From a newborn puppy to a senior dog, they all have different nutritional requirements. Similarly, in cats, a kitten requires food for their growth while an adult cat needs food that supports their wellbeing. Veterinarians also suggest providing the right nutrition based on their age. Therefore, understanding the accurate nutritional supplements for dogs and cats becomes essential.
Key Takeaways
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A balanced diet for dogs - protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water.
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Your dog’s energy and nutrient needs vary with life stage, breed, health, and activity level.
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Consult a veterinary nutritionist if you want to add something new to your dog's/cat's diet.
Key Considerations for Different Life Stages
Puppies and Kittens
Puppies and kittens need special food to grow. This food has more protein and calories to help them develop quickly. They also need calcium for strong bones.
Adult Dogs and Cats
They need a balanced diet to stay at a healthy weight. Their food should give them energy for their daily activities. It needs the right mix of protein, fats, and vitamins.
Senior Dogs and Cats
Older pets may need food with fewer calories to prevent weight gain. Their diet should also help support their joints and keep their minds sharp.
List of Nutrients in Health Supplement for Dogs and Cats
Here are the essential nutrients that every nutritional supplements for dogs and cats must have to helps your canine and flurry friend’s growth and overall wellbeing:
For Dogs - Carbohydrates, Fat, Protein, Vitamins & Minerals
For Cats – Protein, Fats, Carbohydrates, Vitamins (A, D, E, K, B vitamins), Mineral (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, etc.) and Taurine (amino acid)
Impact of Providing Adequate Health Supplement for Cats and Dogs
Health supplements for cats and dogs must have enough nutrients that fulfill their daily needs. Here you will find the list of nutrients that must be included in pet supplements:
Calories
Calories are the fuel that the pet’s body uses to power metabolism, growth, physical activity, and general health. Calories are required in the proper amounts to keep all dogs, regardless of size or breed, healthy and strong. The needs of each dog will change based on their age, size, activity level, and metabolic rate.
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A puppy and kitten require more calories per pound of body weight.
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An adult dog requires 20-30 calories per pound of body weight
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An adult cat requires 20-35 calories per pound of body weight
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Senior pets don't require many calories as it depends upon their level of activity.
Protein
Protein is important in nutritional supplements for dogs and cats of all ages. It gives them the building blocks their bodies need to work right. It also helps them build muscle and feel full after eating. If an animal does not get enough protein, they will always feel hungry. They might also lose muscle. The right amount of protein changes as a pet gets older.
Protein requirement for puppies is ~22.5% dry matter (DM), adults have a minimum pf 18% and seniors are around 25%. Protein requirement for kittens is a bit high because they need it for growth and body development, for adult cats it is a minimum of 26% and senior cats it is ~50%.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates give dogs and cats energy to live and play. Carbohydrates are now getting more attention. We now know they do more than just provide energy. They also play a big role in helping with bowel movements. In addition, nutritional food for cats and dogs that contain carbohydrates support the immune system and help the good bacteria in the gut stay healthy.
A dog's diet can have up to 50% carbohydrates. Cats need much less, only about 10-15% of their calories.
Fatty Acids
Fatty acids are vital to the body and work in numerous ways, acting on almost every organ system just as they do in humans. The recommended amount differs based on the conditions that a pet suffers from. Dogs suffering from inflammatory diseases as well as arthritis or cancer require higher Omega 3 levels compared to healthy dogs. (Source: NIH)
Micronutrients
Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals. Dogs need them in small amounts to help their bodies work properly. Vitamins have many important jobs. They help the body use energy, fight sickness, and see clearly. Minerals are needed for strong bones and healthy muscles. Food supplements for dogs and cats containing enough micronutrients also help the body's many systems work as they should. Some examples of micronutrients for include vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, B vitamins (such as B12), calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron and selenium.
Various Factors that Affect Nutritional Needs of Dogs and Cats
Every pet is unique. Some love to run, while others prefer quiet walks. The right food supplement for cats and dogs is essential for their lifestyle. Their age, health, and habits all matter.
Does your pet's hunger change? Does one food work better than another? This is often due to changes in their lives. Let’s look at why your pet’s food needs might change.
Breed
Some breeds have a lot of energy and need more food to stay active. Other breeds are calm and small and require less food.
A big, active dog will eat more than a small lap dog. Pay attention to your pet's breed. Watch how they grow and play. This will help you pick the best food for them.
Pregnancy
A pregnant dog or cat needs more energy. Her body is working hard. She will need more food to stay healthy. This also helps her babies grow strong. She might seem more tired or hungry. Talk to your vet to make sure she gets the right care.
Exercise and Muscle
Active pets need more food. This gives them the energy to run and play. It helps keep their muscles strong.
Pets that are less active need less food. The right amount of food with nutritional supplements for dogs and cats keeps them at a healthy weight. It also gives them energy for the day.
Sickness or Health Problems
If your pet gets sick, their diet may need to change. A new medicine can also affect their appetite. They might eat more or less than usual. Always talk to your vet about health problems. Changing their food can help them feel better.
Other Life Changes
Small changes in life can affect your pet's health. This includes moving to a new house or getting older. A change in routine can also matter.
When life changes, their food may need to change too. Watch for signs of low energy or weight changes. If you see these signs, it may be time to look at their food. It is always a good idea to ask your vet for help.
Signs Your Dog’s Food Isn't Right
You can check your dog's health in a few simple ways. Look at their body weight and their poop. Also, check their coat, nails, and energy level. You and your vet should watch these things often.
Body weight is the easiest sign to notice. Has your dog gained weight? They might be getting too much food. Are they too thin? They may not be getting enough food.
You can use a Body Condition Score chart to check your score. This chart helps you see if your dog is at a healthy weight. If you are worried, call your vet. You do not need to wait for their next wellness check-up.
When your dog eats well, their poop should be firm and easy to pick up. They should not have much gas. A healthy dog also has a shiny coat and smooth nails. They will have plenty of energy for playtime.
Other things can affect your dog's energy, but food is a key part of your life.
Give Right Nutrition with Mihijo’s Nutritional Supplements for Dogs and Cats
Mihijo’s nutritional supplements for dogs and cats help fulfill all the essential requirements that some foods don't. Our supplements contain key ingredients such as Fish from New Zealand, Potato, Glycerol, Pea Protein, Potassium Sorbate, Calcium Carbonate, Flaxseed Fibre, Dipotassium Phosphate, Magnesium Oxide, Brewer Yeast, Vitamin blend and many more.
Our supplements are crafted to fill the nutritional gaps with powerful, vet-recommended ingredients that support immunity, digestion, joint health, and overall wellbeing. Whether you're raising a growing pup or caring for a senior cat, Mihijo ensures they get the nutrients they need to thrive at every stage.
Make smart nutrition simple. Give your pet the daily support they deserve with Mihijo.
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