ST. CHARLES, MO. — A recent survey, conducted by Royal Canin, of 1,023 puppy owners in North America found that more than half (62%) feel overwhelmed by the endless number of choices in puppy food and struggle to figure out what ingredients are important. To help educate on proper nutrition for puppies, the Mars subsidiary shared three key considerations when choosing the right diet for a puppy.
“In our recent survey, we found that more than half of pet owners experience the ‘puppy blues’ and one of the top contributors highlighted the number of options when it comes to choosing the right diet for their pet,” said Racquel White, vice president of corporate affairs, Royal Canin North America. “Royal Canin is proud to provide more than 50 years of science-backed research focused on the precise nutritional needs of dogs throughout their life stages, so that pet owners can feel confident in the diet and the nutrients included in it as they grow into healthy adults.”
According to the survey, while nearly all puppy owners (96%) recognize the importance of their pup’s health, almost half (42%) do not feel knowledgeable about puppy nutrition. Royal Canin recommends puppy owners consider these three things when selecting a diet:
- Consult an expert: At a puppy’s first veterinary appointment, consult an expert on its personal nutritional needs. The majority of puppy owners (82%) said they would change their puppy’s food based on an expert recommendation.
- Remember every dog has unique needs: While 91% of puppy owners agree tailoring food to their puppy’s needs is important, it can still be difficult to know what that means case-to-case. The proper diet will address the specific nutritional needs of the individual puppy, allowing them to build strong bones, a healthy immune system and proper cognitive development.
- Choose a diet based on science, not trends: While 94% of puppy owners prioritize ingredient quality and scientific evidence in nutrition choices, trends can make it difficult to make the right choice. It’s important that puppy owners choose a diet that is backed by research and science to address the nutritional needs of a pet.
“As a veterinarian, I recognize there is a wide variety of pet food products available, and it may be confusing or overwhelming at times but it’s important to remember, you’re not alone in making this nutritional decision for your pet,” said Courtney Deer, DVM. "Leaning on experts like my colleagues in the industry to inform your decisions on potential diets is a great way to help ensure your pet is getting the nutrition they need from puppyhood to adulthood."
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