Cat Paw

Whether your dog or cat has recently given birth or you have bought a new puppy or kitten, it’s important to understand that food intake and nutritional requirements can vary greatly between young and older pets. The right nutritional balance for a puppy or kitten is vital for their healthy development. Careful attention should be paid to ensure the smooth transition from infant to adult diets and from liquids to tinned or dry food.

The growth rate for a puppy or kitten varies enormously from that of a larger or older pet. From the first few hours of birth they must consume a large amount of liquids from the mother to ensure survival and healthy growth. During the weaning stage, a specially tailored diet must be put in place to aid the animal’s physical development, as well as taking care to avoid over-stretching of the stomach.

The early years

There are a wide range of specialist diets for puppies and kittens that contain nutritional ingredients excellent for growth and performance. Smaller cuts of meat, poultry and fish ensure that the food is digested properly. Arden Grange and Royal Canin offers both puppy and kitten specialist diets, whereas Barking Heads caters for the growing puppy.

Bringing a puppy or kitten into the home is an exciting time for all the family. But it is also a big responsibility and it’s crucial to ensure that the right foods are available for your pet, along with plenty of liquids such as water and lactose free milk. With the right nutritional intake during those important early years your pet will grow into a fit and healthy adult.