we love our pets, so it only makes sense to do what’s best for them. Taking the time to consider what your furry friends eat and drink can help them lead long, fulfilling lives. For those living in West Park, North Olmsted, Berea, Rocky River, Lakewood, Fairview Park, and Cleveland, Ohio, as well as the other surrounding areas, West Park Animal Hospital is your go-to for veterinary services, including advice about proper pet nutrition.

Understanding Pet Nutrition

Ensuring your pets are healthy takes more than just making sure they have food in their bowl. Not all pet food is created equally, and you need to choose something designed for their age and breed. Much like how humans have baby food for newborns who have special dietary needs, pet food comes specifically for pets of different life stages.

For instance, Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) outlines four distinct life stages for dogs and cats, and pet foods are specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of each stage, including:

• Gestation/lactation (pregnancy and nursing)
• Growth (kittens and puppies)
• Maintenance
• All life stages (food safe to feed at any age)

It is also recommended that animals at different stages intake certain quantities and ratios, as well as follow different feeding rates. Senior animals also need special considerations when it comes to food because they are typically more sedentary and are prone to gaining weight. Even differences in the pet’s lifestyle can shape their diet, as a service dog or a hunting dog will likely need to intake more calories than a house pet in order to stay active.

Our Pet Food Nutrition Recommendations

With so many options for pet food available, it can be difficult for pet owners to know what to choose. That’s why West Park Animal Hospital is here to help with our nutritional recommendations. During your next visit, ask us which options are best for your specific pet, allowing you to feel good about what’s in their bowl. Brands like Hill’s, Purina, and Royal Canin take the time to craft delicious pet food backed by science. Their Prescription Diets are often recommended by veterinarians because of their health benefits for an array of different medical conditions, such as kidney and heart care, weight management, and food allergies.

Because we take nutrition for pets so seriously, we even offer a Hill’s to Home delivery service. This is a convenient way to get the quality Hill’s pet food your dogs or cats need – without you having to leave the house.

Home-Prepared Meals vs. Commercial Diets

Some pet owners are interested in cooking meals at home for their pets. While this can feel more personal and allow greater control over ingredients, it comes with important considerations:

Pros of Home-Prepared Meals:

• You know exactly what’s going into the food.
• Meals can be tailored to food sensitivities or allergies.
• Some pets prefer the taste and variety.

Cons to Keep in Mind:

• It’s easy to accidentally create nutritional deficiencies or imbalances. Pets require specific amounts of protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals that can be challenging to achieve without expert guidance.
• Home-cooked diets often need supplementation with calcium and other nutrients.
• They can be time-consuming and costly to prepare consistently.

If you’d like to prepare your pet’s meals at home, we strongly recommend working closely with a veterinary nutritionist to create a balanced, complete recipe that meets your pet’s needs at their life stage.

Healthy Treats for Pets

Treats can be a wonderful way to reward your pet, strengthen your bond, and provide enrichment. However, it’s important to keep treats within healthy limits. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your pet’s total daily calories. Feeding too many treats can lead to excess weight gain and nutritional imbalance over time.

Ideas for Healthy Treats:

• Vegetable snacks: Many dogs enjoy baby carrots, green beans, or cucumber slices. Always introduce new veggies in small amounts to ensure your pet tolerates them well.
• Homemade options: Try making simple baked treats using pet-safe ingredients like plain pumpkin purée, unsweetened applesauce, oats, or lean proteins.

If you use commercial treats, look for options with clear labeling and minimal fillers. Be mindful of extra calories and adjust your pet’s meals accordingly.

Human Foods and Toxicity Risks

Many human foods are unsafe—or even life-threatening—for pets. Even foods that seem harmless can cause digestive upset or serious illness. For example, feeding pets rich or fatty foods (like bacon, sausage, or buttery leftovers) can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and potentially dangerous condition.

Common toxic foods to avoid:

• Grapes and raisins
• Onions and garlic
• Chocolate
• Macadamia nuts
• Xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free gum and baked goods)
• Alcohol
• Cooked bones

If you’re unsure whether something is safe, call our team before offering it. Ingesting certain foods may require immediate veterinary attention.

Schedule a Pet Wellness Consultation Today

At West Park Animal Hospital, our hospital is accredited by American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), so pet parents can trust in our equipment, facilities, and practices. We are experienced in pet nutrition, as well as wellness care, veterinary surgery, and more, making us a great choice for pet owners in West Park, North Olmsted, Berea, Rocky River, Lakewood, Fairview Park, and Cleveland and the surrounding areas. If you are interested in a wellness consult or our Hill’s to Home delivery service, or if you have any questions, contact us today.

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