The Basics of Healthy Eating: What Every Dog and Cat Owner Should Know

Proper nutrition is the foundation for your pet's health, energy, and longevity. Whether you have a dog or a cat, what they eat every day directly determines how they feel, look, and how long they will live.

Why is nutrition so important?

Your pet's food is not just a source of energy. Proper nutrition strengthens immunity and protects against diseases, maintains a shiny coat and healthy skin, ensures good digestion, strengthens joints and bones, and contributes to longevity.

1. Quality over price

Many owners choose cheaper feeds, but this often results in high vet bills. Economical feeds often contain low-quality proteins, artificial additives, and few real nutrients.

Premium feeds, such as Royal Canin, are developed based on scientific research, recommended by veterinarians, and balanced according to the specific needs of a breed or age. For example, ROYAL CANIN Digestion Chew — is a supplement specifically designed to support digestive health, while ROYAL CANIN Joint & Ageing Adult Chews care for joint health in older dogs.

2. Quantity and feeding frequency

Puppies up to 12 months are recommended to be fed 3–4 times a day in small portions, using special puppy food. Adult dogs need to be fed twice a day according to weight recommendations. Older dogs (7+ years) also need to be fed twice a day, but in smaller portions and with an appropriate formula.

For cats — kittens can have free access to food, adult cats are recommended to be fed 2–3 times a day or have free access if they are not gaining weight.

3. Importance of water

Dogs need about 50–60 ml of water per 1 kg of body weight per day, cats — 40–50 ml. Water should always be fresh. Flowing water fountains are especially suitable for cats — they naturally encourage them to drink more.

4. What never to give

Chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, avocados, xylitol, and alcohol — all of these are poisonous to dogs and cats. Also limit dairy products, fatty foods, salt, and sugar.

5. Special cases

During pregnancy and lactation, special food with more calories is required. After sterilization — fewer calories and weight control. In case of illness — a veterinary diet according to the doctor's recommendations. Hypoallergenic feeds with a single protein source are suitable for allergic pets.

For puppies from the first days, a good start is especially important — BABYDOG MILK milk substitute ensures proper growth and development when mother's milk is insufficient.

6. How to switch to new food

Food change should be gradual over 7 days: for the first 2 days — 75% old and 25% new, on day 3–4 — 50% each, on day 5–6 — 25% old and 75% new, on day 7 — completely new food. Monitor digestion, energy levels, coat condition, and appetite.

7. How to tell if the diet is adequate?

Good signs: shiny coat, clean ears, bright eyes, good energy, normal weight, and regular digestion. Bad signs: dry coat, skin problems, lethargy, overweight or underweight, digestive problems.

Our advice

Having worked with dogs and cats for many years, we have learned one thing — proper food changes everything. We chose Royal Canin because we see results, veterinarians recommend it, and pets are healthy and happy.

Do you have questions about your pet's nutrition? Write to us by email info@kamok.lt