27
Jan 2021
The food pet owners choose is one of the most important decisions pet owners must make. A high-quality, well-balanced diet can strengthen the immune system, help pets maintain a healthy weight and keep fur shiny and sleek.
It wasn’t too long ago that only a few different brands of pet food were available to consumers. The pet food industry continues to grow, and now there are scores of brands and formulations on the market. A report by Zion Market Research titled “Pet Food Market (Wet Food, Dry Food, Nutrition, Snacks and Others) for Cats, Dogs and Other Animals: U.S Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis and Forecast, 2016–2022,” found that the U.S. pet food market is expected to have a value of more than $30 billion in 2022. There are almost 300 manufacturers operating in the pet food section in the United States, which produce nearly seven million tons of pet food annually.
With so many options to choose from, pet owners may not know where to begin when looking for acceptable food for their companion animals. Here are some factors to consider when weighing your options and deciding what's best for your pet.
Affordability
Cost is one of the key factors in choosing pet food. While the cost of food does not always translate into quality, some less expensive foods may have more fillers. The pet resource Simply for Dogs says quality pet food is an expensive commodity, with the most expensive dog foods going for nearly $40 per 2.2 pound bag. But price points vary. Find the best food you can afford, and remember that a healthy diet for your pet now will most likely translate into less vet visits (and bills) later in life.
Cost is one of the key factors in choosing pet food. While the cost of food does not always translate into quality, some less expensive foods may have more fillers. The pet resource Simply for Dogs says quality pet food is an expensive commodity, with the most expensive dog foods going for nearly $40 per 2.2 pound bag. But price points vary. Find the best food you can afford, and remember that a healthy diet for your pet now will most likely translate into less vet visits (and bills) later in life.
Read the Nutrition Adequacy Statement
An important first part of the labeling of pet foods is the nutrition adequacy statement. Look for the statement that it is a “complete and balanced” food and which species and stage of life it is for. Young pets and pregnant or lactating females require different nutrition than adult animals, and senior pets have their own unique nutrition needs.
An important first part of the labeling of pet foods is the nutrition adequacy statement. Look for the statement that it is a “complete and balanced” food and which species and stage of life it is for. Young pets and pregnant or lactating females require different nutrition than adult animals, and senior pets have their own unique nutrition needs.
Look at the Ingredients
The Association of American Feed Control Officials has established guidelines for regulators to govern claims a pet food company can make on its label. Foods that contain a single ingredient must contain at least 95 percent of that ingredient. Ingredients also are listed by weight on the label. Those in the top spots may not be more abundant; they may just weigh more because of their moisture content. Don't get too hung up on buzzwords such as "natural" and "organic" as these words don't always ensure that the food you are purchasing is highest quality. Pay attention to the label and ingredients as those tell you what is actually in the food you are feeding your pet.
The Association of American Feed Control Officials has established guidelines for regulators to govern claims a pet food company can make on its label. Foods that contain a single ingredient must contain at least 95 percent of that ingredient. Ingredients also are listed by weight on the label. Those in the top spots may not be more abundant; they may just weigh more because of their moisture content. Don't get too hung up on buzzwords such as "natural" and "organic" as these words don't always ensure that the food you are purchasing is highest quality. Pay attention to the label and ingredients as those tell you what is actually in the food you are feeding your pet.
Dry vs. Wet
Dry and wet food have different benefits for different types of animals. For example, cats can benefit from an inclusion of wet food because they typically don't drink as much water as dogs do. However, many pets might do well with a diet of both wet and dry, or one or the other depending on their individual dietary needs. It just comes down to what works for you as a pet parent, and what seems to be best for your pet.
Dry and wet food have different benefits for different types of animals. For example, cats can benefit from an inclusion of wet food because they typically don't drink as much water as dogs do. However, many pets might do well with a diet of both wet and dry, or one or the other depending on their individual dietary needs. It just comes down to what works for you as a pet parent, and what seems to be best for your pet.
Don’t Be Afraid of Grains
While cats are strict carnivores, dogs are not. Dog owners do not need to avoid grains. In fact, grains, fruits and vegetables can be a valuable source of essential vitamins, minerals and fiber for many pets, according to the American Kennel Club. Since 2018, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration has investigated more than 500 reports of canine dilated cardiomyopathy, a serious heart condition, potentially linked to dog foods marketed as grain-free.
While cats are strict carnivores, dogs are not. Dog owners do not need to avoid grains. In fact, grains, fruits and vegetables can be a valuable source of essential vitamins, minerals and fiber for many pets, according to the American Kennel Club. Since 2018, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration has investigated more than 500 reports of canine dilated cardiomyopathy, a serious heart condition, potentially linked to dog foods marketed as grain-free.
For further nutrition advice, consult your veterinarian when choosing a food for your pet to ensure that your furry friend is getting everything they need to live life to the fullest.
