Feeding is a key component to the bond between the canine/feline family member and the human. It is essential to have an understanding of how much to feed to assist with optimal health. Feeding individual pets and groups of pets can be vastly different as they can have differing requirements whether it be certain ailments or differing life stages so essentially feeding guides are just that, guides.
There are multiple theories out there about when and how often to feed however, there is no real proven method over one being more beneficial than the other. Understanding your breeds requirements relating to frequency of feeding and getting into a routine that allows you to be consistent with feeding can be a good idea.
Whilst there are scientific formulas used to create feeding guides, the most recognized being that of the NRC (National Research Council), which has a specific equation for the daily energy requirement in Kilocalories (Kcals) the only way we can really take into account the individuality of the canine or feline family member and how much food they require is through body conditioning. We recommend taking the time to make an appointment with a veterinarian, so they can explain body condition scoring and how to monitor so you can adjust feeding as required. Monitoring and maintaining good body conditioning as well as muscle conditioning can assist with optimal health.
At differing times of life, our pets will require differing energy density in their feed. For example, younger animals and pregnant mums will require higher energy foods to adequately cater for growth and gestation and senior pets will require lower energy foods due to metabolism slowing and them becoming less active.
Other things that can affect the energy intake required can be underlying health conditions, medications, lifestyle, injuries, metabolic requirements, exercise frequency and intensity as well as breed.
It is always an idea to research who has formulated a particular food, where it is made and what their credentials are to ensure the feeding guide is accurate and sufficient to provide the energy your canine/feline family members.
Cherish Pet Food recommends monitoring body and muscle conditioning scores and has, through its professors of animal nutrition, utilised the formula of the NRC to create feeding guides for differing life stages to nourish mind, body and spirit.
We take care of the science, so you can Cherish more moments together.
