Choosing the Best Pet Food: Ingredients to Look For and Avoid

 Choosing the Best Pet Food: Ingredients to Look For and Avoid

Selecting the right food is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your pet's health. With so many options on the market, it can be tricky to navigate pet food labeling and know which ingredients are beneficial or harmful. This article provides guidelines on what to look for and what to avoid when choosing your dog or cat's food.

Table of Contents

• High-Quality Proteins
• Whole Carbohydrates
• Essential Fatty Acids
• Natural Preservatives
• Probiotics
• Hydrate with Water
• Avoid Artificial Preservatives
• Avoid Low-Quality Fillers
• Avoid BHA, BHT
• Avoid Artificial Colors/Flavors

1. High-Quality Proteins

Protein should be the top ingredient in cat and dog foods. Look for specific whole meat, poultry or fish ingredients like chicken, salmon, lamb etc. Avoid generic terms like "meat meal" or "animal byproducts." Cats in particular require a high protein percentage around 40% for optimal health.

2. Whole Carbohydrates

Choose whole grain carbs like brown rice, barley, quinoa or oats. Avoid refined grains like white rice or corn. Fiber from whole plants promotes healthy digestion. Complex carbs also provide lasting energy between meals.

3. Essential Fatty Acids

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids support skin, coat, brain and heart health. Look for plant-based sources like flaxseed, fish oils and canola oil. Avoid soy, corn and cottonseed oils, which are inflammatory. An appropriate fat percentage for most pets is around 20% of calories.

4. Natural Preservatives

Avoid chemical preservatives like BHA, BHT, TBHQ and ethoxyquin. Better options include Vitamin E (tocopherols), Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), citric acid and rosemary extract. If the label says "preservative-free," that's ideal.

5. Probiotics

Look for specific probiotic strains added, like Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bifidobacterium lactis. Probiotics support healthy digestion, improve immunity, and may reduce allergy symptoms. Refrigerated and freeze-dried foods typically contain higher amounts of live cultures.

6. Hydrate with Water

Cats and dogs should drink fresh water with their food for proper hydration. Avoid "moist" or semi-moist foods with added gums and humectants. Give your pet access to clean water bowls throughout the day.

7. Avoid Artificial Preservatives

Steer clear of BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin, TBHQ, propylene glycol, nitrites or other chemical-sounding preservatives. These synthetic additives are controversial and may be toxic for pets.

8. Avoid Low-Quality Fillers

Avoid corn, wheat, soy, byproducts, bone meal and cereal grain fragments. These inexpensive fillers can provoke allergies, provide minimal nutrition and contribute to obesity.

9. Avoid BHA, BHT

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are artificial preservatives considered possibly carcinogenic. Safer natural alternatives exist. If you see BHA or BHT, choose another product.

10. Avoid Artificial Colors/Flavors

Ingredients like Red 40, Yellow 5, titanium dioxide and "flavor" provide no nutritional value. Artificial additives are used for marketing purposes and may be harmful. Pick foods with only natural colors and flavors.

Conclusion

Reading labels is the only way to really know what's in your pet's food. Prioritize high-quality proteins, digestible carbs and omega fatty acids. Avoid chemical preservatives, artificial additives, low-cost fillers and mystery ingredients. Choosing the best food gives your pet their best shot at a long, healthy life.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Should I look for "AAFCO approved" on pet food labels?

Yes, AAFCO approval indicates the food provides complete and balanced nutrition for your pet's life stage when fed as directed.

2. Is raw food or a homemade diet healthier than commercial pet food?

Most veterinary nutritionists don't recommend raw diets due to risks of pathogenic bacteria. Home cooking also risks nutritional imbalance without expert guidance. There are many excellent commercial foods that meet pets' needs.

3. Should I choose grain-free food for my pet?

Unless your pet has a diagnosed grain allergy, whole grain foods are fine and provide fiber and energy. The FDA is investigating a potential link between some legumes in grain-free foods and canine heart disease.

4. What is the best way to transition my pet to a new food?

Slowly mix in increasing amounts of the new food over 7-10 days. This allows the digestive system to adapt and reduces risk of gastrointestinal upset.

5. How can I compare the quality between two pet foods?

Read all ingredients and nutrition information. Prioritize quality proteins first, then whole fruits/veggies, digestible grains, probiotics and healthy fats. Avoid chemical preservatives, additives, byproducts and fillers.