Good nutrition is one of the most important factors in ensuring your pet lives a long, healthy, and happy life. A properly balanced diet provides essential nutrients that support organ function, boost the immune system, and help prevent chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, kidney disease, and even certain types of cancer. 

At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital, we see pets when they need specialty care  due to issues often caused by chronic disease. We know more than most the significance of nutrition in the prevention of these diseases, and therefore in preventing a costly trip to the hospital. 

Why Proper Nutrition Matters for Your Pet 

Just as in humans, poor nutrition in pets can lead to serious health issues. Nutritional deficiencies or imbalances can contribute to conditions such as skin disorders, digestive problems, weak immune function, and organ dysfunction. A high-quality pet food should provide complete and balanced nutrition, eliminating the need for additional supplements, excessive treats, or human food. 

Four Key Benefits of Good Nutrition 

1. Strong Muscles and Healthy Body Condition

Protein is a vital nutrient for pets, supporting the growth and repair of muscles, skin, hair, and internal organs. Pets, especially young, growing animals and pregnant females, require an adequate intake of high-quality proteins to maintain a healthy body condition. 

Signs of Protein Deficiency: 

• • Muscle loss 

• • Lethargy and weakness 

• • Poor coat quality 

2. Healthy Skin and a Shiny Coat

Fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 play a crucial role in keeping your pet’s skin hydrated and their coat glossy. Without these nutrients, pets may experience dry, itchy skin, excessive shedding, or brittle fur. 

3. Strong Immune System and Disease Prevention

Vitamins and minerals are essential for immune function and cellular health. They help prevent cell damage, infections, and chronic illnesses. 

Signs of a Weak Immune System: 

• • Frequent infections 

• • Slow wound healing 

• • Increased risk of chronic disease 

4. Proper Digestion and Gut Health

A diet rich in fiber and digestible carbohydrates is essential for healthy digestion. Fiber supports bowel regularity and prevents gastrointestinal issues. 

Signs of Poor Digestive Health: 

• • Diarrhea or constipation 

• • Frequent vomiting 

• • Bloating or discomfort

Understanding Nutritional Differences Between Dogs and Cats 

Cats and dogs have distinct dietary needs that must be met for optimal health. While they both belong to the Carnivora order, dogs are omnivores, meaning they can digest both plant- and animal-based foods, whereas cats are obligate carnivores, requiring nutrients only found in animal products. 

Key Differences in Nutritional Requirements 

Protein  

Dogs require adequate protein for energy, growth, and body repair, but they are more adaptable in their dietary intake. Dogs can synthesize certain essential nutrients from plant-based ingredients, giving them more flexibility in their diet. 

Cats require a higher protein intake throughout their lives and cannot efficiently adjust their metabolism when fed a low-protein diet. This means that protein must be a primary component of a cat’s food to maintain muscle mass and overall health. 

Taurine 

This amino acid is crucial for heart function, vision, and overall cellular health. While dogs can synthesize taurine from other amino acids, cats must obtain preformed taurine from animal-based proteins, making it a vital component of their diet. 

Vitamin A & B3 (Niacin) 

Both cats and dogs need these vitamins for healthy skin and vision. However, cats can only obtain Vitamin A and B3 from animal-based ingredients, whereas dogs can derive them from both animal and plant sources. 

Fatty Acids 

Essential for energy production and cell function, fatty acids are required in both dog and cat diets. Dogs can obtain them from both plant- and animal-based sources, but cats rely exclusively on animal-based fatty acids to meet their energy needs. 

Nutrition’s Role in Preventing and Managing Chronic Diseases 

Providing a well-balanced diet is one of the most effective ways to prevent and manage chronic health conditions in pets. 

Obesity and Related Health Risks 

One of the most prevalent chronic diseases in pets is obesity, which can lead to various health issues, including diabetes, joint pain, and heart disease. 

Prevention Tip: Feed your pet balanced meals based on their age, weight, and activity level. Avoid excessive treats and ensure regular exercise. 

Dental Health 

Dental disease can cause pain, infection, and even organ damage if left untreated. Nutrition plays a critical role in maintaining good oral health.  

Prevention Tip: Include crunchy foods or dental chews in your pet’s diet and schedule regular dental checkups. 

