How to Choose the Right Kind of Pet Food
Species, age, activity level, environment and physiological conditions such as growth, pregnancy or nursing affect the nutritional needs of animals.
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Things You'll Need
- Dog Bones
- Dog Dishes
- Dog Food
- Dog Treats
- Goldfish Food Packages
- Rabbit Pellets
- Reduced-calorie Dog Food
- Weekend/holiday Fish Food
- Cat Foods
Instructions
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Choose food that mentions both the AAFCO (Association of American Feeding Control Officials) and Animal Feeding Trials on its label.
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Pick food that provides all nutrients for your pet, including water, energy, protein (essential amino acids and nitrogen), essential fatty acids, minerals and vitamins.
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Select pet food that's balanced. Nutrients must be present in the proper proportions.
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Choose food that's digestible. Nutrients must be easily broken down and made available to the animal.
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Recognize that feeding directions on labels can only be estimated and must be modified to fit individual pet needs. Check with your veterinarian.
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Consider the manufacturer's reputation when selecting brands. Generally, you should purchase brands that are priced higher.
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Tips & Warnings
Preserving food makes water unavailable for bacterial growth. Methods of preserving dog food include drying, salting and canning.
Because of specific differences between dogs and cats, dog food (particularly vegetable-based) should not be fed to cats because of nutritional deficiencies.
Your pet may not be receiving a balanced diet if more than 50 percent of it is made up of treats or human food.
"Palatable" means food is appealing to eat but does not mean food is healthful.
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Comments
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Ponkin
Dec 04, 2008
Good advice! -
shurepetsrock
Oct 01, 2007
With the pet food recalls and Thank goodness for Blue Buffalo ,It has Meat as # 1,No Corn ,No Wheat and No Soy,or by products as most pets are allergic to those ingredients,It also has Life Source Bits which are freeze dried and ad back into the food for vitamins ,minerals and nutrient's, That your pets deserve,
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shurepetsrock
Oct 01, 2007
With the pet food recalls and Thank goodness for Blue Buffalo ,It has Meat as # 1,No Corn ,No Wheat and No Soy,or by products as most pets are allergic to those ingredients,It also has Life Source Bits which are freeze dried and ad back into the food for vitamins ,minerals and nutrient's, That your pets deserve,
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Sep 02, 2006
For the right food, talk to your dog's vet and be sure and allow a gradual transition from puppy to adult food. Check package labels for age charts for when to shift from pup to adult and stick to the recommended amount of food. In addition to the suggested amount of dog food, provide fresh water daily being sure to clean out the water dish. Your dog needs water available 24/7. A good time to do this so you remember is when you feed your pet. If you're using treats for training (or because you can't resist) limit the amount so it doesn't add up to more than a few and resist giving them daily....think of them as 'junk food'. If my adult Golden Retriever gets 3 treats (which add up to maybe the size of 2 soda crackers) I deduct that amount from her daily food ration. Once your dog is past the training stage, he or she really doesn't need treats. I still give a treat once in a while, but quite honestly, my dog's just as happy if I throw the ball for her one more time or give her a good brushing. Resist the fancy packaging and think prevention - it may avoid weight problems, arthritis and also teeth problems from all that snacking. Enjoy your dog and avoid using food for rewards.
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Sep 02, 2006
For the right food, talk to your dog's vet and be sure and allow a gradual transition from puppy to adult food. Check package labels for age charts for when to shift from pup to adult and stick to the recommended amount of food. In addition to the suggested amount of dog food, provide fresh water daily being sure to clean out the water dish. Your dog needs water available 24/7. A good time to do this so you remember is when you feed your pet. If you're using treats for training (or because you can't resist) limit the amount so it doesn't add up to more than a few and resist giving them daily....think of them as 'junk food'. If my adult Golden Retriever gets 3 treats (which add up to maybe the size of 2 soda crackers) I deduct that amount from her daily food ration. Once your dog is past the training stage, he or she really doesn't need treats. I still give a treat once in a while, but quite honestly, my dog's just as happy if I throw the ball for her one more time or give her a good brushing. Resist the fancy packaging and think prevention - it may avoid weight problems, arthritis and also teeth problems from all that snacking. Enjoy your dog and avoid using food for rewards.
