At Picart, we know that the well-being of our four-legged friends begins with appropriate food and balanced diet. That’s why we want to share with you the importance of establishing healthy eating guidelines for your life companion. Feeding your dog or cat is not just a daily routine; it is an opportunity to ensure their physical, emotional and behavioural health.
One of the keys to avoiding behavioural problems is to maintain consistent eating schedules and habits. For example, allowing a dog to ‘peck’ between meals can lead to chaotic habits and, as a result, increase anxiety. ‘The animal can become more anxious, as it doesn’t know what to expect,’ explains Xavi Bará, our technical director. Cats, on the other hand, require a different approach: they need constant access to small amounts of food throughout the day to maintain a healthy balance in their bodies.
Rewards and leftovers: how to manage them correctly
Rewards are a fantastic tool for positive reinforcement, but it is essential to use them appropriately. Always rewarding with food can lead to dependency, so it is important to alternate with petting or words of encouragement. In addition, treats should be formulated specifically for pets, avoiding nutritional imbalances.
As for leftovers, while sharing food from home may seem harmless, doing so on a regular basis can lead to problems. If this practice becomes the sole source of food, the risk of nutritional deficiencies increases, which could impact on both the health and behaviour of the animal.
Balanced diet: key to physical and mental health
The effects of poor nutrition can go beyond the physical. For example, a diet lacking in vitamin D can lead to joint problems, causing discomfort that alters behaviour. Similarly, magnesium or vitamin B deficiencies can lead to states of apathy or even anxiety. In contrast, a diet rich in nutrients such as essential fatty acids can help calm nervous animals and improve their quality of life.
The importance of adjusting rations
The amount of food is another critical factor. Adjusting dosages to the specific needs of the individual dog, considering its weight, physical activity and state of health, is essential. Although food packaging provides general guidelines, it is recommended that you make visual adjustments and consult with specialists whenever in doubt.
At Picart, we work every day to offer food designed by experts in animal nutrition, with formulas based on scientific evidence that ensure a complete and balanced diet. We know that each furry friend is unique, and our commitment is to provide them with the best possible nutrition to improve their well-being and quality of life.
A proper diet not only contributes to their health, but also to a happier and more harmonious coexistence. Trust Picart, because their well-being is our priority.
