Two Essential Tips for Choosing Pet Food — Stop Blindly Buying!

With so many options available for pet food, it's crucial to understand how to choose the best diet for your furry friends to ensure their healthy growth. Our professional veterinarians break down two key tips to help you read pet food packaging and easily select the right main diet for your pets.

Tip 1: Check the Ingredient List and Nutritional Guarantee

The ingredient list on the packaging is the first factor to consider when selecting pet food. The first eight items on the list are the most important, and there should be at least two sources of animal protein for the food to be considered high in meat content. Look for ingredients like fresh chicken or chicken meal (chicken by-product). The subsequent additives typically play a minimal role in nutrition.

The nutritional guarantee analysis is another critical factor. The primary sources of energy for cats and dogs come from protein, fat, carbohydrates, moisture, minerals, vitamins, and fiber. By examining the nutritional guarantee analysis, you can clearly understand the nutritional composition of the food. However, it's essential to note that the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) only requires the listing of four key items: protein, fat, fiber, and moisture. Therefore, pet food manufacturers can choose not to disclose other ingredients.

Understanding the nutritional guarantee analysis and ingredient list helps pet owners determine if the food is suitable for their pets, but you should also be cautious about the presence of harmful proteins or additives!

Tip 2: Follow the Recommended Feeding Guidelines

Most pet food packaging includes recommended feeding amounts. Be sure to check these guidelines to prevent your pets from consuming excess calories and gaining weight rapidly.

Final Note

Remember, there is no single "best" pet food on the market—only the food that is most suitable for your individual pet. As responsible pet owners, we must take the time to understand our pets’ needs to find the right diet for them.