UNDERSTANDING PET FOOD

Various cooking processes are used in preparing commercial pet foods to ensure delivery of highly nutritious, palatable products. The methods used are determined by the final form (e.g., a dry or wet food), desired texture and visual properties, and packaging. Common forms of pet food include dry extruded kibbles and canned wet food.

Probiotic taxonomy can seem daunting to veterinary health care teams and pet owners alike. Understanding taxonomic changes, or changes to the genus and/or species name of a probiotic, can help improve communication with owners about supplements.

Pet supplements are increasingly popular as owners become more aware of the potential benefits.

Learn about supplements for pets: what they are, indications for use, and how to choose them.

Pet owners are increasingly interested in supplements for their pets. Since all supplements are not the same, their use and selection for an individual pet should be considered carefully. Veterinarians should ask about the use of supplements as part of a pet’s diet history.

Kelly S. Swanson, PhD, explains the importance of gut health, what dysbiosis means, and the value of using a synbiotic supplement.​

Probiotics are a nutritional intervention that may help manage pet health issues from gastrointestinal tract and beyond.

Excessive treating can increase the pet’s risk of becoming overweight.

Cats and dogs have different nutritional needs, so they should be fed food specifically formulated for their species.