When it comes to feeding your pet, there’s more to consider than just filling up a bowl. Your pet’s food directly impacts their health, longevity, and overall well-being. Understanding what goes into that kibble or can is essential to making informed choices that keep your furry friend happy and healthy. Here are six important things every pet parent should know about their pet’s food.

1. Read the Ingredients List Carefully

Just like with human food, the ingredient list on your pet’s food label is the most important piece of information. The ingredients are listed in order of weight, so the first few items make up the bulk of the food.

• What to look for: High-quality protein sources like chicken, beef, lamb, or fish should be among the first ingredients. Whole grains, vegetables, and fruits should also be present.

• What to avoid: Be cautious of by-products, artificial preservatives (such as BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin), artificial colors, and flavors. These additives can have adverse health effects over time .

Pro Tip: If you see vague terms like “meat meal” or “animal fat,” it’s a red flag, as these could come from less desirable sources.

2. Understand the Nutritional Requirements for Your Pet

Pets have specific dietary needs that vary based on their species, age, size, breed, and health condition. Just because a food claims to be “complete and balanced” doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for every pet.

• Dogs: Dogs are omnivores and thrive on a balanced diet that includes protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Life stages matter – puppies need higher protein and fat, while senior dogs require fewer calories .

• Cats: Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need animal-based proteins to thrive. They require certain nutrients like taurine, arachidonic acid, and vitamin A, which are only found in animal tissues .

Pro Tip: Always choose pet food that matches your pet’s life stage (puppy/kitten, adult, senior) and consult your vet if your pet has any health issues requiring a special diet.

3. Know the Difference Between Dry, Wet, and Raw Food

There are pros and cons to each type of pet food, and understanding these differences can help you choose the best option for your pet.

• Dry Food (Kibble): Convenient, affordable, and has a longer shelf life. It can also help with dental health in some cases. However, it may contain more carbohydrates and less moisture, which isn’t ideal for all pets.

• Wet Food: Higher in moisture, which helps with hydration, and usually more palatable for picky eaters. It tends to be more expensive and less convenient to store once opened.

• Raw Food: Mimics a natural diet, containing uncooked meat, bones, and organs. It can offer nutritional benefits but requires careful handling to avoid contamination and ensure complete and balanced nutrition .

Pro Tip: Some pet parents opt for a combination feeding approach, mixing dry and wet food to offer variety and ensure hydration.

4. Beware of Marketing Terms and Misleading Labels

Pet food packaging often includes claims like “all-natural,” “premium,” or “human-grade,” but these terms can be misleading since they aren’t strictly regulated.

• Natural: This term means the food doesn’t contain artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s healthy or nutritious.

• Premium/Super-Premium: These terms don’t have any standardized definitions. A “premium” label doesn’t guarantee higher-quality ingredients.

• Grain-Free: Grain-free doesn’t automatically mean healthier. Some grain-free options substitute grains with high-glycemic ingredients like potatoes or peas, which can contribute to weight gain .

Pro Tip: Focus on the ingredients and nutritional rather than fancy labels or buzzwords.

5. Pay Attention to the AAFCO Statement

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) establishes nutritional guidelines for pet food. An AAFCO statement on a pet food label means the food meets basic nutritional requirements.

• Complete and Balanced: If you see this statement, it means the food provides all essential nutrients for the intended life stage.

• Feeding Trials: This indicates the food has undergone feeding trials to verify its nutritional adequacy.

• Formulated to Meet AAFCO Nutrient Profiles: The food has been tested to ensure it meets the required nutrient profiles, but not necessarily through feeding trials .

Pro Tip: Look for foods that have been tested through AAFCO feeding trials, as this offers more assurance of quality and digestibility.

6. Consult Your Veterinarian Before Making Dietary Changes

Every pet is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your pet’s diet, especially if you’re considering raw feeding or switching brands.

• Why it matters: Certain health conditions, like kidney disease, diabetes, or allergies, require specific dietary adjustments. Your vet can guide you toward foods that support your pet’s health .

Pro Tip: If switching foods, introduce the new diet gradually over 7-10 days to avoid digestive upset.

Conclusion

Feeding your pet is one of the most important aspects of being a pet parent. By understanding what goes into your pet’s food, the nutrients they need, and how to interpret labels, you can make informed choices that support their health and happiness. Remember, when in doubt, consult your veterinarian for guidance on the best diet for your furry companion.

Sources:

1. Pet Food Institute. (n.d.). Pet Food Ingredients

2. The American Kennel Club (AKC). (n.d.). Dog Nutrition Tips

3. Cornell Feline Health Center. (n.d.). Feline Nutrition

4. Tufts University, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. (n.d.). Pet Food: Wet vs. Dry

5. PetMD. (2022). The Truth About Grain-Free Diets for Dogs

6. Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). (n.d.). What Does AAFCO Do?

7. American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). (2021). Pet Food: Evaluating, Selecting, and Storing