Pet foods have come a long way from the days of the Purina choices of small or large chunks of dry food for pets. Today, our pets should be happier than ever given the huge choice of different flavored pet foods offered. And with the internet, in a matter of minutes you can find articles and research on subjects from pet obesity and weight loss to nutrition and unsafe foods for pets.

Here is an interesting piece of news. In January of 2007, the Pfizer Animal Health division introduced Slentrol(TM). Slentrol is a drug for canine weight loss and is FDA approved. It was the first weight loss obesity veterinary approved drug in the U.S. for obesity in dogs.

Pfizer’s introduction of the weight loss drug Slentrol comes in an era were pet owners are not providing their pets adequate time for exercise- like walks or running in the yard. Pets, like people, require physical activity to maintain good health. Pet foods that offer good nutrition help, but are not enough if your pet is eats and goes back to being a couch potato.

And dietary needs- wow! It is amazing what is on the market to day. We can feed our pets some very wonderful dinners and snacks these days. At the same time, I think all of the soft, crunchy, meaty, flavorful meals and snacks often confuse our pets more than they do us. Remember, they are creatures of habit and sometimes change is not a good thing.

The varieties of pet foods and snacks for our pets are endless. With the large amount of options for pet foods, our pets typically are able to find a nutritious food they like. Although it may drive us a bit over the edge trying to find the right combination of nutrition and flavor, in time, our pets will find a healthy pet food they like.