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Nutritional Consulting
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Why is nutrition so important?
Because a healthy body begins with healthy, balanced food. Sometimes, this balance can be hard to obtain, as every pet has different needs, depending on a variety of factors such as: age, breed, physical activity, level of stress, behavior, and, of course, health status and medical history.
Here are some facts about the main classes of nutrients that should exist in any pet’s food:
Protein
Protein: Complex chemical structures, essential to all living organisms, with various functions (structural, enzymatic, hormonal etc). What is important to know is that our pet food should not only contain an appropriate level of protein, but it is essential that they are of the highest quality in order to include the essential amino acids. Also, very important, the protein quantity needs to be based on every animal’s energetic necessities.
Lipids (Fats): Chemical structures with high energy value, simple or complex, which play a role in ensuring the energy reserves of the body, in neurological development, vitamin absorption etc.
The lipidic balance in pet food is essential as the excess will lead to flaws in the energy balance, with implications on the adipose layer of the body. The deficit, however, can lead, among other issues, to serious skin and coat problems.
Lipids
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: Organic compounds with structural role, that also sustain the immune system, and are one of the most important energy sources from the body. The high carbohydrate intake can lead to obesity and cause predisposition to metabolic diseases.
Vitamins and minerals: micronutrients with extremely diverse functions: DNA synthesis, bone development, normal eye function, neurologic function etc. As far as their importance in pet food is concerned, it is vital to make sure the dosage is adequate, as both deficit and toxicity but also the interactions between these micronutrients can be extremely dangerous.
Vitamins and minerals
Why should you take your pet to a nutrition consulting?
Balanced food, but, most importantly, suited for our pets is basically the key to a healthy body. This can be easily noticed as, in a healthy pet, the physiological constants are normal, the energy level is appropriate, the coat looks shiny and healthy, the teeth are strong and healthy, the weight is correct, and the overall behavior is according to species. There are, however, some situations when even without developing visible clinical signs, the animal can suffer from a series of metabolic issues, due to poor nutrition.
Staying informed is vital. Sometimes we have the tendency to feed our pets high quality foods, but they may not be balanced accordingly. So, if a diet appears to be working, in time, if not balanced correctly, it may cause health problems. For example, an excess protein food, can cause, in time, renal failure or liver issues, while a protein deficit can lead to serious malnutrition syndromes.
​Nutrition is balance. Whether the nutrients are ingested through food or supplements, it is essential that the dosage respects the individual necessities of each patient. The reason for that is because any nutrient can become toxic, can act as a remedy or can be completely useless, based on the dosage.