Food

Pups and kittens from 45 days old:  puppy/kitten food is certainly the best option as it is specifically tailored to their dietary and supplementary needs.  There are many types (dry, semi-wet or wet), flavours (beef, chicken, lamb, liver, etc.) and brands on the market.  On your first visit, the veterinarian will recommend the adequate type of diet for your little one.  The amount of food to be given will depend on breed and weight and this information you can easily find on the food package. If they reject the food, insist.  Do not offer another type of food such as meat and rice because it will only get worse. Rather mix wet tin food with dry food to make it more attractive.

Dogs and cats between 1 and 7 years: adult dog food: dry or wet, 2 times a day (morning and evening). You can mix dry food with wet food, according to the proportion indicated by the manufacturer. Just dry food is the perfect choice.

For animals with more than 7 years there are foods, specially designed to prevent common diseases of old age or obesity.  Ask your veterinarian for the best choice.

Tips:

• puppies and kittens eat 3 to 4 times a day when small. 
• they begin to eat less as they grow, so reduce the number of meals gradually. An adult dog (from 1 year) eats 2 times a day. Adult cats have small meals many times a day.
• the adult food should be given after 1 year of age.  Overfeeding will cause obesity and many other problems to your dog or cat. 
• left overs, sweets and everything that is not prescribed by the veterinarian should be avoided, even if the pet likes or wants to eat. 
• dogs that “beg” for food when people are eating should be ignored, and never give food when he asks or you will reward him for a bad behaviour. 
• dietary changes should be made gradually or this can cause diarrhoea. 
• large breed dogs should have at least 2 meals a day. This prevents gastric torsion.

Supplements

Dogs and cats that do not receive a balanced diet require calcium and vitamins supplementation.  Especially during the first year of age, the lack of calcium can cause raquitism and bone malformation. However, pets that eat exclusively dog/cat food of good quality do not need any kind of supplementation.