Contact
Language
Balanced, Nutritious, and Healthy Pet Food
A pet's weight is a simple indicator of whether their energy intake is balanced.
Energy consumed from food = Energy burned through metabolism or exercise → Weight remains stable.
Eating more and exercising less (Energy > Consumption) → Weight increases (just like many lazy orange cats!).
Exercising more and eating less (Energy < Consumption) → Weight decreases.
However, if a pet eats a lot but still loses weight, there could be an underlying health issue. A sudden weight loss of over 10% in a short period is a red flag. It’s important to check their diet and identify the reason for weight loss—never ignore it. Keep in mind that in addition to regular meals, treats and jerky are also high in calories and should be included in the total calorie count.
Energy consumed from food = Energy burned through metabolism or exercise → Weight remains stable.
Eating more and exercising less (Energy > Consumption) → Weight increases (just like many lazy orange cats!).
Exercising more and eating less (Energy < Consumption) → Weight decreases.
However, if a pet eats a lot but still loses weight, there could be an underlying health issue. A sudden weight loss of over 10% in a short period is a red flag. It’s important to check their diet and identify the reason for weight loss—never ignore it. Keep in mind that in addition to regular meals, treats and jerky are also high in calories and should be included in the total calorie count.
Types of Pet Food
Pet food can be categorized based on moisture content and form: Dry food, Semi-moist food, Wet food (canned food, meal pouches), Based on function, pet food is classified into: Complete nutrition food, Supplementary food, Other functional foods. A pet’s diet should meet nutritional standards for different life stages while providing hydration. Foods that fulfill these criteria are suitable as daily staple meals..png)
Does "Tasty Food" = "Good Food"?
The moisture content of pet food not only affects its form but also influences how taste receptors (taste buds) perceive flavors. Foods with higher moisture and fluidity tend to have a stronger taste. This is why wet food has the highest palatability, while semi-moist and dry food are generally less appealing.Many pet owners assume that "food my pet loves = good food." However, pets often prefer moisture-rich foods or supplementary treats rather than nutritionally complete meals. This can easily lead to an unbalanced or deficient diet.
In short, as responsible pet owners, we should not rely solely on whether a pet enjoys a certain food to determine its quality. Balancing palatability with nutrition is key to making the best choice for our furry companions.
Important Tips for Mixed Feeding
If you choose to feed your pet a mix of canned food, dry kibble, or fresh food, keep these key points in mind to ensure complete and balanced nutrition:Main vs. supplementary food ratio :
Treats and supplementary food should not exceed 25% of the daily main food intake to prevent nutritional imbalances.
Proper food combination :
Different food types (canned, kibble, fresh) have distinct nutritional properties. The ratio should be adjusted based on your pet's weight, age, and health condition. Too much fresh or canned food may lead to excessive calorie intake, while too much dry food may result in inadequate hydration.
Balanced nutrition :
Each food type provides different nutrients—canned and fresh food generally contain more moisture and protein, while dry food supplies carbohydrates and fiber. Ensure a complementary balance to meet all nutritional needs.
Prevent malnutrition :
An improper mix or imbalance in nutrients can lead to malnutrition, affecting weight, coat condition, and immunity.
While many pets love canned food, overfeeding it may reduce their willingness to eat dry kibble. Dry food provides essential nutrients that canned food cannot fully replace, such as dietary fiber and trace elements. If a pet refuses dry food after filling up on wet food, they may not receive a well-rounded diet in the long run.
柯亞彤。2023。貓狗營養學(初版)。晨星出版有限公司 。