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.
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