Why can't I feed any old food?
What type of diet should I feed?
Is tinned food or dried food better?
Which brand should I choose? How much and how often?
Special circumstances:
Puppies
Large breeds
Older dogs
Illness
Dental care

Why can't I feed any old food?

The right diet is vital to keep your dog fit and healthy. Poor nutrition accounts for a significant percentage of the health problems we see. These include vomiting, diarrhoea, flatulence, obesity, dental problems, growth deformities, heart, kidney and skin problems. Did you know you can phone or just call in for advice at any of our branches? Both New Era and Leodis have an extensive range of pet foods available, with the added bonus of well trained staff, on hand, to help you choose the ideal food for your pet.

What type of diet should I feed?

Home made diets are often inbalaced; they are difficult to prepare consistently and expensive.
Good quality, commercial diets such as Royal Canin or Hills Science Plan are consistent, well balanced and convenient. Contrary to expectation they are also one of the most economic ways of feeding your pet.

Is tinned food or dried food better?

Good quality dry foods are convenient, more cost effective and help to keep teeth and gums healthy. Tinned food has a much higher water content which some pets find more palatable. Generally speaking we would reccomend dry food over tinned foods, but if you are unsure, we suggest your kitten or cat's needs are discussed with a vet or nurse.

Which brand should I choose? How much and how often?

At New Era, we believe that one of the best foods is Royal Canin Veterinary Care. This range is designed to supply all of your dog’s nutritional needs from a puppy to old age. It's a fact that if you feed your dog a diet like Royal Canin Veterinary Care, it will live a longer, healthier life because it is less likely to suffer from problems like obesity and dental disease. Different varieties exist catering for the needs of specific breeds, and to target specific problems.

Guidelines for feeding frequency are:

6-8 weeks:                           5 meals daily of Royal Canin (Veterinary)Starter puppy food.
8-12 weeks:                         4 meals daily of Royal Canin (Veterinary) Junior puppy food.
3-6 months:                         3 meals daily of Royal Canin (Veterinary) Junior puppy food.
From about 6-12 months:  2 meals daily of Royal Canin (Veterinary) Junior or Neutered Diet.

• Remember Royal Canin Veterinary Care food is a complete diet so you do not need to add any form of supplementation or milk. 
• Quantity guidelines are clearly explained on the packaging.
• Remember to always provide fresh water.

Actions speak louder than words though and most of our staff feed their pets on Royal Canin Veterinary Care.

Special circumstances:

1.Puppies:

When your puppy first arrives offer the same food that the breeder has been giving. Offer five small meals a day, but make the food available for only 5-10 minutes at a time. Do not linger or stand over the puppy whilst it is feeding. After 3-5 days, we suggest phasing it onto the Royal Canin Veterinary Starter food.

From day one, do not allow your puppy to approach the table during your own mealtimes, including breakfast time.

Do not keep changing diets/brands. Let your puppy get used to one type of good quality food and then be consistent. The desire for variety is a human need- not a canine one!

Use small pieces of food or “tit-bits” (eg diced pieces of chicken) for rewards, specifically when training.

Feed your puppy after you have eaten or at completely unrelated time.

Train your puppy to sit and wait whist you prepare the food and put it down, waiting for your command before it starts to eat. Leave your puppy alone when it is eating. Do not try and take the bowl away.

Offering a bone to chew on is controversial; they can splinter, damage gums, pieces can get stuck in the intestinal tract or cause constipation. If you do want to offer a bone, ensure it is a large, uncooked bone that has been thoroughly trimmed. Never feed chicken or chop bones.

2.Large or Giant Breeds

Royal Canin Veterinary diets offer a specific diet for these breeds, perfectly balanced to meet their requirements.

Do not offer extra calcium or general vitamin supplements, unless under specific advice from you vet. Vets see far more joint and bone problems due to over supplementation with too much calcium.

3.Older Dogs

Most breeds have different nutritional requirements from seven years old. “Senior” diets cater for those requirements and actually help your dog to remain fit and healthy, extending their lives as well as maintaining a more youthful vitality.

4.Illness

Many illnesses can be improved and controlled through specific veterinary prescription diets. Whilst this includes more serious conditions such as kidney and liver disease, also stiff joints due to arthritis or loose stools in otherwise healthy pets can be greatly improved.

5.Dental Care

Dental problems affect 80% of our pets by three years of age. They account for more illness and necessity for treatment than any other cause by a long, long way. There are excellent diets, in particular Royal Canin Detal Diet and Hill’s T/D that specifically and very effectively help to prevent dental problems. Please ask about them next time you are in the Practice.