One Size Does Not Fit All!

The "one size fits all" pet food philosophy may sound good but it goes against what veterinarians and food specialists have learned in more than six decades of clinical nutrition research. A food that's appropriate for puppies will contain levels of fat, sodium, protein and other nutrients that are too high for older pets. Likewise, a food that contains reduced levels of nutrients for older pets may be inadequate for growing puppies and kittens.

Today, many pet food manufacturers offer lifestage foods for pets. At New Hartford Animal Hospital, we trust Hill's Science Diet. Hill's offers many presciption diets as well as lifestage diets that are appropriate (and sometimes medically necessary) for many of our patients. Choosing a Hill's® Science Diet® brand lifestage pet food gives you peace of mind in knowing you're feeding nutrition from a company with 60 years of experience in formulating pet foods with optimum nutrient levels.

Other companies often tout the benefits of their foods for puppies and kittens, adults or seniors and say that thie foods are perfectly balanced for each of these lifestages. However, many of these same companies also offer brands of pet food that carry the claim                "... complete and balanced nutrition for all lifestages"!

The Association of Animal Feed Control Official's (AAFCO) statement on a dog food label verifies that the food provides complete and balanced nutrition for either:

·                                 puppies or kittens

                         pregnant or nursing pets
                         adult pets
                         all lifestages

AAFCO testing procedures are important but we believe that no single food is appropriate for all lifestages. It is important to choose a food that will provide proper nutrition for your pet. Talk to your veterinarian to make sure you are giving the best you can to your favorite companion!

http://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/one-size-does-not-fit-all-puppy.html