Our pets are an important part of our families. We love them deeply and want to do all we can to make their (too short) lives the best they can be. We give them our attention, affection, and everything in-between. We make sure they get to the vet when they should and that they have a comfortable place to sleep. We make sure they’re fed on time and that we buy them the food they like.
Have you ever checked out what’s in your pet’s food, though? You probably buy the brand your pet is partial too, but have you checked to make sure it’s healthy?
Or maybe you’ve fallen into the trap of buying cheap pet food? Pets are expensive and one area you might try to cut back is in the food department. However, if there’s anything you don’t want to cut back on when it comes to your pet, it’s their food. It’s essential to make sure your pet gets the nutrients they need each and every day to keep them healthy and happy. You want your pet to live as long as possible, right?
You wouldn’t feed your kids junk food at every meal. You know that’s not good for them. Some brands of pet food are the equivalent to that – there’s a lack of nutrients in many brands. You might have no idea what you’re buying for your pet, so today we’re sharing with you the best foods to buy for your dog or cat and what ingredients to avoid.
Healthy Pet Food for a Dog
What to Avoid in Dog Food
First, it’s important to know what not to look for in dog food. Just like much human food, dog food is processed and unnatural (and unnecessary) additives can be added. Colorings such as Yellow 5 and Red 40 are NOT healthy for dogs and can, unfortunately, be found in a few brands. You also want to avoid cornmeal, animal by-products, brewer’s rice (a by-product of cereal grains), and soybean oil. None of these ingredients are healthy for your dog.
What to Look for in a Healthy Pet Food for a Dog
Pets need protein! Lean protein, to be exact. It’s important to make sure the dog food you buy is an excellent source of protein. Carbohydrates are important too, but make sure it’s the right kind. Foods that are made with whole grains such as oatmeal and brown rice are excellent for your pup and will keep their energy sustained and their digestion regular. The better your dog eats, the happier they’ll be.
Things to look for in healthy dog foods: Vitamins, minerals, real meat, lean protein, healthy fats, and whole grains.
Brands we recommend: Blue Buffalo, Halo, Merrick, and Nature’s Variety.
Your dog will probably love any food you give to it and may not show a noticeable difference in food that’s good for them and food that’s bad for them. It’s up to you to buy the right food and ensure that your dog gets the nutrients he needs.
Healthy Pet Food for a Cat
What to Avoid in Cat Food
Unfortunately, a lot of cat food is made with carrageenan – a thickening agent that is actually a carcinogen. It has recently been limited in human food, but unfortunately, not as much in cat food. Be sure to stay clear of rendered products as well – these are by-products that the FDA says are not okay for humans to eat. Why should this be okay for a cat? It’s not!
Steer clear of artificial food coloring as well. It’s not necessary for cat food to look pretty, so it really doesn’t need to be in their food. Synthetic preservatives aren’t good either.
It’s unnecessary for cats to eat grains – they provide no nutritional benefits, so it’s best to avoid cat foods with fillers.
What to Look for in Healthy Pet Food for a Cat
Amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins are essential to your cat’s health. Specifically, taurine is necessary to avoid heart failure. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are important for vision, organs, skin and coat health. A lot of this can be found in protein, so when reading a cat food label, make sure a lean protein is the first ingredient. Chicken, turkey, or trout are all good for your cat.
Premium cat food is more expensive, but absolutely worth it when it comes to the health of your cat. There are a few approaches you can take to cat food –
- A raw diet – This is similar to how a cat would eat in the wild. There are a lot of products out there, but of course, be sure to check the label before you purchase.
- A home-cooked diet – Less processed than canned food, but of course a lot more work. Be sure to make sure this diet is properly balanced and ask your vet before you go this route.
- A grain-free, premium diet – This is a canned diet and very easy to find. Look for organic ingredients and make sure there are no fillers in the cat food.
- Store-brand canned food – This is not the best for your cat, but some options can be healthy. Just be sure to read the label.
Under no circumstances should you feed your cat dry food. It is not healthy for them and way too high in carbohydrates. Stick to one of the diets above to keep your cat healthy and happy.
Brands we recommend – Nutro Max, Royal Canin, Nature’s Valley, and Blue Basics.
We wouldn’t blame you if you’re a bit surprised at how many ingredients your dog or cat shouldn’t eat. You might be thinking that you’re doing your pet a favor when you buy them their favorite brand, but it’s much more important that the ingredients in your food are what your pet needs to be healthy.
Don’t forget that the above ingredients to avoid are for treats just as much as they are food. Be sure to check the label on the treat box, or to be safe, buy one of the brands listed above.
Wondering if you should feed your pet human food instead? Check out our post here to get the answers you need.
If you’re ever unsure about what’s considered healthy pet food, it’s best to ask your vet first!
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