A pet mart aisle can be overwhelming: dozens of brands, conflicting claims, and very little of it aimed at the animal in front of you. A few simple rules make the choice much easier.
Rosewood Animal Hospital keeps a pet store on site so food, treats, litter and accessories can be picked up in the same visit as a consultation.
Choosing food
- Match the food to life stage — kitten/puppy, adult, or senior — and to species; cats must not be fed dog food
- Check that the packaging states a complete and balanced diet, and follow the feeding guide by weight
- Prefer a food your pet does well on over a food with better marketing
- Any prescription or condition-specific diet should be chosen with your veterinarian
Switching foods without an upset stomach
Change over about a week: start with a small proportion of the new food mixed into the old, and increase it gradually each day. If loose stool or vomiting appears, slow the transition down and get advice if it continues.
Treats and portion control
- Keep treats to a small share of daily intake and reduce meal portions to match
- Use small, low-calorie treats for training so repetition does not mean overfeeding
- Avoid chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, xylitol and cooked bones — all are dangerous
Litter and hygiene
- One litter tray per cat, plus one spare, placed away from food and in a quiet spot
- Scoop daily and change fully at a regular interval — cats will avoid a dirty tray
- Introduce a new litter type gradually; sudden changes cause toileting outside the tray
- Report straining, frequent visits to the tray, or blood in urine the same day
Accessories worth getting right
- A well-fitted collar with identification, and a harness for dogs that pull
- A sturdy carrier for cats — leave it out at home so it stops being frightening
- A brush suited to the coat type, used regularly rather than occasionally
- Bowls that are easy to wash, and a scratching post for every cat
Frequently asked questions
- Does the pet store stock a specific brand?
- Stock varies. Message on WhatsApp with the product you need and availability will be confirmed before you travel.
- Can I buy pet food without a consultation?
- Yes. The store is open during routine hours, daily 11 AM to 9 PM.
- Is homemade food a good option?
- It can be, but home diets are easy to get wrong on calcium, protein and vitamins. Discuss it with the veterinarian before making it your pet's main diet.