The importance of good pet nutrition is being highlighted to mark National Nutritional Month.
According to Dr Dennis Jewell of Hill's Pet Nutrition, nutrients such as proteins, vitamins and antioxidants can have a "huge impact" on the development and health of pets.
Experts suggest that providing a healthy, balanced diet is the most important step that an owner can take to maintain their pet's health from day to day.
This can help to alleviate sensitive stomachs, skin and coats and is important for joint, heart and kidney health.
Dr Jewell, who is lead nutritionist at the pet food firm, said: "The key is to feed precisely balanced food because too much or too little of these nutrients can lead to a lifetime of poor health.
"For example, higher levels of protein are ideal for helping puppies and kittens grow but can be detrimental to kidney health in older, mature pets."
The importance of good pet nutrition is being highlighted to mark National Nutritional Month.
