Pet Resource CenterNutrition Guide

Feeding your pet, done right

What goes in the bowl every day matters more than almost anything else you do for your pet. Here is how I help owners in the Cypress area pick a food, size the portions, and know when something is off.

Request an Appointment (281) 859-9244

The four that matter most

Choosing the right food

How to select a quality food that meets your pet's specific nutritional needs.

Look for AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) certification
Choose age-appropriate formulas (puppy or kitten, adult, senior)
Consider your pet's activity level and health conditions
Read ingredient lists, protein should be the first ingredient
Avoid foods with excessive fillers, by-products, or artificial preservatives
Ask us for breed-specific recommendations

Portion control and schedule

Proper portion sizes and feeding frequency to hold a healthy weight.

Use the feeding guidelines on the bag as a starting point
Adjust portions based on body condition and activity
Adult dogs: typically 2 meals per day
Adult cats: 2 to 3 small meals throughout the day
Puppies and kittens: 3 to 4 meals daily until 6 months old
Use a measuring cup for consistent portions

Life-stage nutrition

Nutritional needs change throughout your pet's life.

Puppies and kittens need higher calories and protein for growth
Adult pets need balanced maintenance nutrition
Senior pets may do better on easily digestible, lower-calorie food
Pregnant or nursing animals need more calories and nutrients
Working or highly active pets need higher-energy diets
Transition between life stages gradually over 7 to 10 days

Foods to avoid

Common foods that can be toxic or harmful to pets.

Chocolate, especially dark chocolate and baking chocolate
Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure
Onions and garlic damage red blood cells
Xylitol (artificial sweetener) causes dangerous blood sugar drops
Avocado contains persin, toxic to many pets
Cooked bones can splinter and cause internal damage

Treats that are actually fine

For dogs

Small pieces of cooked chicken or turkey
Baby carrots or green beans
Apple slices (remove the seeds)
Plain rice cakes broken into pieces
Frozen blueberries
Plain cooked sweet potato

For cats

Small pieces of cooked fish or chicken
Freeze-dried meat treats
Catnip or cat grass
A small amount of plain cooked egg
Commercial cat treats (in moderation)
Tiny pieces of cantaloupe

When to call us

Watch for these nutrition-related signs that can point to a health problem.

Sudden weight gain or loss
Changes in appetite or water consumption
Vomiting or diarrhea
Lethargy or decreased activity
Changes in coat quality
Excessive begging or food-seeking behavior

Common questions

How much should I feed my pet?

Start with the guideline on the bag for your pet's weight, then adjust. The label is a starting point, not a prescription. If your pet is gaining or losing when you don't want them to, we tune the amount to their body condition. Measure with an actual cup so the portion stays honest day to day.

Is grain-free food better for my dog?

For most dogs, no. Grain-free became popular as a marketing angle, and the FDA has looked into a possible link between some grain-free diets and heart disease in dogs. Unless your pet has a diagnosed grain allergy, which is uncommon, a quality AAFCO-certified food with grains is a safe, well-tested choice. Ask us before switching.

Can I give my pet food from my plate?

A little plain, safe food is fine, small pieces of cooked chicken or a green bean. The trouble is the total adds up fast and can throw off a balanced diet, and several common foods are genuinely toxic. Keep table scraps under 10 percent of daily calories and steer clear of chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, and anything with xylitol.

Not sure what to feed? Let's sort it out.

Every pet is a little different. Bring in your current food and we'll build a feeding plan that fits your pet's age, weight, and health.

Request an Appointment (281) 859-9244