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Dietary Needs for Cats and Dogs

Mississauga Animal Hospital

While it’s obvious that cats and dogs look very different from one another from the outside, it’s easy to assume that their internal processes would function the same. However, you’d be wrong in that assumption, as the metabolic differences between dogs and cats are quite different. So much so that they each require varying nutrients and amounts in their diets to keep their bodies functioning properly. For the well being of your furry friends, here are four important differences in the nutritional needs of cats and dogs.

Cats are Carnivores

Cats need the nutrients that are found in animal-based products in order to meet their dietary requirements. As cats have evolved and consumed animals over time, their bodies have become unable to properly digest and metabolize some of the essential nutrients that the animals they feed on are able to. Because a cat’s form can’t do it on its own, it’s necessary for their health that they’re fed on animal-based ingredients that are found in muscles and organ meat. Dogs, on the other hand, are semi-carnivores and are able to get away with less meat in their diets.

Amino Acids
Cats need more protein in their diets than dogs, proteins that are made up of amino acids. They need taurine as well, but their bodies are unable to make much of it purely from the amino acids within them. Without high levels of taurine in their diet, cats are likely to suffer from dilated cardiomyopathy (a heart condition), reproductive failure, abnormal development at a young age or retinal degeneration.

Fatty Acids
Fatty acids need to be consumed through food, as a pet’s body can’t make sufficient amounts of it on its own. Some of these essential nutrients, like arachidonic acid, are a fatty acid that a cat can’t produce on its own while a dog can. It’s necessary for producing an inflammatory response that tells the body when to send healing means to a location that’s experiencing blood clotting. It also supports the use of both the reproductive and gastrointestinal systems while also maintaining proper skin growth.

Vitamins
Cats are unable to create active forms of vitamin A as well as the necessary quantities of certain vitamin B complexes to nourish the body. These vitamins are necessary to support the health of your pet’s eyes and skin. They also help in converting proteins, carbohydrates and fats into energy. Dogs, however, are able to convert these pre-vitamin forms into their active forms through their metabolic processes.

At Truscott Animal Hospital, we’re a team of dedicated veterinarians and pet lovers who take the care of your pets very seriously. Located in Mississauga, Ontario, our animal hospital offers services such as pet vaccinations, pet wellness, dental care, dietary counselling, emergency vet treatments and more. We’re a Mississauga vet clinic that will do what we can to keep your cats, dogs and other exotic pets healthy, so book your appointment online or give us a call.

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Customer Reviews

Truscott Animal Hospital

Customer Reviews

AYOUB MIKAIEL May 2024

Google
The best place you can trust... The whole team welcome you and your pet with a real smile.... very reasonable price for vaccine 👍 ... Dr. Medhat & his team should get 10 stars... Higley recommend 👌

Trish Berman May 2024

Google
Everyone who works here is friendly, informative, helpful, attentive and I always have a comfortable experience here. I honestly can’t say enough good things about Truscott Animal Hospital! Thank you for your great service everyone!

Tamer Hanna May 2024

Google
We are so lucky to be at Truscott Hospital.
Dr. M is very professional, work with Pasion, really feel too comfort having him look after my dog.
The staff is well trained, very friendly.
I highly recommend this hospital.

Michelle Hunter May 2024

Google
Friendly, committed and great with my pets. Love this team.

Frank Hood April 2024

Google
Everyone at Truscott Animal Hospital shows love and compassion for our pets.
Recently when walking past with our dog Dr. Medwat came out to say hi the dog was so happy to see him. Her tail wagging a mile a minute jumping up to lick the doctor. If he didn't love animals the animals wouldn't love him.

Mckayla D'Souza April 2024

Google
Switched here from my other vet a few months ago and the staff has been nothing but remarkable. The doctors show how much they care for their patients and are very understanding. I took both my cats here, aged 15 years old and they were very well taken care of. My cat recently had a surgery here as well and the stitches look amazing. Her healing process is going great and they do check ups to make sure everything is okay. I highly recommend this hospital for anyone who is looking for cost efficient and high quality care for their pets. I couldn’t be happier!

Estefania Norena April 2024

Google
Dr. Meawad and the entire staff at Truscott Animal Hospital have been a true blessing for Luna, my puppy. Their genuine compassion and dedication to her well-being are evident in every visit. Not only do they provide exceptional care, but their excitement to see Luna makes each visit even more special. Grateful for their expertise and genuine love for my baby!

Paula Barin March 2024

Google
Dr. M and his team were very attentive and caring when we brought our cat in. Our poor cat, Finnigan, had to stay in the hospital and Dr. M called to update us on his progress each evening. After extensive tests and treatment we took our cat home. A follow up call was made the next day asking on our cat’s health. So grateful for the marvellous care, follow up and great team. I definitely recommend Truscott Animal Hospital, Dr. M and his team.

Grace F March 2024

Google
The team at Truscott Animal Hospital always take such wonderful care of my puppy Frankie! Even staying after hours when we had an emergency injury and needed help. Thank you Truscott Animal Hospital!

Raff Als March 2024

Google
Special thank for Dr.Medhat Meawad !
Dr. Medhat's attention to detail and thorough follow-up made the pyometra surgery to my cat and follow up with her step by step even during his weekend Off & save her life.
My experience smooth and successful for my pet. High-quality care and meticulous attention to wound management are essential components of a successful surgical outcome.
I would say sounds like a great experience at Truscott Animal Hospital with Dr. Medhat which he amazed us with his experience & very professional conducted my cat surgeryto success by provided excellent care for my cat, especially during such a critical time like surgery for Pyometra. Im very greatful and thankful to having a veterinarian who is attentive and supportive and make a big difference in my pet's Niao recovery
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