Good Pet Nutrition Requires Understanding of Products, Ingredients

By Megan Mayes

There always seems to be a new fad diet for us to try, with claims that it will change our lives and our waistlines. But it’s important to know the actual facts about your new diet so you don’t get caught up in the hype without understanding it. We should give these same considerations to the diets of our pets. With a little bit of knowledge on our side, we can provide our furry loved ones with balanced nutrition that will benefit them through their lifetime. Rachel Carpentier from Willow Run Feed and Supply gave me a few tips for picking out quality food, but always consult your veterinarian for expert advice specific to your pet.

There is an unending debate on whether grains should be included in dog and cat food. Some people think pets should be on grain free or high protein diets to mimic their ancestors, while other pet owners cite recent studies that say grain free diets are linked to heart disease. It is important that no matter what type of diet or brand of food you choose, you make sure your pet is getting all of their essential nutrients in a balanced way. These nutrients are water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, and they are needed for all of the regular functions of your pet’s body.

Rachel recommends looking at the ingredients list of the food you select to make sure that meat is the first ingredient. If you are not choosing a grain free option, make sure to avoid any foods that have corn or by-product meal on the list of ingredients. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, you should always buy the best food that your budget will allow. You might not see the difference in the ingredient list because the difference is actually in the quality and source of the ingredients.

Your pet’s food should also change throughout their life to reflect their current health levels. Some things to consider that might prompt a diet change are age and allergies. My puppy Freddy recently started itching himself obsessively. As it continued, I would help him scratch and check for bugs, but nothing seemed to be wrong. After a quick visit with his vet, I found out Freddy probably has allergies related to his food. Now we are experimenting with new brands to find a good fit.

The timing was perfect because we were also ready to transition from puppy food to adult dog food. Rachel shared with me that young and active dogs need foods with higher protein and fat. Transitioning to a lower calorie adult food when growth has stopped prevents unnecessary weight gain in adult pets. Another area of feeding that requires attention and care is treating. It is so much fun to give our pets treats and snacks, but their ingredients and calories need to be considered as a part of the whole diet plan. Rachel said, “Look for treats that are low calorie and have minimal preservatives.” This is especially important if you are treating often for training exercises.

Be sure to visit Willow Run Feed and Supply in Broomfield for a large variety of high quality pet foods. They are competitively priced and offer frequent buyer programs for savings, rewards, and coupons. Find the food and treats that you will love as much as your pets and feel good about giving to your furry friend.