Does your furry pal get super excited when it’s time for their meal? It seems likely that the answer to that question is affirmative. Although our patients have widespread opinions on many topics, there is one thing that unites them: their shared love for food and snacks. Figuring out what to put in Fluffy and Fido’s bowls can be a bit confusing, even though it’s not a difficult task. This article provides valuable insights on pet nutrition from a local Dahlonega, GA vet.

Which Pet Food Ingredients Should I Steer Clear Of?

What is one of the most crucial factors to consider? Ingredients. Many pet foods contain a lot of additives, preservatives, and fillers. Some of these options are not only subpar, but they can also be detrimental to your furry buddy’s health.

Avoid these ingredients in your pet’s food:

Corn Syrup And High Fructose Corn Syrup: If you’ve developed the habit of scrutinizing food labels, you might have noticed that corn syrup has become a common ingredient in a wide range of products. There have been numerous associations between this substance and various medical conditions in humans, such as heart disease, diabetes, and fatty liver disease. While it may not be harmful to Fido, it’s important to note that it contains a high amount of sugar and is generally not recommended for his well-being.

Rendered Fat: The production process of rendered fat involves mixing and boiling down the leftover parts of animals that are not used for meat. Unfortunately, it is possible that some of those animals may have been sick or diseased.

Propylene Glycol: Propylene glycol is commonly used in treats for both dogs and cats to help stabilize foods. Ingesting large amounts of it can lead to side effects. Furthermore, its ban in Europe is a significant reason for concern.

Thickening Agents: Although thickening agents are not considered highly hazardous, they are not particularly beneficial either. Some commonly used ones include carrageenan, guar, xanthan, and cassia. They do offer advantages, such as improving stability and texture. However, there is research suggesting that they may have carcinogenic properties.

Artificial Preservatives: There are several commonly used additives, such as Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and ethoxyquin. These can be found in a variety of wet and dry food options, as well as treats.

Food Coloring: Dyes have no impact on your pet’s well-being. They are typically included to enhance the overall visual appeal and ensure a cohesive experience for users. I have some concerns about Red 40, Yellow #5, and Yellow #6. All of these substances contain benzidine, which is a well-known carcinogen.

Consult your Dahlonega, GA veterinarian for further details.

How Can I Select The Best Food For My Pet?

We recommend consulting with your veterinarian as a first step. Although we can certainly discuss some general guidelines, it’s crucial to remember that each pet has its own individual needs. There are several factors to consider when it comes to your furry friend, such as their age, health, breed, lifestyle, and any medical conditions they may have. The dietary needs of an underweight Pomeranian will vary greatly from those of a chubby Lab, just as the nutritional requirements of a young St. Bernard will differ from those of a senior Chihuahua.

In addition to that, it is advisable to choose brands that have AAFCO approval. AFFCO, also known as the Association of American Feed Control Officials, is a non-profit organization dedicated to overseeing pet food ingredients, manufacturing processes, and quality regulations. They strive to ensure that pet food meets the necessary quality standards to uphold your furry companion’s well-being, and that those foods contain the appropriate nutrients in the proper proportions. When they give their stamp of approval, it means the brand has undergone a thorough review.

Pet food ingredients or nutrition are divided into six categories by the AFFCO. Those categories include water, carbs, vitamins, minerals, fat, and protein.

• Water: Pets of course need access to fresh water at all times. Water is also a crucial component in many food recipes. Your pet’s ability to digest nutrients can be influenced by the moisture content of their food. For instance, our feline friends actually need quite a bit of moisture in their diets. Cats typically consume mice, birds, and other small animals as part of their natural diet, and eat their food fresh and raw, when moisture content is highest. 
• Carbohydrates: Dogs use carbs to fuel their energy levels and keep their tails wagging happily. Cats, however, do not require carbohydrates in their diets. Nevertheless, Fluffy will obtain a certain amount of carbohydrates and fiber from her natural diet, thanks to her prey. However, it is important to note that carbs should not be the primary component of a dog or cat’s diet.
• Vitamins: Pets require a range of vitamins, including vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, as well as iron, zinc, and calcium. Vitamins play a crucial role in supporting the health of your pet’s organs and systems. Vitamins have various functions. We won’t go into detail about all of them, but it is important to emphasize the correct proportion of vitamins that need to be added. Excessive or insufficient amounts can both pose risks. 
• Minerals: Minerals are vital for your pet’s overall well-being, as they play a crucial role in supporting your furry friend’s internal systems. Dogs and cats require key minerals such as iron, zinc, copper, and magnesium.
• Fat: Fat is an essential component of Fido’s diet as it provides energy, promotes a healthy coat and skin, and helps reduce inflammation. It is important to note that this factor plays a crucial role in aiding pets in nutrient absorption, hormone production, as well as insulation and protection. There are various sources of fat commonly found in pet foods, including linoleic acid, flaxseed, and fish oils. Pets require a balanced intake of fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6 acids, to maintain their health.
• Protein: Protein is essential for maintaining the health of pets’ cartilage, tendons, ligaments, skin, fur, claws, muscle, and blood cells. It produces vital amino acids that are essential for your pet’s well-being and survival as it breaks down. Pet food commonly contains a variety of animal-based proteins such as chicken, lamb, fish meal, beef, and eggs. There are various options for plant-based proteins, such as corn-gluten meal, soybean meal, and beans.

Understanding Pet Food Labels

Developing the habit of reading food labels is highly beneficial. This is where things can become a bit challenging. Many companies employ clever marketing techniques to enhance the perception of their products.

Labels of AAFCO-approved foods must include certain specific pieces of information.

• Names Of Brands And Products
• Type Of Animal The Food Is Intended For (Dog, Cat, Etc.)
• Statement Of Quality
• List Of Ingredients 
• Directions For Feeding 
• Analysis Report: This is an important bit of information, as it provides the percentage of nutrients mentioned earlier. The ingredients must be listed in a specific order and measured in appropriate units, with some having maximum percentages and others having minimums.
• Nutritional Adequacy Statement: This affirms that the food is formulated to meet the specific needs of a particular life stage, whether it be growth, reproduction, adult maintenance, or a combination of these. 
• Name and address of the manufacturer or distributor

Labeling standards can make the ingredient list quite tricky to navigate. As an example, if a product’s name includes an ingredient (‘Chicken Dog Food’)  that ingredient must comprise a minimum of 95 percent of the food. Nevertheless, there are ways to overcome that. When it comes to the word ‘flavor’, a mere 3 percent of that ingredient is sufficient. So something that says ‘Chicken flavor’ may only have trace amounts of actual chicken. 

Make sure to consult your Dahlonega, GA veterinarian for personalized recommendations on the ideal diet for your beloved pet. You may also want to get specific advice on topics such as appropriate portion sizes and optimal feeding schedules.

Schedule an Appointment at Our Dahlonega, GA Pet Clinic

Are you seeking advice or assistance regarding your pet’s diet? Curious about the best diet for your beloved pet? Feel free to reach out to us, your neighborhood Dahlonega, GA pet hospital, at any time.a