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.
