With so many pet food options on the market it’s hard to decide which option is best for you and your pet. From brands like Orijen to celebrity created pet foods like Rachel Ray’s Nutrish - the options are endless. With so many new dog and cat food products on the market, there is one thing that ties new, popular brands together. They are made with ingredients that are wholesome, healthy and natural. So what do you need to know when choosing a healthy and natural food option for your pet? It’s quite simple.
1. Check The Ingredients On The Bag
New and popular brands such as Rachel Ray’s Nutrish emphasize that the ingredients are natural, wholesome and are made up of premium vegetables and meat for your pet. When choosing a food for your dog or cat, it is important to examine the ingredients prior to purchasing the bag.
As a pet parent, we want to choose the healthiest food option for our pet. In order to do this we should avoid foods that contain corn, wheat, sugar, food dyes and carrageenan or other thickeners like xanthan gum. Another red flag in your pet’s food is meat meal. It is best to choose an option that simply says meat. Examining the ingredients on a pet food bag may seem overwhelming, but is actually quite simple. To start, less is more. Dog and cat food brands that use less ingredients and fillers are usually better. Idealy we would like to choose a food that contains vegetables, chicken breasts, and minimal corn or grain products. With this being said, some grains such as brown rice and quinoa are acceptable additives.
For a more detailed analysis about choosing the right food for your cat, check out this EntirelyPets article.
2. Know Your Brands
When choosing a natural and quality food for your dog or cat, it is important to familiarize yourself with brands. If you are looking for a natural and premium pet food like Rachel Ray’s Nutrish, there are many similar options that are an excellent option for your pet. For example, Orijen offers options for both cats and dogs. It comes in a variety of flavors, and features premium, high quality ingredients to give your pet the nutrition he needs. Another option is pet food by Acana. Acana also makes options for cats and dogs that is made with the best ingredients to keep your pet healthy and happy.
3. Listen To Your Pet
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a dog or cat food is also the most looked over. Pay attention to your dog or cat’s health, coat quality, activity levels and overall happiness. Our pet’s give us signs that they are healthy or not feeling as well as they should be. Shiny coats, bright eyes, energy, and wagging tails or purring are all signs that your pet is healthy and getting the right nutrition they need. Some high quality pet foods will work great with your friend’s Black Lab, but not so well with your Miniature Schnauzer.
Sometimes pets have special nutritional needs. There is an excellent variety of supplements and food toppers you can also consider when choosing your pet’s diet and meal plans. Just remember, there is always a healthy food option for your pet no matter your budget.
