What to Look For & Avoid in Dog & Cat Food

When selecting food for our beloved pets, it is crucial to ensure that we provide them with the highest quality nutrition. Below are essential guidelines on what to look for and avoid in dog and cat food.

What to Look For

High Meat Content: Animals like dogs and cats thrive on diets high in meat. Ensure that meat is a primary ingredient in their food.
Low Carbohydrate Content: Unlike humans, pets do not need high amounts of carbohydrates. Opt for foods with minimal starchy carbs.
High Moisture Content: Canned or fresh food with high moisture content is beneficial, as it helps keep pets hydrated.
High-Quality Sourcing: Choose brands that use high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients. This ensures the food is safe and nutritious.

What to Avoid

Starchy Carbs: Avoid ingredients like peas, lentils, wheat, corn, soy, potatoes, and chickpeas. These components add unnecessary carbohydrates.
Poor Quality Ingredients: Ingredients such as binders, glutens, kagene, and guar gum are undesirable.
Synthetic Additions: Synthetic vitamins and minerals might not be as beneficial as their natural counterparts.
Ultra-Processed Kibble: These often contain preservatives and by-products which can have harmful effects over time.
Preservatives: Beware of preservatives like acetic quin, glycerol monate, BHA, BHT, and propylene glycol. These have been linked to cancers and other health issues.

Keywords

High Meat Content
Low Carbohydrate Content
High Moisture Content
High-Quality Sourcing
Starchy Carbs
Synthetic Vitamins and Minerals
Ultra-Processed Kibble
Preservatives

FAQ

1. Why is high meat content important in pet food? High meat content is vital as it aligns with the natural diet of dogs and cats, providing essential proteins and nutrients for their overall health.

2. What are some examples of starchy carbs to avoid? Starchy carbs to avoid include peas, lentils, wheat, corn, soy, potatoes, and chickpeas as they can add excessive carbohydrates to your pet's diet.

3. Why is high moisture content beneficial in pet food? High moisture content helps keep pets hydrated, which is especially important for cats who might not drink water readily.

4. What is wrong with synthetic vitamins and minerals in pet food? Synthetic vitamins and minerals may not be as efficiently absorbed or beneficial as natural ones, potentially leading to deficiency issues.

5. What preservatives should I avoid in pet food? Avoid preservatives like acetic quin, glycerol monate, BHA, BHT, and propylene glycol, as they are associated with health risks including cancers.

6. Is kibble bad for my pet? Not all kibble is inherently bad, but ultra-processed versions often contain unhealthy preservatives and by-products. Opt for high-quality kibble if you prefer dry food.