JANUARY 2021 • LONGISLANDPRESS.COM 49
PRESS PETS
FURBABY WELLNESS
PET HEALTH RESOLUTIONS
BY ALLISON MATOS
The start of a new year often brings our
attention to health and nutrition. But as
we consider making positive changes to
our own lifestyles, we should be thinking
about our furry friends as well.
With so many choices out there, it’s difficult
to decide what brand and type of
food may be best for your pet. Town of
Smithtown Animal Shelter Supervisor
Leigh Wixson, LVT, advises that first
and foremost, consult with your veterinarian
before drastically changing your
pet’s diet.
“As a general rule, if a brand has a
prescription diet line, they are likely
a reputable choice. Companies such
as Purina, Iams, Hills Science Diet and
Royal Canin employ teams of nutrition
specialists and invest millions in studying
what is best for your pet’s health and
well-being,” says Wixson.
Avoid companies that spend a fortune on
advertising and instead go with the ones
that spend money on research. Once you
have identified a favorite brand, it’s time
to narrow down the type of food.
“Don’t fall for fads,” notes
Wixson. “Grain-free addresses
celiac disease, which is a
human issue, not an animal
issue. Dogs are rarely allergic to
grain but are often allergic to the
proteins, so if you think your pet
has a food allergy, try a different
protein: venison, salmon, duck, or
rabbit. But take caution: It’s not recommended
to supplement extra meat
in your pet’s diet, as you can
inadvertently harm
their kidneys.”
Additional recommendations for
optimal pet health include safe usage
of supplements. Consult with your
veterinarian before adding any to
your pet’s diet as some may not be
absorbable or digestible if used
incorrectly.
If you’re still not sold on any
store-bought pet food, you may consider
making your own, but do so after consulting
a nutritionists’ cookbook. Without
it, you are likely missing
vital ingredients.
Once you have your pet’s menu complete,
be sure to keep a close eye on its
weight.
“Weight gain can creep up slowly, so
know your pet’s weight and check it
every once in a while,” says Wixson.
A big thing to watch for is treat intake.
“Giving your dog a few
snacks a day can be the
caloric equivalent of
doling out scoops
of ice cream,” she
adds. “Recipes
that include
peanut butter,
banana, sweet
potato, and
pumpkin are
always a big hit
and nutritional.
Limit sugar and salt
and watch your ingredients
for things that can be
harmful, such as grapes, xylitol, onions,
or garlic.”
Don’t forget Fido when making resolutions.
(Getty Images)
THEY NEED YOU
MORE THAN EVER
Thanks to your generosity, North Shore Animal
League America has saved the lives of over 1,100,000
rescue dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens.
During these uncertain times, they need you now —
more than ever! Your support will ensure that our
no-kill mission continues for the animals who’ll be
relying on us in the future.
Your tax-deductible donation helps us to bring more homeless
pets to safety, provide them with critical medical care, and find
them loving, responsible homes.
DONATE TODAY!
Over 75 years
animalleague.org/pleasegive
516.883.7575 Follow Us!
/LONGISLANDPRESS.COM
/pleasegive
