When it comes to our pets, we always want to give them the best. However, among a wide variety of products it can be difficult to find the most suitable food for our best friend. It is essential to read the labeling and, above all, take into account the specific needs of the dog or cat. Go to your trusted vet if you have doubts!
Although dogs can eat fruits and vegetables in a moderate way (not cats), some specialists defend that the past nutritional past of pets is essentially carnivorous . Among the proponents of this idea is Ricardo Coedo, technical manager of companion animals at Virbac. This company is exclusively dedicated to animal health.
As Coedo explains, dry food appeared in the 1970s, although it contained a greater amount of vegetables because they were cheaper than ingredients of animal origin. “The digestive system of dogs and cats is designed to consume and digest proteins and fats of animal origin, so the most appropriate thing would be to offer a diet based on these premises, “argues Coedo.
With the aim of improving pet nutrition, Virbac has analyzed three fundamental factors: the composition of industrial foods, the increase in obesity in companion animals and the importance of preventive medicine. Based on this and after carrying out an exhaustive study, the company has reached the following conclusions:
• The ingredients of industrial food. Cereal is the main food for 66% of adult dog foods, while animal proteins make up only a quarter of the diet.
• Obesity in dogs and cats. Almost half of pets are overweight, this being a disease that decreases the life expectancy of animals. Diabetes currently affects one in 250 cats, while in the 1970s it only affected one in 1,500 kittens. Watch your pet’s weight!
• The development of preventive medicine. For pets to live with us as long as possible, it is essential to work on preventive medicine. Owners must know how to feed their furry properly to avoid long-term health problems.
After reaching the above conclusions, Virbac has launched its own line of pet products. These foods are approached in a different way than the conventional one, since they contribute to satiate the carnivorous instinct of the dogs. In addition, its products stand out for the following:
- The ingredients. It is a diet rich in protein and low in carbohydrates. Much healthier!
- Control of overweight. Being a diet with a high protein content, it contributes to weight control and to preserve the muscle mass of our best friends. This is what makes it possible to fight obesity in pets.
- Active ingredients. Virbac is committed to the development of preventive medicine. For this reason, their entire range of food, even non-prescription diets, includes active ingredients that help protect the overall health of the animal.
Likewise, the foods in the Veterinary HPM range are formulated in such a way that proteins are the main source of energy. It is a diet rich in protein and low in carbohydrates, so it is great to avoid overweight, take care of the furry skin, stimulate the immune system and maintain the dog’s muscle mass. A great success for your pet!
