Looking for a New Year's resolution? One of the best things you can do for your pet this year is to feed the right amount of food. Feeding the correct amount is the key to an ideal body weight, and this can add years to your pet's happy life!

Knowing how much to feed is often confusing but we can help you get it right - here’s how:

Know your pet's ideal body weight

Any one of our knowledgable staff members can help with this. Pop in with your pet regularly for a free weight check and assessment. As a guide, you should always be able to feel your pet’s ribs and when you look at your pet from above you should be able to see a defined waist - aim for an hourglass figure! You can make sure your dog's waist isn't expanding by tracking waist measurements at home with a tape measure - measure the most narrow part of the waist about halfway in between the end of the ribs and the hips. See the photo to the left. 

Follow directions

Look at the recommendations of your pet’s food packet for how much to feed. If these show a range for your pet's weight, choose the lower end if your pet is not active and the upper end if more active. We can help you weigh out the required amount and mark it on a cup - easy!

Be prepared to adjust if necessary

If feeding other foods such as treats and dental chews, remember to reduce the amount of premium food you feed to avoid feeding too many calories. If your pet is on the porky side ask us about the range of effective weight loss foods we have available - you will be surprised how these can help your pet shed the kilos.

With Australia Day on its way and nothing more Aussie than a snake, here's a timely reminder for you and your pet.

Being curious creatures, cats and dogs often end up harassing a snake and getting themselves in trouble.

Different species of snakes possess different types of venom and these can cause varying signs that appear anywhere from 15 minutes to 24 hours after a bite.

The main early signs include:

• Salivation (drooling)
• Enlarged pupils
• Vomiting
• Hind limb weakness
• Rapid breathing
• Depression

What you can do to help your pet survive a snake bite?

Even if you only suspect your pet has been bitten by a snake you should seek veterinary attention immediately. It is better that your pet is checked over rather than wait and be sorry.

• KEEP CALM
• If your pet has been bitten on the neck remove his collar
• Keep your pet as STILL AS POSSIBLE - this is critical to help reduce movement of the venom around the body
• Try to keep the bite site below the level of the heart
• DO NOT attempt treatment options such as cold packs, ice, tourniquets, alcohol, bleeding the wound and trying to suck out venom in place of getting your pet to the vet - they are a waste of precious time

And finally... You should never attempt to kill, handle or capture the snake.

When it comes to pet food, we realise that there are plenty of brands on the market and things can get pretty confusing with the myriad of choices out there. Many companies are promoting that their food contains all natural ingredients and is a more holistic approach to nutrition.

So what is the best food for your pet? The answer to that question is simple - a diet recommended by us. When it comes to nutrition, we are able to give you educated information and are able to recommend the most suitable diet for your pet - at every stage of their life.

All of the foods we recommend contain natural ingredients but most importantly, these are precisely balanced for optimum nutrition. This means your pet won’t receive too little or too much of certain nutrients - a claim only particular brands can make.

If you are feeling confused you should always ask us for the most accurate information - we will help you make the best decision when it comes to your pet’s nutrition.