Pets are integral members of our family; we want the best food for them. In the wake of the recent pet food recall, consumers have begun questioning the pet food industry. The media has portrayed the industry as “unregulated” despite the fact that pet food is perhaps one of the most strictly regulated products with guidelines and rules designed to help consumers make informed decisions.

Selecting a Pet Food

There are thousands of brands, flavors, and food styles to choose from. While many brands may be made at the same manufacturing plant, the products are not the same. So how does a consumer pick the best food for their pet? The answer is surprisingly simple: select a company you trust will provide high quality, safe ingredients that meet nutritional guidelines.

Cats are strict carnivores (meat eaters) and dogs, while technically omnivores (eats anything), are meat-eaters by preference. Some pet foods contain protein primarily from plant sources (e.g. wheat, corn, soy). These vegetable protein sources lack some amino acids and are not an instinctive component of a carnivore’s diet. Dogs and cats require good quality meat protein combined with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Assessing Quality

Highly processed foods, aside from being inexpensive, have been stripped of nutritional value. Animal digestive systems function most effectively in extracting nutrients from whole foods, not refined foods. In this regard, diets comprised of ground meats, organs, and bones along with whole foods are the gold standard of companion animal nutrition.

Meat, poultry, and fish meals, which are available in different levels of quality, provide all the essential amino acids to support a strong, healthy, and active pet. In fact, studies on canine athletes have shown that high meat diets increase stamina, strength, and endurance. Amino acids are truly the building blocks of life. Select high quality protein meal to ensure complete food assimilation, decreased health problems, and less fecal waste.

Carbohydrates vary in quality, too. Generally, by-products are waste from human food manufacturing and are often deficient in nutrients. There is no way to add back these nutrients because science has yet to develop effective synthetic forms. Moreover, pet foods formulated with processed carbohydrates may contribute to food intolerance, obesity, and diabetes, emerging disease in today’s pet population. Alternatively, incorporating nature’s bounty and whole grains provides a source of natural vitamins and minerals to promote proper nutrient absorption and utilization.

Dogs and cats thrive on variety. The rotation regimen plays an important role in building a healthier immune system, promoting dental health and addressing many common health concerns (e.g. food intolerance, obesity, allergies, digestive problems, diabetes). Feeding different meat and grain species or rotating between food styles (e.g. raw, canned, kibble) provides your pet with unique sensory experiences and health benefits.

Quality Matters!

Selecting foods without processed grain and meat by-products reduces the risk of contaminants. Feeding a holistic diet to your furry family member is paramount. Select pet foods made from lean meat, poultry, and fish that have been combined with whole grains, whole fruits and vegetables, and healthy oils.