Do your pets get super excited at dinnertime? We’re guessing the answer to that is probably a resounding yes for many of you. While our patients’ perspectives on most topics differ greatly, the bulk of them agree on one thing: they all enjoy meals and snacks. Filling Fluffy and Fido’s bowls isn’t difficult, but deciding what to put in them does get a bit tricky. A local >Hobe Sound, FL vet offers some insight on this below.

Which Pet Food Ingredients Should I Avoid?

One of the most important things here is sorting out what exactly is in your pet’s food. Many human and pet foods are highly processed these days, and may contain fillers, preservatives, and other ingredients. Some of these are just subpar; others may be downright unhealthy.

Here are a few items you should avoid in your pet’s food:

Artificial Preservatives: Some of the most commonly used preservatives include butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and ethoxyquin. These can be found in both wet and dry foods, as well as treats.

Thickening Agents: While thickening agents are unlikely to be among the most harmful meals, they are nevertheless not without drawbacks. Carrageenan, guar, xanthan, and cassia gum are some of the most commonly used. They also offer features such as stability and texture. However, some studies suggest that they may be carcinogenic.

Artificial Food Coloring: Dyes will not improve your pet’s health. They are typically used to make the finished product appear more appealing and uniform to humans. Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 are especially problematic. They all contain benzidine, a recognized carcinogen.

Rendered Fat: Rendered fat may sound sensible. However, it is frequently prepared by combining and boiling the leftover portions after animals have been processed for meat. Unfortunately, some of the animals could have been ill or infected.

Corn Syrup/High Fructose Corn Syrup: If you’ve developed the habit of reading food labels, you may have noticed that corn syrup is now found in practically everything. It has been associated with a variety of human medical disorders, including heart disease, diabetes, and fatty liver disease. It is not harmful to Fido, but it is high in sugar and usually not good for him.

Propylene Glycol: Propylene glycol, which is commonly used in treats for both Fido and Fluffy, helps stabilize foods. It can induce adverse effects if used in excessive quantities. It has also been outlawed in Europe, which is cause enough for alarm in and of itself.

Contact your Hobe Sound, FL veterinarian for further information.

How Can I Choose the Right Food For My Pet?

The first thing we would recommend is that you speak with your veterinarian. While we may discuss some broad ideas, it’s vital to remember that each pet is unique. Several factors influence this decision, including your pet’s age, health, breed, and lifestyle, as well as any medical concerns they may have. An underweight Poodle will have quite different dietary needs than a plump Lab, and a young Doberan will require different food than an elderly Pomeranian.

Making Sense of Pet Food Labels

One of the best things you can do is develop the habit of reading food labels. This is when things become a little complicated. Many companies employ deceptive marketing strategies to make their items appear better than they are.

Stick to products that have received AFFCO accreditation. AFFCO, or the Association of American Feed Control Officials, is a non-profit organization that monitors pet food ingredients, production procedures, and quality standards. They work to guarantee that pet food fulfills the quality requirements required to keep your pet healthy, as well as that the nutrients are in the proper amounts. A seal of approval from them indicates that the brand has been thoroughly assessed. AAFCO-approved foods must have a few key pieces of information on their labels.

Brand and product names.

• Analysis. This is a huge one because it shows the percentages of the nutrients mentioned previously. While some elements may be specified with a maximum percentage and others with minimums, the list must be presented in a precise order and in measured units.
• A statement of nutritional sufficiency that “indicates that the food is complete and balanced for a particular life stage, such as growth, reproduction, adult maintenance or a combination of these, or intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only.”
• Manufacturer or distributor’s name and address
• Name of animal for which the meal is intended (Dogs, Cats, etc.).
• Quality Statement
• Feeding instructions
• List of ingredients, The ingredient list can be difficult to navigate, thanks in large part to labeling rules. For example, if an ingredient appears in the name of a product, it must account for at least 95% of the item. However, there are methods around this. Something using the word ‘flavor’ just has to have roughly 3% of that ingredient. Ask your vet for more information on this.

The AFFCO divides pet food components and nutrition into six categories.

Water: Your pet should always have access to fresh, clean water. Water is also an ingredient in food, and an important one at that. The moisture content of your pet’s food might affect how well they absorb the nutrients. Let’s look at our feline pals as an example. Cats’ natural foods include mice and birds. Fluffy also consumes her prey raw, therefore her normal diet includes a lot of water.

Carbs/Fiber: Carbohydrates give dogs energy in the form of glucose, which is essential for keeping their tail wagging. Cats do not need any carbohydrates in their diet, though Fluffy will still obtain carbs and fiber in the wild from her prey.

Vitamins: Vitamins help many of your pet’s organs and systems function properly. Every type of vitamin has distinct benefits and functions it helps with. We won’t go into detail about all of them, save to say that vitamins must be added in the proper proportions. Neither too much nor too little is safe. Vitamin A, B, C, D, E, iron, zinc, and calcium are all vital nutrients for pets.

Minerals: Minerals are also important for your pet’s health since they help your pet’s internal systems function properly. Dogs and cats require iron, zinc, copper, and magnesium.

Fat: Fat gives Fido energy, keeps his coat and skin healthy and decreases inflammation, and is important for helping pets absorb nutrition. Fats also produce hormones and provide insulation and protection. Linoleic acid, flaxseed, and fish oils are some fat sources that may be found in pet foods.

Protein: Protein is essential for pets’ cartilage, tendons, ligaments, skin, fur, claws, muscle, and even blood cells. It also produces important amino acids that are necessary for your pet’s health and survival. Animal-based proteins commonly used in pet food include chicken, lamb, fish meal, beef, and eggs. Plant-based proteins include corn gluten meal, soybean meal, and beans.

Be careful to consult your Hobe Sound, FL veterinarian for precise recommendations on what to feed Fido and Fluffy. That involves receiving advice on topics such as food sizes and feeding times.

Book An Appointment At Our Hobe Sound, FL Pet Clinic

Have you got any questions or worries concerning your pet’s diet? Are you wondering what to feed your pet? Contact us, your local Hobe Sound, FL pet hospital, at any time.