Volgograd residents told whether dry food for pets is harmful

Dry food: harm or convenience?

Some owners are sure that dry food is harmful food in a hurry, others feed them for years without problems. According to the veterinarian-gastroenterologist Yana Bazhanova, modern full-range dry food is the most studied and scientifically based option for pet nutrition. If the product meets international standards FEDIAF or AAFCO, it provides the body with all the necessary nutrients in the right proportions. The main advantage is a stable composition: the owner does not need to independently calculate the balance of proteins, fats, vitamins and trace elements.

What's the use

Dry food is compressed granules based on cereals and meat, the composition of which is selected so as to cover the daily need of the pet in everything necessary. A high-quality full-range diet more than covers all the needs of the animal - this is confirmed by standards and long-term veterinary practice. An additional plus is convenience: granules are easy to store, dose with a measuring glass, and you do not need to cook anything. It is simplified to control the amount eaten and compliance with the daily allowance.

Risks arising

Harm often occurs not because of the form of nutrition itself, but when the diet does not correspond to the age, physiological state or disease of a particular pet. The main risk is a lack of water: pellets contain little moisture, and if the animal does not drink enough, this increases the burden on the kidneys and urinary system, including the appearance of urolithiasis in cats. The second risk is overeating and overweight: if you pour food “by eye”, the daily calorie content is easily exceeded. Individual intolerance of individual components is also possible.

How to choose food

Cheap diets with unknown quality control may potentially not provide optimal nutrition. International veterinary organizations recommend paying attention not only to the composition, but also to the manufacturer: the presence of own production, quality control system, veterinary nutritionists in the state and published studies. In practice, it is worth checking whether a specific source of protein is indicated (“chicken”, not vague “poultry meat”), whether there are meat components, not only cereals, and whether labeling indicating compliance with full-range standards is clear.

Feeding your pet properly

The pet should always have free access to clean water. The portion rate is determined by the table on the package, adjusted for the weight, age and activity of the animal, and not "by eye". It is better not to arrange a sharp change in the diet: a new feed is introduced gradually, mixing it with the old one for 7-10 days. It is important to control the weight and overall well-being of the pet - so it is easier to notice in time that it is time to adjust the diet.

Mixed feeding

Mixed feeding with dry and wet food is a normal and widespread practice. It is desirable that both products are full-range and, if possible, one line. Wet food increases fluid intake, which is especially beneficial for cats. The main thing is to observe the total daily calorie intake, otherwise the risk of overfeeding and obesity increases.

When you need a doctor

In some cases, the diet is selected together with the doctor. Animals with diseases of the kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, food allergies or obesity are shown therapeutic and preventive feeds developed on the basis of clinical studies. Such rations today are included in the standard recommendations for the treatment of a number of chronic diseases.