Now that Halloween is over and I have food on my mind (thank you Thanksgiving!), I figured I would share a little research that I’ve been reading up on regarding quality pet food.

Food choices are plentiful in the stores and sometimes overwhelming, so I’ve gathered a list of the top 4 best reviewed food products according to “Consumersearch.com.”

The following lists give you an idea of what to look for when shopping for your furry friend!

For Dogs:

1. Change dog foods periodically, and alternate between dry dog food and canned food.

2. Look for certification by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials).

3. Choose a food that has whole meat or whole meat meal (lamb meal, chicken meal, etc.) as its top ingredients.

4. Avoid BHT, BHA and ethoxyquin as preservatives. Grain sources should also be whole grains, as opposed to glutens or other processed products. Rice and barley is better than corn or wheat. Avoid meat by-products and meat and bone meals.

5. Observe your dog carefully when trying a new food. Some dogs need more protein and some need less, just as some dogs need to eat more than others, depending on activity level. Look for changes in coat and skin, along with stool consistency.

6. Pet food safety is a growing concern. It is a good idea to keep a watchful eye on any food recalls, as this has been a more common problem with cat food recently. The Food and Drug Administration and American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals websites are a good place to start.

For Cats:

1. Look for more meat in the list of ingredients and less by-product, grain and vegetable products.

2. Choose foods without dyes or artificial preservatives.

3. Balance canned food and dry food.

4. Read the label. The best products avoid the use of grains like corn, wheat or soy and don’t include animal by-products. If cost, availability or your cat’s preferences are an issue, try to stick with a food that minimizes such ingredients and lists them further down the ingredient list.

5. Pet food safety is a growing concern. (See dogs)

Does this all sound oddly familiar? It should – Just as you try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, your pets should to. It’s so important for them to live a long, healthy, happy life, and the food they are given affects this 100%.

Now for the list of the top 4 rated foods for dogs and cats –

For Dogs:

Orijen

Premium dry dog food

PROS:

Very high protein content

High-quality carb sources

No low-value fillers

CONS:

Hard to find

Expensive

High protein level might not be suitable for all dogs

Chicken Soup for the Pet Lovers Soul

Dry dog food

PROS:

Plenty of meat

Good-quality ingredients

Cheaper than the premium dry food

CONS:

Contains more grains than some premium foods

Harder to find than some other brands

Innova EVO

Premium canned dog food

PROS:

High meat content

No grains

No fillers or by-products

CONS:

Expensive

Not all dogs tolerate a high protein food well

Canidae

Canned dog food

PROS:

Plenty of “human-grade” meat

Good carb sources — brown rice, barley

No chemical preservatives

No low-value fillers

CONS:

More expensive than most supermarket foods

Harder to find

More grains than premium dog foods

For Cats:

Wellness Chicken Formula

Best canned cat food, but expensive

PROS:

High-quality ingredients

High meat content

Low carbohydrates

CONS:

Expensive

May not appeal to some cats

Some ingredients not completely defined

Natural Balance Ultra Formula

Best-value canned cat food

PROS:

Good percentage of meat

No chemical preservatives

Cats like taste

Testing program

CONS:

High cost

Too many carbs

Natural Balance Ultra Premium

Best value dry cat food

PROS:

Relatively inexpensive

High-quality ingredients

No by-products or glutens

CONS:

Some grains are included

Brewers yeast

Wellness CORE

Best dry cat food, but expensive

PROS:

High meat content

Low carbohydrates

No grains, glutens or carbohydrates

CONS:

Expensive

Few fruits and vegetables

For further details check out http://www.consumersearch.com.