Sunday, August 25, 2013

Tips For Selecting The Healthiest Pet Food

By Tara Daniels


Dogs and cats have specific nutritional requirements that may not be satisfied by all brands and types of foods that are sold in the local supermarket. With the wide range of options available for feeding your canine or feline companions it can be difficult to select the best products that will ensure the well-being of animals. From wet to dry and naturally based, it is important to determine how to choose the healthiest pet food.

Owners are bombarded with products and advertisements for organic being best and brands promoting a completely balanced diet, but there are a few things that manufacturers do not want buyers to know. A large number of people fail to check the labels of preferred foods where it may not meet the basic biological needs of all animals. All pet owners are encouraged to read the basic product labels and ensure that it meets specific nutritional requirements.

Food control officials in the industry have agreed that a particular formula should meet the minimum nutritional needs of animals. Organic and naturally based meals have received increased attention when it comes to healthy pets; however, the portions are largely up to the discretion of the manufacturer and not stringent guidelines for production. Unfortunately guidelines for commercial foods are limited and therefore smaller natural foods are difficult to monitor.

When it comes to determining the healthiest pet foods available it is beneficial to consult with a qualified veterinarian. All animal will possess different nutrition needs according to size, age, activity, and whether specific conditions are present. An experienced practitioner will aid in determining the amount of protein and carbs to be included in daily diets.

One should consider ratios where half the portion consists of protein and half of vegetables without the presence of grains. Although the brand will not specify the percentage of each ingredient included in the product, it is important to determine whether the largest portion of food consists of corn and grains. Cheaper foods will be largely grain based as it is a more affordable filler.

It is important to consider the protein used in the product and whether it has been listed high up in the ingredient analysis. Many lower quality brands will place the protein on the top of the list followed by a number of different grains including soya, rice, and corn that act as cheap fillers. A large number of brands include more carbohydrates than meat that may irritate digestion and result in obesity.

A vegetarian diet may seem appealing and balanced for some owners, but it is not recommended to feed as a primary diet. Cats and dogs need meat based proteins and while they may appear well adjusted, their nutritional and biological needs will be compromised. Pay close attention to the preservative and chemicals included such as BHT and BHA and consider vitamins as natural alternatives.

Items such as grapes, onions, chocolate, and white flour are poor substitutes and should never be fed to animals. The healthiest pet food often includes premium products with a fair amount of protein and no fillers. The best practice is to remain informed of the ingredients that are included in products and to carefully select quality options.




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