What Ingredients To Look For in Your Pets’ Food

Like the other members of your family, your pets’ food is a key to their health and longevity. You want to make sure that you are giving them the best possible nutrition which will mean sorting through a lot of different brands and types of pet food on the market. So, how do you know what ingredients to look for and which one is right for your pet?

Label Clues

The first thing you need to do is read the ingredients label.

This may seem like a daunting task, but it is not that difficult once you know what to look for.

The ingredients are listed in order from the largest amount to the smallest amount.

So, if you see “chicken” as the first ingredient, that means there is more chicken in the food than any other ingredient.

The next thing you want to look at is the guaranteed analysis, which is also found on the label.

This will tell you the minimum percentages of crude protein and fat and the maximum percentage of fiber and moisture in the food.

You will also want to make sure that the food meets the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards for your pet’s life stage.

Common Allergens

Another thing to be aware of is common allergens in pet food.

These include wheat, corn, soy, and dairy. If your pet is allergic to one or more of these ingredients, their food label will likely say “gluten-free” or “wheat-free.”

If it doesn’t, you’ll want to change to different food.

Natural Ingredients

When you are looking at pet food focus on those that indicate the food is made with real meat, vegetables, and fruits.

It is a good idea to choose foods that are made with these ingredients because they will provide your pet with the nutrients they need.

Natural pet foods also usually free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, making them an ideal choice for pet food.

Choose the Right Food for your Pet

The best way to ensure that your pet is getting the nutrition they need is to talk to your veterinarian.

They can help you choose a food that is right for your pet based on their age, activity level, and any health concerns they may have.

Like humans, their bodies are each unique and will have different requirements to thrive.

When it comes to your pets’ food, you want to make sure that you are investing the time to find them the best possible nutrition.

If you still have questions about a particular type of pet food, you can always contact the manufacturer.

They will be able to give you more detailed information about their product.