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From Kibble to Cuisine: Finding the Perfect Food For Your Pet
Do you ever wonder what the difference is between regular commercial-grade pet food and premium gourmet-type food? There are many different brands, and choosing the perfect food for your pet can be challenging.
Dog and cat foods should meet AAFCO standards. Regular pet food is more affordable, and this could be ideal for those on a budget. However, know that the ingredients may be lower in quality. Premium pet food is usually the highest quality food. Royal Canin and Orijen are premium pet foods.
Sometimes, the best pet food is simply one that your dog or cat enjoys that is age-appropriate and healthy. In this article, you will learn how to find the perfect food for your pet.
What to Look for in Pet Food
The first factor involved in choosing a pet food is quality. Any food with an AAFCO label meets nutritional standards that are safe for your dog or cat. You should also determine how to balance your budget with quality concerns for your pet’s food. There are some okay commercial brand options, but premium pet foods are formulated for optimum health. The following are some ideas of what to look for in pet food:
AAFCO Labeled Foods
The value of AAFCO (Association of American Feed and Control Officials) is that foods stamped with this label meet strict criteria for nutrient concerns. To make it less confusing, AAFCO is an organization that establishes the definition of nutritional requirements for dog and cat foods. Some examples of pet foods that meet these standards:
- Iams (both)
- Purina (both)
- Fancy feast (cats)
- Blue Buffalo (both)
- Royal Canin (both)
- Just for dogs (dogs)
- Honest kitchen (both)
- Hill’s science diet (both)
AAFCO-labeled food contains essential nutrients for your pet. AAFCO food also includes a complete and balanced statement, which means the product contains all the required nutrients and is balanced because the product contains these nutrients in the correct ratios. You should aim to feed your pets AAFCO-labeled foods.
Commercial Grade Pet Food
Commercial-grade pet food was invented in the late 1800s for the convenience of the consumer, not so much for the animal’s health. The Carnation Company created the first commercial kibble in the 1950s. While commercial pet food formulations have vastly improved since then, the main advantage of these foods is that they are budget-friendly. Some decent commercial pet food options:
- Iams
- Pedigree
- Kibbles’ N Bits
All the above foods are AFFCO-labeled dog and cat foods. They are safe and affordable options that will not break the bank. Be mindful of that AFFCO label. Watch for harsh preservatives that can be dangerous for your pet, like BHA, and artificial colors should be avoided.
When it comes to cat food, make sure it contains enough taurine. Taurine is necessary to protect your furry feline’s heart and other organ functions. Cats are also obligate carnivores. This means they require high meat protein and very few carbohydrates.
Premium Pet Food
Premium pet food is top-quality pet food that may be a little more expensive, but depending on your budget, it could be worth it to preserve your canine or feline companion’s health. Premium pet food may not be in your budget, but as long as the pet food you buy is safe and healthy, it is acceptable.
You should also weigh the pros and cons of each choice and determine your pet’s individual needs. Is your dog a senior pup? Does your cat regularly get urinary tract infections? These are factors to consider when purchasing pet food. The following are premium pet foods:
- Purina
- Royal Canin
- Blue Buffalo
- Hill’s pet nutrition
- Rachel Ray Nutrish
Another bonus of premium pet food is that it emphasizes your pet’s overall well-being. It can help cultivate a shiny, lustrous coat, and these foods will generally support the long-term health of your dog or cat. Many of these foods also contain omega-3s, which are good for your pet’s skin, heart, and joints.
Age -Appropriate Pet Food
You should always feed your pet species and age-appropriate pet foods. Growing puppies and kittens require more calories than an adult pet. Feeding an older pet puppy or kitten food would not work out well. The extra calories could lead to obesity and health issues. Senior dogs are often more sedentary, so you want to look for a lower-calorie pet food.
Specialty Pet Foods
Again, determine your pet’s individual needs. If your dog or cat has medical issues, they may need a vet-approved prescription pet food. You can usually purchase these foods at your veterinarian’s office. Royal Canin, for example, has several good options for specialty pet foods. Hairball pet food for cats and joint health pet food for active dogs are examples of specialty pet foods.
Conclusion
Choosing your pet’s food can be a daunting task. Commercial dog and cat food costs less but may not be suitable for your pet. Premium pet food is a bit pricier, but if it is specifically formulated to improve or preserve your pet’s health, it may be worth the money.
Always look for pet food that meets AFFCO standards and is nutritionally balanced and safe. Most importantly, make sure your furry friend derives pleasure and enjoyment from their delicious feast.
Image from Dall-E
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