Feeding pets well is less about finding a miracle product and more about steady, sensible habits. Most dogs and cats do best when their diet aligns with age, activity level, and health status, and when portions are measured rather than estimated. A simple plan you can follow week after week will usually outperform constant switches based on the latest trend. 

Start with life stage and lifestyle. Puppies and kittens grow quickly and typically need calorie-dense formulas with balanced minerals. Adult pets do well on maintenance diets that support lean muscle without excess calories, while seniors may benefit from adjustments to protein quality, joint support, or fiber. Activity matters, too: an energetic dog that hikes regularly will have different calorie needs than an indoor cat that naps for most of the day. Recheck body condition every few weeks and make small, gradual adjustments. 

Labels offer helpful clues once you know what to look for. An AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement confirms the diet is complete and balanced for a specific life stage or has passed feeding trials. Ingredient lists tell you which components appear in the highest amounts, and the guaranteed analysis outlines protein, fat, and fiber. For a clear overview of how to interpret these details and match them to common diet types, Pet Nutrition Abbotsford provides straightforward guidance you can use before you pick up a new bag or case. 

Portion control is where many well-intended plans drift off course. The feeding chart on the label is a starting estimate—not a rule. Use a measuring cup or, even better, a small kitchen scale for consistency. If weight trends up or down, adjust by about 10–15 percent and reassess after a couple of weeks. Treats should be counted toward daily calories; keeping them under ten percent helps prevent slow, sneaky weight gain. Puzzle feeders and slow bowls can help enthusiastic eaters take their time. 

Hydration deserves attention, especially for cats, which naturally drink less than many owners expect. Adding wet food, offering multiple water stations, or using a fountain can support urinary health. Dogs that exercise in warm weather may also benefit from more frequent water breaks and a modest shift toward moister meals to increase overall fluid intake. 

Some nutrition decisions are best made with clinical context. Pets with chronic conditions, recent surgeries, or suspected food sensitivities often need tailored diets. An elimination trial—using a novel protein or hydrolyzed formula for six to eight weeks—usually gives clearer answers than rotating foods every few days. If you want those choices aligned with your pet’s medical history, a consultation with a Vet in Abbotsford can help you sort options, discuss costs, and plan realistic follow-up. 

If you’re changing foods, transition gradually to protect the gut. Mix about one quarter new with three quarters current for a few days, then move to half-and-half, then three quarters new, and finally all new over a week or so. If stools soften, hold at the current step before advancing. Keep brief notes on appetite, stool quality, energy, and coat; patterns over time are more informative than a single day’s impression. 

In the end, “good nutrition” is a process: read labels with a critical eye, measure portions accurately, encourage hydration, and revisit the plan as your pet’s needs evolve. If you’d like practical, low-pressure guidance tailored to your animal, Glenn Mountain Animal Hospital can review your pet’s diet and suggest next steps that fit your routine.