Diet Time!

Did you know that in the UK, 1 in 3 cats and 1 in 4 dogs are overweight? And as so many owners think their pet’s weight is fine, the problem continues to grow.

Feeding your pet a healthy, balanced diet is important to keeping them healthy, and making sure they live a long and happy life.


A balanced diet

Much like humans, our pets need the appropriate amounts of these ingredients in their diet:

  • Protein
  • Carbohydrates, including fibre
  • Fats
  • Vitamins and minerals
  • Water

The quantities needed will be different depending on how old your pet is, and what species they are. For an accurate assessment of the right food to feed your pet, come and have a chat with us – our team will be happy to help!

dog looking up at treat


Why is fibre important?

You may have heard that fibre is nothing more than a bulking agent, but this IS NOT TRUE.

Fibre comes in 2 main forms: insoluble and soluble. Insoluble fibre usually passes through the gut, helping to maintain a feeling of fullness and keeping the bowel moving regularly. Soluble fibre is digested within the intestines and helps to produce other substances that nourish the gut cells and provide a fuel source for the gut bacteria.


Choosing a healthy diet for your pet: top tips

Always aim for a high-quality, ‘complete and balanced diet’. This should contain all the ingredients your pet needs.

Look for the following on the food’s packaging:

  • The country of manufacture
  • Minimal legal requirements
  • Contact details for enquiries/complaints
  • A money-back guarantee
  • Fixed formula
  • Meets FEDIAF and local authority standards
  • ‘Clinically proven’
  • A clear source of protein (e.g. ‘Beef’ instead of ‘Animal Protein’)

labrador running on beach

Keeping an eye on your pet’s weight

It’s not just about what you feed your pet, it’s important for them to get the right quantity of food too. Most high-quality pet foods will provide portioning guidelines. It’s important to stick to this, and not to give your pet too many treats! (If you’re using treats to help train your pet, take a note of how many you’re using and alter their meal allowance accordingly.)

Because you see them every day, it can be difficult to spot when your pet is putting on weight. We recommend weighing them regularly so you can keep track. If you’re unsure, or would like further advice on keeping your pet fit and healthy, contact us today!

Practice information

Backworth

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  • Mon
    7:30am - 7:00pm
  • Tue
    7:30am - 7:00pm
  • Wed
    7:30am - 7:00pm
  • Thu
    7:30am - 7:00pm
  • Fri
    7:30am - 7:00pm
  • Sat
    8:30am - 4:00pm
  • Sun
    Closed
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Find us here:

Station Road Backworth Newcastle upon Tyne NE27 0AA - Client carpark located to the right-hand side of building as you come in, with overflow carpark on the left-hand side - Disabled bay available - Toilet available with disabled access - Disabled access ramp available - Loop amplifier available for hearing impaired - Cat only clinics available every Tuesday - Rabbit only clinics available every Wednesday
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Northumberland Park

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  • Mon
    7:30am - 7:00pm
  • Tue
    7:30am - 7:00pm
  • Wed
    7:30am - 7:00pm
  • Thu
    7:30am - 7:00pm
  • Fri
    7:30am - 6:00pm
  • Sat
    Closed
  • Sun
    Closed
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Unit 5C, Northumberland Park Earsdon Road Shiremoor NE27 0SJ - Large public carpark located at front of building - No toilets available - Disabled access available - Loop amplifier available for hearing impaired
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Gosforth

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  • Mon
    8:00am - 6:00pm
  • Tue
    8:00am - 7:00pm
  • Wed
    8:00am - 6:00pm
  • Thu
    8:00am - 7:00pm
  • Fri
    8:00am - 6:00pm
  • Sat
    Closed
  • Sun
    Closed
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32 Davenport Drive Newcastle-upon-Tyne Tyne and Wear NE3 5AH - Limited carparking spaces at front of building, more spaces available less than 2 minutes away - No toilets available - Disabled access ramp available
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Newbiggin

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  • Mon
    8:00am - 6:00pm
  • Tue
    Closed
  • Wed
    8:00am - 6:00pm
  • Thu
    Closed
  • Fri
    Closed
  • Sat
    Closed
  • Sun
    Closed
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29 Gibson Street Newbiggin-by-the-Sea Northumberland NE64 6UY - Small carpark at front of building, spaces often available. - No toilets available.
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Monkseaton

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  • Mon
    8:00am - 6:00pm
  • Tue
    8:00am - 7:00pm
  • Wed
    8:00am - 7:00pm
  • Thu
    8:00am - 6:00pm
  • Fri
    8:00am - 6:00pm
  • Sat
    Closed
  • Sun
    Closed
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97-99 Cauldwell Lane Whitley Bay Tyne and Wear NE25 8SR - Road side parking with limited spaces - No toilets available
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Ashington

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  • Mon
    8:00am - 6:00pm
  • Tue
    8:00am - 6:00pm
  • Wed
    8:00am - 8:00pm
  • Thu
    8:00am - 8:00pm
  • Fri
    8:00am - 6:00pm
  • Sat
    Closed
  • Sun
    Closed
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Find us here:

152 Station Road Ashington Northumberland NE63 8HG - Road side parking with limited spaces - No toilets available - Disabled access ramp available
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