Feature Article
The Perfect Nutritional Balance
Every dog and cat has specific dietary needs that have been consistent throughout their evolution. As household pets, we’re now responsible for feeding them so it’s important to select their diet carefully and make sure they’re getting the nutrients they need.
As your pet grows from a puppy or kitten into an adult, their energy requirements and nutritional needs will change. Recent developments by scientists at the Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition means we know much more about what keeps pets in top condition. Scientists have discovered that macronutrients, particularly protein, fat and carbohydrate, each play a specific and important role in providing your pet with energy. This means you can now provide your pet with the specific balance of protein, fat and carbohydrate to meet their unique needs at every life stage.
Protein assists in the build and continuous repair of body tissue and structures like muscle and hair and plays an important role in the body’s defence against disease. As natural carnivores, cats in particular need a much higher level of protein than other species to help maintain a healthy weight and lean body mass. Puppies or Kittens also require a higher level of protein in their diet to support healthy growth and muscle development.
All animals require fat in their diet. Fat provides energy in a more concentrated form which is easily stored within the body to be used for energy when food is scarce. Fat also provides the essential fatty acids needed for a healthy skin and coat, normal cell membranes and kidney function by transporting fat-soluble vitamins around the body. However the level of fat in the diet of an overweight animal should be limited to avoid other health issues.
The third macronutrient, carbohydrate, has two variants - soluble and insoluble. Soluble carbohydrate found in cereal grains such as corn, is highly digestible and provides a good source of readily available energy needed to fuel daily activity. Active or working dogs require high levels of insoluble carbohydrates to provide lasting energy throughout an energetic day.
Insoluble carbohydrate (better known as fibre) doesn’t provide energy but improves colon health. Fibre can help slow the digestion time allowing the nutrients within the food to be fully absorbed while promoting firm, well formed stools.
Your pet’s dietary needs will change throughout its lifetime, which is why it’s important to feed them a premium health pet food which has been formulated with the right balance of macronutrients. This will ensure your pet will receive the specific levels of protein, fat and carbohydrate it needs according to its life stage and dietary requirements.
Based on years of scientific research into the nutritional needs of cats and dogs by the Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, the OPTIMUM® range has been formulated based on a unique nutritional balance, or the Macro-Nutrient Profile (MNP®). At every lifestage the OPTIMUM brand provides your cat or dog with the ideal balance of protein, fat and carbohydrate to ensure your pet receives the ultimate nutrition for a long and happy life.
To find out more about the Macro Nutrient Profile visit What is MNP?.
