NUTRITION plays a vital part in the growth and development of dogs and cats from puppies and kittens, all the way through to adult life and into their senior years.

Furthermore, diets can be tailored to certain medical conditions in order to support medical treatments and sometimes even minimise their use.

In younger pets it is important they are receiving plenty of good quality protein in order to develop healthy muscles as they grow.

The use of Omega 3 fatty acids help to ensure bright eyes and a healthy coat and the addition of vitamins and minerals ensure strong bone development.

Good nutrition from an early age can provide long term health benefits.

As puppies and kittens turn in to adults their requirements change slightly.

After neutering, their activity levels even out and they become more prone to gaining weight. Therefore a diet with a lower calorie content provides suitable energy to prevent excess weight gain while supporting a healthy active lifestyle.

Entering into later life, pets requirements can become more specialised and so their nutritional requirements change once again.

The kidneys commonly come under a lot of stress in older age.

By providing a diet with lower protein, sodium and phosphorus we can reduce the amount of work required by these organs and by using a complete diet that uses an easily usable protein source supports the function of the kidney.

A food with lower energy levels prevents further weight gain as your pet becomes older and less active.

The continued use of Omega 3 fatty acids throughout their older years helps support healthy joints.

Treats can be incredibly useful as training tools and also gives us a sense of providing our pets with a tasty treat to praise them, or as a snack.

These can add extra calories into their diet leading to obesity.

Therefore it is ideal to find a good healthy brand of treats which compliment the diet.

When giving treats it is a good idea to reduce the amount of food they are given in order to account for the extra calories given.

For further advice on weight clinics or information on diets and nutrition our nurses would be happy to help.

Please call St Boniface Vets on 01363 772860 for a free nutritional assessment.