In 2022, pet food sales have increased by 5.8%. Online subscriptions and purchases for pet toys have also skyrocketed. This makes sense because pet adoption has increased during the pandemic.
You want to take great care of your companion, but low-quality food can cause health issues. So, how do we know what type of food to purchase for our beloved pet? Choosing pet food does not have to be hard, continue reading to learn more.
Begin by Selecting a “Complete” Feed
Always verify if the item on the label indicates “complete.” This means the meal has been created and tested. The goal is to ensure that it has the nutritional needs for a specific type of animal.
Check the Pet Food Ingredients
Some pet foods have natural ingredients, while others include preservatives and chemicals. When it comes to safe snacking for pets, check out the following ingredients:
Meat
This ingredient gives your pet protein, fat, and nutrients it needs to be strong and healthy. Meat from chicken, cow, lamb, and fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B, and other nutrients.
Poultry
Poultry does not always come from a chicken. It may refer to eggs, ducks, and turkeys.
Grains
Grains offer carbohydrates and proteins for your pet’s health. It also gives dry foods their texture.
Make sure to pick a brand that contains whole grains rather than processed ones. A lack of healthy grain from your pet’s diet puts them at risk for heart disease.
Fish
Salmon and tuna contain omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins, and minerals. However, fish should be offered in moderation. It can lead to mercury poisoning in excess quantities.
Food Additives
Additives enhance the overall quality and flavor of the food. It also extends the shelf life. These additions include preservatives and vitamins.
Fruits
Fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals. However, they also contain natural sugars and cellulose, which may cause digestive problems.
Fruits are sliced, pureed, and diced before adding to pet products. This helps aid in digestion and absorption in the GI tract.
Oils
This ingredient replenishes your pet’s skin and hair by delivering omega-3 fatty acids. Oils also provide omega-6 fatty acids to promote healthy organs.
Certain kinds of oils, such as tocopherols, may be used to preserve pet food. It’s safer and more organic than other chemicals.
Make Comparisons Based on Serving Size, Not Package Weight
It’s tempting to get the biggest bag of food available to cut down on errands. However, it is critical to compare the portion size rather than the whole package weight.
A smaller serving size suggests that the meal is nutritious and has more healthy fats. This implies that a smaller bag of food may have a longer shelf life.
Adjust Feeding to Your Animal’s Age and Energy Levels
Most meals are formulated for certain stages of the animal’s life. For instance, senior dog food will include glucosamine to promote joint health. Puppy formulas are high in protein to promote development.
Active pets, like sled dogs, will need more food. This means choosing a brand with more protein.
Choosing Pet Food: Let Us Help
Before browsing various pet food brands, ask yourself what your pet needs. If they are overweight, then you want to opt for low-fat diets for pets. After that check online customer reviews, and make sure you see 5 stars.
Comparing food prices is important, but you don’t want to settle for low-quality ingredients. This can be overwhelming, but we can help. Check out our other blog posts today for more information on choosing pet food.