Healthy eating for the whole family -- pets included

Special to The Canadian

NC - With Canadians becoming more and more health-conscious, it's only obvious that concerned pet owners would start to place the same emphasis on their pets eating and lifestyle habits, as they do for the rest of the family.

Like children, pets learn by example. But, it's the pet owners' responsibility to teach their pets healthy eating habits - they don't generally feed themselves after all.

Registered veterinary technician, Senani Ratnayake provides the following tips to help get the whole family eating properly:

-- Keep treats to a minimum. Instead of rewarding good behaviour with food, go for a walk or play a game with your pet. Treats are okay here and there, but try to provide a healthier alternative;

-- Don't forget about portion control. Even if it is healthy food, the amount of food consumed is equally important for animals as it is for humans. Ask your vet what the recommended serving size is for your pet.

-- Purchase food made with the best natural ingredients. Meats, fruits, vegetables and grains free from chemical alterations help the whole family stay healthy and live longer.

When planning health conscious meals for the entire family - including the four legged friends, it's important to understand wholesome, natural ingredients make for healthy food and therefore a healthy life. But, with so many choices out there, how does a pet owner select the best natural pet food? The answer, look for foods that meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards. According to AAFCO, the term "natural" requires a pet food to consist of only natural ingredients without chemical alterations, like Nature's Best, the newest product from Hill's Pet Nutrition.

"Like people, pets also love natural, wholesome ingredients that taste great and keep them healthy," says Senani Ratnayake. "The right natural pet food is gentle on their stomachs, helps maintain kidney and bladder health, provides balanced nutrition and supports a healthy immune system."

Feed your pets as you would feed the rest of your family. Be sure to read labels and follow recommendations from your veterinarian to ensure your furry friends are getting the best that nature has to offer.

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