In recent years, the pet food industry has churned out hundreds of brands which vary wildly in price and quality. Choosing the right food for your companion may seem an overwhelming challenge. The following will help you make informed choices about what you feed your cat or dog.
What's Out There?
At the grocery store, you can find a range of commercial pet food products. Generic or house brands are the cheapest and are generally made from the poorest quality ingredients. These are never a good choice.
If you have no option other than the grocery store, stick with well-known name brands. Basic chows or ration-style canned foods usually contain fewer additives and fillers than those marketed as "gourmet" offerings. Usually sold in small cans or packages, these novelty foods are highly preserved, have lots of sugar and salt, and are the equivalent of human junk food.
PAWS recommends choosing a pet food sold at pet supply stores. Rather than meeting maximum or minimum standards, these premium foods aim for optimal nutrition. They are usually more expensive than grocery store brands, but they can save costs hidden in cheaper diets. Ideally, a pet eats less of the better food, digests more of it, and leaves less waste.
What's in There?
No matter where you buy pet food, it is a good idea to read labels. Avoid brands that feature long lists of chemicals. Preservatives, colorings, artificial flavorings and scents are usually added in small amounts, but in combination, and over time, these chemicals can undermine your pet's health.
Other common ingredients are labelled "meat-by-products." These are slaughter house remnants and can include moldy, rancid or spoiled processed meats as well as diseased tissues. Whenever possible, buy brands that list the meat itself (beef, chicken, lamb, etc.), and not by-products.
