Is your furry friend filled with anticipation when it’s time for their meal? It seems highly likely that the answer to that question is affirmative. Our patients have diverse opinions on many topics, but there is one thing they all have in common: a  love for food and snacks. Figuring out what to put in Fluffy and Fido’s bowls can sometimes be a bit confusing, with so many different products and options to choose from. This article provides valuable insights on pet nutrition from a local Greater Cincinnati veterinarian.

What Pet Food Ingredients Should Be Avoided?

You’ll want to start by reading the label, and seeing exactly what is in any specific brand. Many pet foods are highly processed, and contain lots of fillers, additives, and preservatives. Some of these options are not only subpar, but they can also be detrimental to your animal companion’s health.

Avoid brands that contain these ingredients:

Corn Syrup And High Fructose Corn Syrup: If you read food labels often, you may have noticed that corn syrup is used in… well, almost everything. Several medical conditions in humans, such as heart disease, diabetes, and fatty liver disease, have been associated with it. Despite the fact that it is not poisonous to Fido, it is quite sweet and, in general, is not very good for him.

Certain Preservatives: There are several commonly used preservatives, such as Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and ethoxyquin. These can be found in various types of wet and dry food, along with treats.

Artificial Food Coloring: Dyeing will not have any positive impact on your pet’s well-being. Typically, these additions enhance the overall visual appeal and cohesiveness of the final product for people. Red 40, Yellow #5, and Yellow #6 are of particular concern. All of these substances contain benzidine, a known carcinogen.

Rendered Fat: The production process of rendered fat involves mixing and boiling down the leftover animal parts that are not used for meat. Regrettably, it is possible that some of those animals may have been unwell or afflicted with diseases. 

Propylene Glycol: Propylene glycol is commonly used in treats for dogs and cats to help stabilize foods. Ingesting large amounts can lead to side effects. Furthermore, the fact that it has been banned in Europe is a cause for concern on its own.

Thickening Agents: To be honest, thickening agents aren’t the most risky foods, but they’re also not the best either. There are several commonly used gums, such as carrageenan, guar, xanthan, and cassia gums. These aren’t dangerous in the short term. However, more studies are needed, as there is evidence suggesting that they may have carcinogenic properties.

Seek additional information from your veterinarian.

What Should I Look For When Buying Food For My Pet?

We recommend consulting with your veterinarian as a first step. There are many factors to consider, such as your beloved pet’s age, health, breed, lifestyle, and medical conditions. Dietary needs vary greatly depending on the weight and age of different dog breeds. For instance, an underweight Pomeranian will require a different diet compared to a chubby Lab, and a young St. Bernard will have different food requirements than a senior Chihuahua.

In addition to that, it is advisable to choose brands that have received 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. The organization strives to guarantee that pet food consistently meets the required quality standards to uphold the well-being of your beloved companion. Additionally, they meticulously ensure that these foods contain the precise nutrients in the appropriate proportions. When they give their stamp of approval, it means that the brand has undergone a comprehensive review.

The AFFCO categorizes pet food ingredients or nutrition into six distinct categories.

Water: It is essential to ensure that your pet always has access to clean and fresh water. Water is also important in food, as 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 primarily eat mice, birds, and other small animals in their natural diet. The fact that Fluffy eats her meat raw also means that she gets a lot of water from her natural food.

Carbohydrates (including fiber): Dogs rely on carbohydrates to fuel their energy levels and keep their tails wagging happily. Contrary to popular belief, cats do not actually require carbohydrates in their diets. Nevertheless, in the wild, Fluffy will get trace amounts of carbohydrates and fiber through her prey. However, it is important to note that carbohydrates should not be the primary component of a dog or cat’s diet.

Vitamins: Vitamins play a crucial role in supporting the various organs and systems of your beloved pet. Vitamins have various functions and play distinct roles in our bodies. We won’t go into all of them, but it’s important to emphasize the significance of adding vitamins in the correct proportion. Excessive or insufficient amounts can both pose risks. Ensuring that pets receive the necessary nutrients is crucial. The ones that are most needed for pets include Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, iron, zinc, and calcium.

Minerals: Minerals play a vital role in maintaining your pet’s overall health by providing essential support to their internal systems. Important minerals for dogs and cats include iron, zinc, copper, and magnesium.

Fat: Fat is essential for providing energy, promoting a healthy coat and skin for Fido, and even reducing inflammation. It is important for assisting pets in absorbing nutrients and is vital for hormone production. Additionally, it aids in providing 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 optimal health.

Protein: Protein plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of pets’ cartilage, tendons, ligaments, skin, fur, claws, muscle, and blood cells. As it breaks down, it produces vital amino acids that are essential for the health and survival of your pet. Common animal-based proteins found in pet food include chicken, lamb, fish meal, beef, and eggs. Plant-based proteins consist of ingredients such as corn-gluten meal, soybean meal, and beans.

Learning To Understand Pet Food Labels

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

Labels of foods that have received AAFCO approval must include certain specific pieces of information. That includes the names of brands and products; type of animal for which the food is intended (e.g. dog, cat, etc.); a statement of high quality; list of ingredients; instructions for feeding; the name and address of the manufacturer or distributor; and an analysis report.

The analysis is very important, as it provides the percentage of the nutrients mentioned earlier. The ingredients must be listed in a specific order and measured units, with some having maximum percentages and others having minimums. Your vet can give you specific advice as far as what to look for, proportion-wise.

Deciphering the ingredient list can be quite challenging, primarily because of the strict labeling standards. As with people food, pet food is listed proportionally, with the first ingredient taking up the biggest percentage of the food, and so on. You’ll want something that lists meat, fish, or poultry first and most often.  As an example, if a product includes an ingredient in its name (Chicken Cat Food) then that ingredient must constitute a minimum of 95 percent of the food. However, there are ways to overcome that. If something is labeled as “flavor” then the food just needs to include roughly 3 percent of that ingredient. 

Ask your Greater Cincinnati vet for specific advice, including tips on portion control and feed schedules. 

Schedule an Appointment at Our Greater Cincinnati Pet Clinic

Do you have any questions or concerns regarding your pet’s diet? Curious about the ideal diet for your beloved pet? Feel free to reach out to us at your nearby Greater Cincinnati pet hospital at any time.