Small pet nutrition is paramount when considering the overall health and development of your small animal. Even though feeding requirements may vary depending upon the particular species, special thought must be given to assure that your small pet is provided a healthy balance of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals on a daily basis.
As part of good
small pet nutrition, water is an essential nutrient requirement for all animals, and fresh, clean water is an absolute must. Water can be provided in a sturdy crock or a water bottle with a sipper tube. Standing water needs to be changed daily, and the water bottle's sipper tube should be thoroughly cleaned weekly.
Treats may very well be an excellent way to bond with your pet, but when contemplating small pet nutrition and how treats fit into your small animal’s overall healthy diet, special consideration should be given. Treats that improve the quality of your pet’s skin, coat, and teeth can be offered as a reward, while at the same time enhancing the health of your pet. Keep in mind that treats are not a substitute for a quality diet, and should only be given in limited quantities so as not to promote dietary deficiencies or obesity.
Regardless of the small animal variety that you have chosen to share a part of your world, pet food treats can indeed be a worthwhile and healthy investment. They stimulate the animal’s appetite, as well as assist in maintaining a varied and nutritionally complete diet. The key to effectively integrating treat foods into the small animal diet is moderation, both in terms of the frequency of feeding and in the content of the treat food. Treats should comprise 10% or less of your pet’s daily intake, with foods containing excess sugar, protein and calcium offered sparingly. Consider that as part of your small pet nutrition focus you are providing your pet with fresh fruits and vegetables on a regular basis (in addition to the staple diet) then you are already satisfying a portion of the treat food segment of the diet.
The diet of your small pet may also be supplemented with vitamins to assure that all of the essential nutritional building blocks are stacking up properly. This is especially beneficial if your small pet possesses a 
finicky appetite and you are concerned that nutritional needs are not being met through diet alone. Fresh fruits and vegetables such as apples, lettuce and oranges may also be a great way to supplement your pet’s diet while maintaining good small pet nutrition.
Giving small pet nutrition the priority status it deserves ensures that a happy and healthy relationship continues between you and your special pet.
