8 ways to keep your pet healthy

Happy, healthy pets need a balanced diet, exercise, intellectual stimulation, social interaction, grooming, veterinary care and lots of love and attention from you. When it comes to diet, each pet has unique nutritional needs that are determined by breed, size, age, activity level, environment and other factors.

A balanced diet and adequate hydration are important, especially during hot weather, says Dr Bala Guru Chinnappan, science communications specialist at Royal Canin. “Understanding pets’ needs can help owners take better care of them. Moreover, prioritizing health through nutrition is essential to ensuring your dog’s happy, healthy life. The secret to ensuring their health is quite simple: good nutrition,” he adds.

Dr. Chinnapan shares eight ways nutrition can support your pet’s health.

Avoid Diabetes: A balanced diet is important to keep diabetic pets’ blood sugar levels stable and their weight under control. A 2021 report noted that irregular feeding and nutritional deficiencies have led to a 10-20% increase in canine diabetes cases. Choosing a high-protein, low-carb diet helps reduce starch breakdown, while adding dietary fiber, antioxidants, and essential amino acids such as arginine improves blood sugar regulation.

Prevent dental disease: Tooth and gum disease is common in dogs over the age of 3. Choosing a diet with nutrients specifically designed for dental health and a specific kibble texture can help maintain your pet’s oral hygiene and reduce plaque buildup. Look for products that are VOHC labeled to ensure they meet dental health standards. Combined with regular dental checkups, proper nutrition helps prevent dental disease and contributes to your pet’s overall health.

Addressing weight concerns: Address weight concerns: Obesity in pets can lead to diabetes, heart disease and more, so preventing it is easier than managing it. A proper diet, proper feeding portions and plenty of exercise are key. Proper nutrition supports bone and joint health and reduces the risk of joint disease, especially in large breeds. A diet supplemented with glucosamine, chondroitin and fish oils (EPA and DHA) are essential for joint health.

Maintains healthy skin and shiny fur. Your pet’s skin and fur reflect their overall health. Nutritional deficiencies can lead to skin irritation and dull fur, while a balanced diet promotes healthy skin and fur. Essential nutrients such as fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, proteins and amino acids play a key role in maintaining healthy skin and lustrous fur. Make sure your pet’s diet contains these essential ingredients.

Healthy Energy Levels: Monitor your pet’s energy levels to determine their health and dietary needs. Adjust fat intake based on factors such as age, breed, and activity level. Essential fatty acids such as EPA and DHA found in fish oil are important for overall health, even on a low-fat diet.

Support Digestive Health with Fiber: Including fiber in your pet’s diet improves stool quality and promotes healthy growth of gut bacteria. High-fiber diets and prebiotics aid digestion, while low-fiber diets may be appropriate for underweight pets. Adjust fiber intake based on your pet’s specific needs.

Protein for Muscles: Make sure your pet gets enough high-quality protein to maintain healthy muscle mass, taking into account factors such as life stage and activity level. Choose highly digestible proteins to reduce strain on the liver and kidneys.

Stay hydrated: Water is essential for drinking and preparing food. Make sure your pet has access to clean drinking water at all times to prevent overheating, dehydration and other health problems. Water intake depends on many factors, so make sure your pet has access to fresh water to stay hydrated and stay healthy overall.