Why is it important to follow the manufacturer's feeding recommendations?

When a product is produced, each of its characteristics is studied in detail. In the case of foodstuffs, we take into account, for example, their nutritional value and palatability, as well as the end product we want to achieve (ball size, satiety, smell, product maintenance, etc.). 

In our case, based on the characteristics of the product we want to make, the team of nutritionists formulates a recipe with specific characteristics that adapt to the nutrient needs of the animal for which it is made, its taste (palatability) or its need for intake (that they feel satiated after eating the amount that covers their nutritional needs).

It is extremely important to follow the recommendations on the packaging or on our website for several reasons:

1. For safety. Both the indications on the transition times between your previous food and VeggieAnimals and the amounts to be administered are based on the advice of the team of veterinary nutritionists who have formulated each product.
2. To avoid nutritional imbalances. If VeggieAnimals is not going to be their main food, a nutritionist should advise you on how to combine it with other foods so as not to unbalance the supply of nutrients.
3. For weight control. At VeggieAnimals we give you the right dosage according to weight and activity to cover the nutritional needs of your dog or cat.
4. Online advice. If you have any questions about VeggieAnimals, for example, if your pet has specific nutritional needs, or if you have doubts about whether you can give it another food in addition to VeggieAnimals, or any other questions, you can use our free veterinary consultation service.

Whenever you have any doubts about how to administer VeggieAnimals, whether about the number of feedings, quantity or combination with other foods, it is very important that you consult us. If you do not follow our advice, problems may arise for your companion.

Health problems in our dogs and cats

When we do not follow the indications given by whoever produces the food, we can have health problems in our companions.

Digestive problems. If all their daily dose is administered in a single feeding, we can have vomiting, gastritis or anxiety problems with food. It is always advisable to give them their daily ration in a minimum of two feedings, and in some animals it is better to give it in 3 or 4 feedings. In families with more than one cat or dog, it is equally important to give each animal its ration to ensure that they eat the right amount and that there are no problems eating.

Slimming or overweight. If you do not control their daily ration according to their target weight, we can have problems with them eating more or less than they need. There is a box on the packaging and on our website that relates your partner's weight and activity level to the recommended daily dose in grams. The weight referred to in the box is the target weight, i.e. if a dog weighs 20 kilos and its ideal weight is two kilos more, we will give it the amount for 22 kilos. For a cat that needs to lose weight, if it weighs 6 kg and its ideal weight is 5 kg, we will give it the dose for 5 kg. 

Nutritional imbalances. If VeggieAnimals is not their main food and a lower daily amount is given than is adequate for their weight because another food replaces that ration, we may have serious nutritional deficits or problems, so to combine a balanced food with another it is important to ensure that both foods are complete or consult a nutritionist.

Consult our vet.

Our veterinary consultation service is available for any questions you may have regarding VeggieAnimals. Many of the problems you tell us about are related to not following these tips and we are happy to help you create that routine to keep your companions healthy and happy.

Benefits of following the manufacturer's feeding recommendations.

When we administer the right ration, in the right way, what we are doing is that our companion is nutritionally well, has good body condition, looks healthy and active and has a healthy relationship with its food. In this way we are avoiding health problems due to incorrect nutrition, we keep our companions in good health throughout their lives and we have a good relationship with them when it comes to feeding them by having a routine.

On an economic level, feeding a quality diet, following the guidelines will help you to save money, both in terms of visits to the vet (if everything is fine we always recommend a check-up with annual analyses) and in terms of food waste, by giving them their measured ration we ensure that food is not wasted, which also helps you to save money.

For your companion to be comfortable with the intake of his ration, the most important thing is that you get them used to it as soon as possible, and if you have any doubts, please contact us.

Ensuring balanced nutrition

If your companion has problems eating his ration, it is important that you contact your vet as soon as possible. Dental problems, digestive problems, pain and other pathologies can cause a dog or cat not to eat enough food.

If, on the other hand, your companion eats more than the recommended amount and you are unable to satisfy him with his ration, you can check why this behaviour is occurring. There are breeds that are more predisposed to eating more than they need or cases of animals with anxiety or trauma. If it is something that causes them a lot of anxiety, we recommend that you consult an ethologist to analyse the problem in depth. In the meantime, you can help them with interactive or anti-voracious feeders that make them eat more slowly and give them a greater feeling of satiety and keep them entertained for longer.

The role of treats and treats in dogs and cats.

If you want to give treats to your companions, you can use their own food pellets or use other products on the market. Or you can make them yourself. The use of treats can help us to improve our relationship with our companions but it is important that we read up on what we are giving them as many treats are limited in number per weight per day. Or they are unhealthy foods.

Finally, if you are one of those who like your dog or cat to not always eat the same thing, you can always "spice up" their food. Adding suitable foods in moderate quantities. Just enough to change the taste or texture and thus offer new stimuli with the food. 

In the case of animals that eat it with pleasure, "seasoning" the food may cause them to want to eat more than they need and therefore we recommend that you always assess whether it is going to be beneficial for them or not.