Pet Tips
Jun 10, 2025

Pet Nutrition Basics: Feeding Your Furry Friend

Explore expert pet nutrition tips to keep your furry friends healthy and thriving. Learn what to feed, how much, and when for every life stage.

Pet Nutrition Basics: Feeding Your Furry Friend

🥩 Understand the Nutritional Needs of Your Pet

If you have any concerns please call (02) 6054-1838

Helping your dog or cat live a longer, healthier life starts with what’s in their bowl.

As loving pet owners, we all want to do what's best for our furry friends. Nutrition plays a critical role in your pet’s overall health, from supporting their immune system to maintaining a shiny coat and healthy weight. But with shelves full of pet food options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

At Murray River Animal Hospital, we help pet owners across Albury-Wodonga make informed, tailored decisions about their pet's diet—whether you’ve got a growing puppy, a senior cat, or a pet with specific dietary needs.

🐶 Why Nutrition Matters for Dogs and Cats

Just like humans, animals need a balanced diet of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals to stay healthy. The right balance will depend on your pet’s age, breed, lifestyle, and any underlying health conditions.

  • Puppies & Kittens: Need higher calories and nutrients to support rapid growth.
  • Adult Pets: Require maintenance diets to support energy and overall health.
  • Senior Pets: May benefit from diets that support joint health, organ function, and digestion.
  • Pets with Conditions: Special diets may assist with issues like kidney disease, allergies, or weight management.

🥗 Signs Your Pet May Have Nutritional Deficiencies

  • Dull coat or excessive shedding
  • Frequent digestive issues (vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation)
  • Itchy skin or ear infections
  • Low energy or behavioural changes
  • Weight gain or sudden weight loss

If you notice any of these symptoms, a nutritional review with your vet is highly recommended.

🛒 Choosing the Right Pet Food

It’s not just about picking the most expensive option—quality and suitability matter most. We recommend:

  • Choosing brands with veterinary backing and scientific formulation
  • Avoiding fillers like excessive corn or wheat
  • Considering prescription diets when needed
  • Not over-relying on treats or human food (some can be toxic!)

Need help choosing? Our friendly team can recommend a tailored food plan to support your pet’s lifestyle and health.

📍 Nutrition Advice for Albury-Wodonga Pet Owners

Whether you're in Wodonga, Lavington, or surrounds, our team at Murray River Animal Hospital is here to guide you. We take the time to understand your pet’s specific needs and provide nutrition advice you can trust.

🐾 Book a Nutritional Consult Today

From growing pups to picky eaters, let’s ensure your pet is getting exactly what they need to live a long, happy, and healthy life.

📍 Based in Wodonga and caring for pets across Wodonga, Lavington, Thurgoona, and the wider region


📞 Call us today

Dr Sarah Peacock

Veterinarian

Veterinarian