Last month, I had an opportunity to participate in a Google Hangout interview with Dr. Evan Antin, a veterinarian at the Conejo Valley Veterinary Hospital outside Los Angeles, California. Dr. Antin is also known as the world’s hottest vet. In the interview, he shared some information about pet food and tips on how to help your pet get the best nutrition.
This is a sponsored post by Purina. I am being compensated for helping share information about pet food by Dr. Evan Antin, but Golden Woofs only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers.
Tips to Help Your Pet Get the Best Nutrition from Dr. Evan Antin
1. Understanding the Importance of a Healthy Nutrition
With so many options, how do you know which pet food is the best for your furry friend? Pets aren’t humans, thus there’s a lot more that goes into choosing the right pet food. It’s all about being proactive pet parents; learning about healthy nutrition for your pets. It is important to educate yourself on what your pet needs. In addition, do research about the quality and safety of pet food – know who makes it, where it’s made, the steps taken to ensure it’s quality and safety and if the food meets or exceeds FDA and AAFCO standards.
2. Speak to Your Veterinarian
It’s important to talk to your veterinarian about what you can do to help your pet live a long healthy life. Your veterinarian can also assist you to determine the best nutritional approach for your pet.
3. Understanding Pet Food Ingredients
It is important that meat is the first ingredient. According to Dr. Antin, “many pet food manufacturers use high-quality by-products – such as beef, chicken or pork that may include hearts, livers, kidneys, lungs, and spleens. Cats and dogs in the wild typically eat these organs first because they are highly palatable and nutrient-dense”. In regards to raw-feeding, Dr. Antin warns pet parents to be careful especially when food safety regulation arent met – raw pet food can contain dangerous bacteria. Dr. Antin also believes that raw pet food may not provide all the nutrients pets need.
4. Choose A Healthier Snacks: Carrots
Pet obesity is on a rise. Feed your dog healthier snacks like carrots and other pet-safe vegetables. Carrots provide a great, low-calorie healthy snack. The crunchy texture helps support dental health; it gently scrapes the teeth and preventing plaque buildup.
5. Avoid Giving Out Table Scraps
During the holidays and special gatherings, many foods are not appropriate for pets and contain a lot of oils and fats. These can lead to health problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, and pancreatitis. Dr. Antin is advising pet parents to stick to foods and treats that are made specifically for your pet.
To learn more about pet nutrition, quality and the safety of pet food, visit, www.purina.com/nutrition.
How do you help your pet to get the best nutrition?
we love the carrot idea and we often put a carreot in an empty marrow bone… the mess is beyond belief but it is a nice snack what keeps me busy for a while ;o)
Oh Koru, you are so handsome. Maxi is such a picky eater and I learned to read food labels/ingredients. Dr Antin is somewhat right about some by products being good aka other organ parts. Woofs from Maxi.
Mom tries hard to feed us healthy!
hugs
Hazel & Mabel