Choosing the right pet food brand is crucial for your pet’s health and happiness. By understanding their nutritional needs, evaluating labels, researching brands, and consulting with your vet, you can make a well-informed choice.
It’s best to switch pets slowly onto new foods (it can take weeks or months for older pets and those with sensitive tummies). If they are happy on what they eat, it may be better to just leave them on present food, rather than start switching things around.
Read this book to keep your dog safe for info on safe feeding/water bowls, first aid, and toxic foods to avoid. Avoid feeding cooked bones (can choke), raw eggs and fish (salmon which contains a deadly parasite).
For companion animals, keep most ‘human foods’ away from them. Unsafe foods near pets include:
- Chocolate, caffeine & alcohol
- Alliums (garlic, onion, shallots, leeks, chives)
- All citrus fruits & dried fruits
- Mushrooms & avocado
- Fruit pips & seeds (natural cyanide)
- Faux meats (inc. jackfruit)
- Raw bread dough (expands in the stomach)
- Corn-on-the-cob (choking hazard)
- Spices (esp. nutmeg & mac)
- Most nuts (esp. macadamia) & seeds
- Xylitol (a sweetener, if used)
Understanding Pet Nutritional Needs
Protein is key. Think of it as the building block for your pet’s muscles, tissues, and overall growth. Fats are essential too, providing energy and supporting brain health. Carbohydrates, while often debated, offer a quick energy source. Check if your pet’s food lists high-quality sources as primary ingredients.
Much like humans, pets need their vitamins and minerals. These ensure everything works as it should, from boosting immune function to maintaining bone health. Look for foods enriched with these nutrients, like vitamin E for skin and coat health or calcium for strong bones.
Start with the first five ingredients. Avoid foods packed with fillers like corn or soy and steer clear of artificial preservatives and colours. Natural is often better.
This section might seem a bit technical, but it’s crucial. It shows the minimum and maximum amounts of key nutrients. Check for balances that align with your pet’s needs. Ensure there’s enough protein and fat while keeping an eye on fibre and moisture content.
A brand with a solid reputation and history is often a safer bet. See how long they’ve been around and what pet owners say about them. Have they faced any recalls? If so, how did they handle them? A good reputation is usually earned, not given.
Don’t skip the reviews. They offer insights into how other pets (and their owners) have fared with the food. Mix in some expert opinions too. Vets and pet nutritionists can point you toward brands with proven track records.
