Understanding Your Pet’s Special Food Needs

Cats and dogs need different types of nutrition throughout the course of their lives, and certain conditions can change those needs. Your pet’s diet directly influences their weight, mobility, and overall health, which is why it’s so important to provide healthy options.

Many veterinarians recommend special diets to manage pets' health symptoms or to help them reduce their weight. Options include:

• Weight Control Pet Diets- An estimated 60 percent of cats and 56 percent of dogs in the U.S. are overweight, and low-calorie foods can play an important role in weight control.
• Senior Pet Diets- Older cats and dogs benefit from senior-specific foods. These products often have fewer calories, less fat, and more fiber, which can be helpful for older animals' digestive systems.
• Hairball Control and Urinary Health Diets- These cat foods help to resolve common feline dietary issues, though they’re not intended as a substitute for veterinary care.
• Breed-Specific Diets- Most pet foods are formulated for animals within a certain weight range. Breed-specific formulas go a step further by addressing individual dietary requirements. A food for labradors, for instance, might have lower calories and a larger size to prevent overeating.

If you’re not sure what food you should buy, it’s always a good idea to speak with your veterinarian. You’ll also want to take precautions when switching to a new food — add the new food gradually to give your pet’s digestive system time to adjust.

While special diets can help your pet live a long, healthy life, high-quality ingredients often mean a higher cost. Comparing prices online can help you keep your budget in check, and you’ll have access to a much wider variety of foods than you’d find at your local supermarket.

What to Look For When Comparing Pet Foods

Ordering pet food online can save you money and time. Online stores don’t have to pay for physical retail space or any of the other costs of brick-and-mortar pet shops, and they often pass the savings onto customers. By using the internet, you’ll also have access to hundreds of different foods, toys, and other pet products, including options that you won’t find anywhere else.

However, be sure to take advantage of the competitive market for pet products — by comparing options from several different retailers, you may be able to find bargains. The money you save can add up quickly, particularly if you’re looking for a high-priced item from a well-known brand.

Keep these factors in mind when comparing prices:

• Many stores offer discounts. If you’re buying for the first time, look for coupons and promo codes. Use as many resources as possible to find deals — many stores don’t advertise their best prices on their websites, so dig deep by following links advertising specific products.
• Consider a subscription order. Many pet stores offer subscription services, which can be extremely convenient for households with several dogs or cats. Some subscription services have additional perks like free shipping or discounted rates on certain products.
• Be sure to watch for shipping fees. Not all stores offer free shipping on all products, and shipping charges can quickly eat into your savings.
• When changing foods, read the ingredients.In other words, don’t trust the marketing. By checking the ingredients, you can avoid fillers, meat byproducts, and unnecessary additives. Remember: When in doubt, check with your veterinarian.

Comparing prices won’t take up too much time, and you could save big in the long run. As a general rule, you should look at prices from at least 3-4 stores before placing your order.

Reaching Options When Buying Pet Food Online

You want the best for your pet, and that means providing them with great nutrition. Special diet formulas can be enormously beneficial, and you don’t have to break the bank to find them.

If you think that a special diet is appropriate for your dog or cat, discuss the subject with your veterinarian, then head online to find the best possible deal.

By comparing prices and reading carefully, you can make a knowledgeable decision while saving money.