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NOT ALL PET FOODS ARE CREATED EQUAL

Not all pet foods are created equal - feeding a high quality diet will

give your pet a significant health advantage. Animals fed a premium

food not only look and feel better but are less likely to require

treatment for diet related illnesses like soft stools, vomiting,

obesity, malnutrition, bladder stones, dry skin and dull haircoats.


WHAT'S REALLY IN A BAG OF DOG FOOD?


Understanding what's in the bag is not an easy task with creative

marketing and misleading buzzwords it's difficult to determine the best

food for our furry friends.

Words like Natural, Organic, Human grade are often used to describe pet

foods. Understanding the difference in these terms as it pertains to

pet food is important.

Of course cost is a factor, although we would all like to feed our pets

the very best it's not always possible. There are many options

available today no matter what your budget is, with a little research

you should be able to find a diet that works for you and your pet.


Always keep in mind that dogs and cats by nature are carnivores which

means the majority of their diet should come from animal origin. Meat

provides protein their primary energy source and should be the main

ingredient. Starches, grains, fruits, vegetables and omega fatty acids

are also necessary to provide a complete balanced diet but in lesser

quantity. Remember ingredients are listed by weight so the first few

ingredients are going to be representative of the bulk of the food.

Ingredient lists should contain words you recognize and can pronounce

!!!

Understanding the ingredients is tricky and a topic in itself, but here

is a brief overview of what you should look for and try to avoid when it

comes to purchasing food for your dog or cat.




PREMIUM FOODS GENERALLY INCLUDE :

REAL MEAT listed in the first few ingredients

Specific sources of meat should be given. Is it beef, turkey, lamb vs

generalized description like poultry byproducts or animal byproducts.

The first few ingredients will tell you if it's meat based vs plant

based or if there are a lot of fillers like potato, soy, corn, wheat


MEAL provides a concentrated source of essential nutrients but should

not take the place of real meat. During processing the proteins can be

denatured. Meals should not be the only or major protein source.


Vegetables/fruits/carbs/starches/grains - Provide vitamins, minerals and

essential nutrients. It is better to get natural sources of essential

nutrients vs synthetic supplementation with chemicals.


Omega Fatty Acids have many health benefits (nervous system development,

skin/coat health). The best source is from fish oils but they can also

come from plants like flaxseed.


Grain - Is not always the enemy. Although many pets do better on a

grain free diet, healthy grains in appropriate amounts are beneficial

for most animals. If you feel your pet requires a grain free diet

discuss it with your veterinarian. There are several ongoing studies

investigating a possible link between grain free diets and

cardiomyopathy in dogs. Development of cardiomyopathy is multi-factoral

but certain breeds and other risk factors may make a grain free diet the

wrong choice for your pet.


HOW TO KNOW THAT YOUR'E GETTING QUALITY VS QUANTITY


Where the ingredients are sourced ( US vs China)

Where the food is manufactured and packaged

A Guaranteed Analysis Statement

A Nutrition Adequacy Statement

What life stage is this diet appropriate for



WHAT A PET OWNER SHOULD AVOID


artificial dyes or colorants

large amounts of fillers

harmful preservatives (propylene glycol, BHA, BHT)

ingredients sourced from questionable countries with low standards of

regulation and quality control



WHAT YOUR PET EATS IS WHAT THEY BECOME


Remember our pets do not have a choice in their diet. They rely solely

on us to provide them with what they need to live a long, happy, healthy

life.

A good quality diet that is appropriate for your pets stage of life and

activity level is one of the best gifts you can give!!!



***If your animal has any health concerns always discuss with your

veterinarian. The best/most expensive food on the market may not be

ideal for your pet if they have special dietary requirements**




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