What’s the right food for your pet? Hear from the experts
It’s World Animal Day today, and what better way to celebrate it than making sure your fur babies are happy and healthy! Your pet’s diet is an essential part of their growth and well-being and ensuring it’s healthy and nutritious for them is your responsibility. So if you are a new pet parent or have someone who’s been struggling to find the right food for their pawsome pal, here are some of the things you need to keep in mind – straight from the experts at PURINA®.
With your benefit in mind, we have partnered with popular pet food brand PURINA® to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about choosing the right food for your furry friends. Let’s find out what they have to say.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF PET FOOD AVAILABLE IN THE MARKET?
The pet food you find in the market is usually classified by:
- Age: for puppy/kitten, adult cat/dog, senior cat/dog
- Nutritional Value: complete and balanced nutrition or complementary nutrition (treats)
- Method of Cooking: dry food, wet food, raw feeding
- Pet Concern: weight management, sensitive stomach, sterilised, etc.
WHAT THINGS SHOULD I CHECK FOR BEFORE BUYING PET FOOD?
The first and foremost thing you need to check for when buying pet food is the ingredients list. It’s best to choose poultry, fish or meat-based food for your cats and dogs. Besides the core ingredient, you also need to keep in mind the nutritional requirements of your fur babies.
Cats, for example, need taurine for the proper functioning of their heart and eyes. The feline species also require sufficient amounts of protein, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins for healthy growth. Dogs, on the other hand require 37 different nutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals through their diet for healthy functioning.
The required quantities of these minerals may vary according to the age and size of your pet. It is therefore recommended to consult your veterinarian for the best results.
IS IT OKAY TO GIVE HOME-COOKED FOOD TO MY PET?
Whether it’s home-cooked or commercially prepared, the experts at PURINA® recommend consulting veterinary experts to ensure your pet is getting balanced nutrition from their food.
Giving home-cooked food to your pets gives you greater control over their diet. It can be particularly helpful when you have to manage any food intolerances that your pet has. However, there are risks attached to it.
In most cases a home-cooked diet isn’t complete and balanced – it may lack or have an excess of the nutrients your animal companions need. This can be dangerous for the pet’s health in the long run.
All of PURINA®’s pet foods are carefully formulated by pet nutritionists who understand nutrient profiles of ingredients and the biological effects they have on your pet’s body. They then balance it all to provide 100% complete and balanced nutrition in every meal.
While we understand the motivation behind giving home-cooked meals to your cat or dog, it is not something recommended by veterinarians, unless these meals are formulated by a professional with industry-recognised accreditations.
DO PETS NEED DIFFERENT TYPES OF FOOD AS THEY GROW UP?
Yes, of course. Your animal’s dietary needs change as they grow older. Kittens and puppies, for example, require a lot of calcium, phosphorus, zinc and magnesium to support bone growth and strengthening. Senior pets, on the other hand, need controlled levels of fat and more easy-to-digest protein to support their health.
Besides, your fur babies might develop health conditions as they age. In such cases, it is imperative to ensure they get the necessary nutrition that helps maintain their optimum health.
DO DIFFERENT PET BREEDS NEED DIFFERENT PET FOOD?
Breed-specific diets are formulated with particular conditions in mind. This type of pet food may aid the prevention of certain health concerns that the breed is susceptible to. However, breed-specific diets do not guarantee perfect health for your feline and/or canine buddy. It is therefore recommended to consult a veterinarian before administering these diets or if any health conditions arise.
The team at PURINA® formulates their products to meet the energetic and nutritional needs of healthy dogs and cats at all life stages and for all breeds – with products for weaning, growth adulthood, special needs such as sensitive skin or gut, and senior and geriatric animals. For dogs, PURINA® also have specific food for different dog sizes and for robust and athletic breeds.
That’s all we have for you now from the PURINA® team. We hope this expert advice helps you choose the right food for your pet!
OTHER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PETS IN THE UAE
IS IT POSSIBLE TO ADOPT A PET IN THE UAE?
Yes, you can reach out to one of the trusted animal shelters in the UAE to legally adopt.
ARE THERE ANY PET-FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES IN DUBAI?
Jumeirah Village Circle, Downtown Dubai and Jumeirah Lake Towers are some of the popular pet-friendly communities in Dubai.
CAN I BRING MY DOG TO DUBAI?
Wondering how can I take my dog to Dubai? You can read up on the UAE’s pet import law and the relocation process in our detailed guide.
DO I NEED TO REGISTER MY PET IN DUBAI?
Yes. It is mandatory to register your pet in Dubai. You can reach out to the Dubai Municipality’s Veterinary Services to get your fur babies registered.
Keep this list of pet food delivery stores in Dubai handy, for times when physical shopping for it gets difficult. Stay tuned to MyBayut for more informative content on all things UAE!
