Pet Food – Answers To Common Questions
There is no doubt that we love our pets. A quick glance around a retail store such as Wal-Mart or Target shows exactly how much we love our pets. Aisles of pet foods and products ranging from dainty water bowls to elaborate costumes all take a bit out of our wallets. Specialty stores such as Petco or Petsmart have made a fortune on our love for our beloved pets. Why shouldn’t they? Pets are more than just companions. They are members of our home and we love them as such.
Most families have at least one pet. Bath products, hair products and even specialty pet food all are marketed to help our loved ones lead a full, productive life. One of the initial concerns when first owning a dog, cat or any animal is what to feed it. Pet food is a huge market and there are hundreds of options available for pet owners to choose from when it comes time to provide dinner. For those pet owners, new and seasoned alike, this article will answer some of the more common questions regarding pet food.
What should I feed my pets?
The most obvious answer is to feed your pets a diet that keeps them healthy and strong. You would not feed a dog food meant for your fish. Each animal has specific dietary needs that must be met in order to be healthy. Most commercial pet foods are a blend of the different type of foods that each pet needs such as fiber, vitamins, protein and vegetables. An animal in the wild will consume the exact amount and specific food that is best compatible with its species. Veterinarians advise keeping your pet on a diet that closely resembles the food it would naturally seek out.
What type of snacks or treats should I give my pet?
There are a lot of great pet snacks on the market. Depending on what type of pet you own, age, and relative health can determine what type of snack is best for your pet. Take for example a dog that is relatively healthy but is overweight. The veterinarian may suggest offering healthy snacks such as a bit of apple instead of high-calorie dog treats found in many packages. You should definitely avoid giving any pet snacks that are high in sugar and preservatives.
What is in dry pet food?
Most dry pet foods contain three important ingredients: fiber, protein and fat. The protein in a dry pet food needs to be at least thirty percent and the fat should be no more than eighteen percent. A majority of dry pet food manufacturers add supplements to their dry food along with flavoring. The supplements should be Vitamins E and C. Any dry pet food you use should list the guaranteed ingredients in every batch. Individual pet food batches can vary in the supplements and the added ingredients. Try to choose a pet food that has the least amount of preservatives.
I believe in buying organic products. Are there organic pet foods on the market?
There are many wonderful totally organic pet foods on the market now. In the past decade pet owners have made great strides in demanding that their pets receive the same wholesome, pesticide-free foods that they eat. A great brand of organic pet food is Newman’s Own. They do not use wheat gluten or utilize any meats, grains or vegetables that have been raised with pesticides, antibiotics or growth hormones. When you are shopping for pet food make sure that the bag or can is listed as 100% organic and that the company is a certified organic grower or producer.
Can I give my adult dog or cat pet food designed especially for young pets?
Puppy or kitten food has a different formula than foods designed for adult dogs. Puppies and kitten need more supplements and vitamins since they are growing. You can think of the food as more concentrated with less filling material such as corn. There is nothing wrong with giving your adult pet food specifically designed for young pets. You may see a noticeable weight gain if the dog or cat is consuming the same amount of puppy or kitty food as they do the adult formula. If that is the case you will need to decrease the amounts you are feeding at each time.
Pets Editor
