Caring for an animal means looking out for their best interests in all aspects of their life. They are more than just furry companions, they become members of the family. Finding the healthiest pet food to ensure that they receive the proper nutrition is not always the clearest, or simplest task to perform.
Unfortunately, trying to make sense of the ingredient list on most bags of commercially available pet foods can be like trying to decipher the universe. Most of the items are impossible to pronounce and most are actually used as fillers and preservatives. Even though they have passed the standards set by the industry, a large portion of these products are as nutritious as a bag of chips.
Dogs and cats were both intended to survive on a diet that contained a substantial amount of protein derived from meat, so serving them a vegetarian regimen may not be what is best for them. Most experts will agree that the ultimate formula would be one that contained a perfect half and half mixture of the two, containing no wheat or processed grains for filler. This is very hard to find in commercially produced brands.
Just as one does for their human family members, it is just as important to read the labels on the food that is going to be served to their pets. The ingredients in the formula are required by law to be listed in order of content percentage, highest to lowest. For those who desire to know the exact amount included may have to visit the manufacturer online because that information is rarely printed.
The healthiest products will have meat meals as the top items listed in their formula. A wise bit of advice when determining the worthiness of a brand is that of the first five ingredients, three should be sources of animal protein. Anything overloaded with fillers, by-products and chemical additives is best avoided.
It is just as important for animals to partake of a well balanced diet as it is for humans. This means that in addition to the recommended meats and vegetables, they should receive the right amount of grains for energy, fiber, vitamins and minerals. These should always be eaten in their whole form because processing them depletes their nutritional values and they are reduced to nothing more than fillers.
Most veterinarians will agree that wheat should be avoided as much as artificial additives. A proper amount of grains is necessary and it is recommended that they come from sources such as oats, barley and brown rice. Another thing to consider is that while some preservatives are needed to keep shelved products fresh, it is important to realize that they do not have to be in the form of chemically enhanced agents that may cause cancer.
It is not always possible to purchase the most affordable product when wanting the healthiest pet food, but one should do the best they can within their budget. A lot of people have made the switch to holistic, or all natural, regimens in an effort to get the highest nutrition. Creative recipes are found on the internet but one should consult their veterinarian before making a substantial dietary change for their animals.
Unfortunately, trying to make sense of the ingredient list on most bags of commercially available pet foods can be like trying to decipher the universe. Most of the items are impossible to pronounce and most are actually used as fillers and preservatives. Even though they have passed the standards set by the industry, a large portion of these products are as nutritious as a bag of chips.
Dogs and cats were both intended to survive on a diet that contained a substantial amount of protein derived from meat, so serving them a vegetarian regimen may not be what is best for them. Most experts will agree that the ultimate formula would be one that contained a perfect half and half mixture of the two, containing no wheat or processed grains for filler. This is very hard to find in commercially produced brands.
Just as one does for their human family members, it is just as important to read the labels on the food that is going to be served to their pets. The ingredients in the formula are required by law to be listed in order of content percentage, highest to lowest. For those who desire to know the exact amount included may have to visit the manufacturer online because that information is rarely printed.
The healthiest products will have meat meals as the top items listed in their formula. A wise bit of advice when determining the worthiness of a brand is that of the first five ingredients, three should be sources of animal protein. Anything overloaded with fillers, by-products and chemical additives is best avoided.
It is just as important for animals to partake of a well balanced diet as it is for humans. This means that in addition to the recommended meats and vegetables, they should receive the right amount of grains for energy, fiber, vitamins and minerals. These should always be eaten in their whole form because processing them depletes their nutritional values and they are reduced to nothing more than fillers.
Most veterinarians will agree that wheat should be avoided as much as artificial additives. A proper amount of grains is necessary and it is recommended that they come from sources such as oats, barley and brown rice. Another thing to consider is that while some preservatives are needed to keep shelved products fresh, it is important to realize that they do not have to be in the form of chemically enhanced agents that may cause cancer.
It is not always possible to purchase the most affordable product when wanting the healthiest pet food, but one should do the best they can within their budget. A lot of people have made the switch to holistic, or all natural, regimens in an effort to get the highest nutrition. Creative recipes are found on the internet but one should consult their veterinarian before making a substantial dietary change for their animals.
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