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) 

CKD is a common issue in pets, especially as they age. A low-protein, low-phosphorus diet can help slow disease progression. 

Prevention Tip: If your pet is prone to kidney disease, ask your veterinarian about specialized renal diets. 

Heart Disease and Diet 

Certain ingredients, such as peas, lentils, and chickpeas, have been linked to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. 

Dr. Mark Harmon, BBVSH cardiologist, explains: “Diets containing peas, lentils, chickpeas, and dried beans have been associated with a type of heart disease called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Although the FDA has stopped collecting data on these cases, we still see them frequently in pets in B.C.” 

Urinary tract health in cats 

Inflammation of the lower urinary tract (also known as FUS, FLUTD, or LUTS) is a very common problem in cats. While the problem is multi-factorial, diet plays a significant role.  

Prevention Tips: To reduce the chance of urinary tract problems, cat food should yield moderately acidic urine. Very acidic or very alkaline urine can lead to problems. It is important to note that foods that are simply labeled “low ash” or “low mineral” do not necessarily meet the above criteria.  

Talk to your veterinarian about recommended diets for urinary tract health. Research shows a decreased incidence of occurrence in cats that are fed moist food, have environmental enrichment, and increased water intake. 

For more information about FLUTD in cats, see our blog here. 

Nutritional strategies for cancer prevention and management 

Nutrition also plays a significant role in preventing and managing certain types of cancer in pets. A diet high in antioxidants can strengthen the immune system and help combat cancer cells. Additionally, incorporating a low-fat diet into your pet’s routine can reduce the risk of specific cancer types, contributing to their overall well-being. 

Tips for Choosing the Right Food for Your Pet 

1. Check the Label for Life Stage Suitability

Pet foods are often formulated for different life stages: 

• • Gestation and lactation (reproduction) 

• • Growth (puppy/kitten) 

• • Adult maintenance 

• • All life stages 

All-life-stage foods tend to be higher in calories, which may not be suitable for pets prone to obesity. 

2. Read Ingredient Labels Carefully

The “Guaranteed Analysis” of the contents of a bag of food is a poor indicator of the food’s nutritional value. Although the analysis lists the basic ingredients and their amounts, the quality of an ingredient is as important as the quantity. Low quality ingredients may lack certain nutrients and be hard to digest. Smaller quantities of better-quality ingredients often provide better overall nutrition.  

In general, the best foods are those made with consistent, high-grade ingredients, by companies with strong research and development programs to back up the food “recipe”. 

3. Look for Certification

Several different organizations in Canada and the United States test and certify pet foods to ensure they meet the basic nutritional requirements of a normal animal. For pets with special needs, talk to your veterinarian about foods that provide optimum health. 

4. Raw Food Diets: Are They Safe?

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) finds there is compelling evidence for health risks to pets fed raw meat-based (RMB) pet food products, including raw meat-based diets (RMBD), and to humans who are in contact with such products or in contact with pets that consume them. 

• • Numerous studies over the past several decades have demonstrated that raw meat-based (RMB) pet food products, including raw meat-based diets (RMBD) may contain pathogens harmful to animals and people including bacteria, parasites, and antimicrobial resistant organisms. RMBDs have also been linked to Avian (Bird) Flu in cats. 

• • RMBD diets may or may not be balanced with all essential nutrients. Unbalanced diets can impact the well-being, growth, and development of dogs. 

• • There are limited data supporting clinically relevant benefits to dogs fed RMBD over appropriate conventional cooked diets. 

You can read more about the CVMA findings here. 

Prioritizing Nutrition for a Healthier, Happier Pet 

Providing proper nutrition is one of the most effective ways to support your pet’s long-term health and well-being. A well-balanced diet can help prevent chronic diseases, maintain a healthy weight, and ensure your pet has the energy and vitality to thrive.  

If you have concerns about your pet’s diet or specific nutritional needs, consult your primary care veterinarian.  

For pets with specialized medical conditions requiring advanced care, Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital offers specialty services in critical care, surgery, internal medicine, cardiology, neurology, oncology, dentistry, diagnostic imaging, and animal rehabilitation to support their health. 

For more information about our specialty and emergency services, visit bbvsh.com.