Do cats and dogs need breakfast, lunch and dinner?

Veterinarians recommend puppies 6 to 12 weeks old be fed three to four times daily, two times daily when 12 weeks to 6 months and one or two times daily when older than 6 months. For certain large-breed dogs, several smaller meals per day may be suggested.

Your veterinarian can best recommend an appropriate kitten diet. Dry food is most economical and offers the advantage of providing a rough surface that helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup on teeth. Canned food can supplement.

In either case, stainless steel feeding bowls are recommended over plastic or ceramic, which can scratch, leaving crevices in which bacteria hide, causing feline "acne" and skin irritation.

Divide the amount suggested on the label of your pet's food into two meals, spaced eight to 12 hours apart. Adjust portions to maintain your pet's proper weight.

Felines require taurine — an amino acid that is important for normal heart function, vision and reproduction; it is only in animal-based protein.

It's OK to indulge pets with treats but in moderation. Some treats, such as Greenies, serve double duty: as a tasty snack and a dental chew o control plaque and tartar.

Assure that your pet gets sufficient water (dry food is about 10 percent moisture, wet food up to 78 percent); fresh, clean water should always be available. Proteins, fats and carbohydrates are all necessary. Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid for both cats and dogs. Essential for cats only, arachidonic acid helps maintain skin and coat and assists with kidney function. Look for these on ingredient lists.

Some foods healthy for humans can be hazardous to pets. Avoid chocolate; grapes and raisins; raw or undercooked meat, eggs or bones; and the sugar substitute Xylitol.

ANIMAL COMPANIONS

AUTUMN

TAG NO. 07-23000

Autumn may be an older cat, but this long-bodied beauty has one of the nicest "masks." Black and orange, cautious but calm, Autumn would prefer a quiet, adults-only home.

LOLA

TAG NO. 07-26893

Surrendered by her owners on Nov. 20, Lola is not at all happy about the idea of spending Christmas at the shelter. Smart and eager to learn new tricks, Lola says, "Go ahead, teach me anything — I DARE you!"

STRIPES

TAG NO. 07-25853

Not sure where or how she got her name, but dainty Stripes is one cute bunny rabbit. She's got a beautiful gray and white coat, soft as chinchilla, and she adores being petted.

These animals already may have found homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekends and holidays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For directions, special events and to see more pets available for adoption, visit www.hawaiianhumane.org or call 946-2187. Call immediately to report lost or found animals, ext. 4.