to remove it before it turns to Tartar. Clever huh?

By choosing high-quality pet foods that prioritise dental health, you can help your friend enjoy a healthier, happier life with fewer dental problems and less vet trips!

7. BETTER MOOD

Yep, you heard us right! Providing your friend with a high-quality diet can have a significant impact on their overall well-being. One of the most notable benefits of feeding your pet a nutritionally balanced diet is the improvement in their mood. Pets that consume a diet rich in essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals are often happier and more active than those who don't.

The reason behind this is simple - the food your companion eats plays a crucial role in the functioning of their body and brain. A balanced diet provides your pet with the necessary energy to carry out regular activities, playtime and exercise. It also helps in the prevention of various illnesses and chronic diseases, which can cause pain and discomfort in pets, leading to low mood and lethargy.

Moreover, feeding your pet high-quality food also ensures that their digestive system works efficiently, which means that they absorb the necessary nutrients from the food they consume, leading to proper brain function and emotional stability. By giving your pet the right nutrition, you can help them maintain a healthy weight, which is essential for preventing various health problems that can affect your pet's mood.

8. LONGEVITY

One of the most important things you can do for your pet is to provide them with a high-quality diet. Not only can it help them maintain a healthy weight, but it can also boost their immune system, promote healthy digestion and support their overall well-being.

In fact, feeding your pet a nutritious diet can even extend their lifespan and help them live longer healthier lives. So, when shopping for your pet's food, make sure to choose diets that are rich in essential nutrients and free from harmful additives. Look for labels that indicate high-quality, natural ingredients and avoid those that contain fillers, artificial colours, flavours and preservatives that can harm your pet's health. Of course, at Canagan, we’ve made it easy for you by choosing not to include any of the above in our recipes.

Remember, your furry family member relies on you to make the best choices for their health and happiness. By providing them with a healthy and nutritious diet, you are ensuring that they live a long, happy, and healthy life by your side.

Your furry family member will thank you for it!