Choosing the right pet food

You are what you eat…

As the old saying goes, you are what you eat. Unsurprisingly, the same goes for your furry family members too. With so many options available today, it can be overwhelming as you stroll through the aisles. My advice? Pay no attention to the front of the bag, it’s actually what’s on the back that counts. We know it’s tempting to get sucked into to that pretty picture of fresh meat and veggies on the cover, but is that what’s really inside? The only way to be sure is to take a good look at the nutrition panel and ingredient list on the back.

Things to look for…

• Is meat the first ingredient? Or better yet the first few ingredients?

• Is it made and sourced in the USA or Europe? Be wary of products made in China; there have been some very dangerous recalls in the past.

• Is it wheat, corn, and soy free? These are the most common cheap ingredients added to pet food to bulk it up inexpensively. The only problem is that dogs & cats do not digest these ingredients well and they can lead to allergies, sensitive stomachs, and obesity.

• Speaking of allergies, does your pet suffer? If so, you may want to consider a grain-free diet, raw, or home-cooked options instead. Also, switching up your protein sources can prevent food allergies from forming in the first place.

• Variety is the spice of life! Your pets will thrive when you offer them plenty of variety in their diet. If using kibble as a diet staple, try mixing it up with some fresh chicken on top, or do raw or home-cooked food on the weekends. Any way that you can add a little variety in their diets will be a huge benefit to their overall health