Nutritional Advice for Your Pet – Serving Green Point & Erina

Along with regular exercise and veterinary care, proper nutrition is one of the most important ways you can contribute to your pet’s long-term health and wellbeing. At Avoca Drive Animal Hospital, conveniently located on the border of Green Point and Erina, we provide expert nutritional advice tailored to your pet's unique needs.

Essential Nutrients for Your Pet

Here are the basic nutrients every pet needs to stay healthy and energetic:

Water: Water is the most essential nutrient in any diet. Your pet’s body is made up of approximately 70% water, and it is critical for their survival. Always ensure your pet has access to fresh, clean water, whether they live in Erina, Green Point, or beyond.

Carbohydrates: Carbs provide energy and help fuel your pet’s brain and muscles, keeping them active and alert throughout the day.

Fats: Fats are a source of energy, and in appropriate amounts, they support cell structure and the absorption of essential nutrients. However, too much fat can lead to obesity-related issues, such as diabetes, heart disease, and osteoarthritis.

Proteins: Proteins are essential for a healthy coat, skin, and nails. They also support the production of hormones and enzymes that are crucial for a healthy immune system. Pets require high-quality animal proteins to maintain optimal health, especially in active dogs or those living in more temperate areas like Erina and Green Point.

At Avoca Drive Animal Hospital, located at the intersection of Green Point and Erina, our veterinarians are here to provide you with personalised advice on the best diet for your pet, taking into account their age, breed, health conditions, and activity level.

Vitamins & Minerals: These are essential for regulating various body systems. For instance, calcium and phosphorous help build strong bones, while antioxidant vitamins like E and C support your pet’s immune system during stressful times.

How do you make sure your pet's diet is healthy?

We strongly recommend that you:

• Feed premium pet foods. Premium foods offer high-quality ingredients, are made by companies specialising in nutritional research, and show a solid track record of quality and palatability. Feeding poor quality pet foods may lead to obesity, irregular bowel movements, or excess intestinal gas.
• Make sure the food is fresh. When you purchase pet food, check for freshness and purchase only the amount necessary for your pet. Store pet food in a cool, dry place and in a food container it tightly closed. Discard uneaten food and always place fresh food in a clean bowl. In general, hard food (or "kibble") is preferred for maintaining dental health and minimising tartar build-up. Soft, canned food tends to be more palatable and can be stored for longer.
• Feed the right amount. Ask us or check the label for how much to feed according to your pet's ideal weight (not necessarily the same as their current weight). Avoid feeding pets as much as they want or feeding a large amount at one time. Doing so can lead to obesity, gastrointestinal upset, or even bloat, a life threatening condition.
• Maintain a daily routine. A regular schedule will help your pet keep normal bowel movements and avoid indoor accidents. Younger pets need to be fed more frequently, as they are usually more energetic and burn more calories.
• Avoid "people" food. Feeding table scraps will result in an unbalanced diet, can cause stomach upsets or even life-threatening inflammation of the pancrea. Some human foods like rasins and chocolate are also toxic to dogs.

Life Cycle Feeding

Your pet's nutritional requirements will change as they age. Puppies need puppy food because it is higher in energy, calcium and protein, but feeding it to an adult dog can lead to obesity. Likewise, older pets need diets restricted in fat and supplemented with fibre for their optimum health. Many premium senior diets also contain additives to assist in the management of arthritis and can make your pet more comfortable.
Please give us a call to discuss your pet’s nutritional needs. We can tailor a diet specifically for your pet that will give them the optimum quality and length of life.
Remember, you are what you eat, and the same goes for your pet!