Pet nutrition is an area most of the owners overlook. Unfortunately, the Petfood industry has taken advantage of this. Most pet owners either shop for bargain pet food or simply take the advice of someone else like a veterinarian. However, if you do just a little bit of research on pet nutrition yourself, you’ll be able to make your own informed decision. So the seven basic things that a pet owner must know about pet nutrition are

1. All pets need dietary protein.

Of the 20 amino acids, there are ten which are considered essential for your dog's health and 11 for your cat’s health. They come from ingredients like poultry, fish, and meat.

2. Importance of Fats

  Dietary fats typically come from animal fats and seed oils and are needed for proper cell structure and function. Fats provide essential fatty acids that aren’t produced in sufficient quantities by the body.

3. Carbs

Carbohydrates include starches, sugars, and fiber from well-known sources such as sweet potatoes, potatoes, and peas, but also lentils and garbanzo beans. In addition to providing energy, carbohydrates such as fiber help the digestive system work properly.

4. Cats are usually lactose intolerant.

 Despite all the storybook images of cats lapping up cream, cow’s milk can be difficult for most kitties to ingest.

5. Cats are obligate carnivores.

Remember those amino acids found in proteins? Two that are especially important for cats are taurine and arginine. Taurine deficiencies in cats can lead to blindness, heart failure, deafness and birth defects. Without arginine, cats have difficulty removing ammonia from the body, leading to drooling, vomiting, convulsions and even death.

6. Proteins are the cause of most food allergies.

 If your pet is itchy, it’s more likely to be caused by fleas or environmental allergies.

7. Pets typically don’t need extra vitamins.

If your pet food label says that the diet was formulated to meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutrient profile for your pet’s life stage, or that it has passed animal feeding trials, the diet should be complete and balanced with all the vitamins and minerals your pet requires.

If your pet has any health conditions, even if your dog or cat is just a bit pudgy, ask your veterinarian for dietary recommendations. He or she can steer you toward the best food for your pet. Can you not find the right products? Catch up with www.BonBeno.com