Nutrition
It's what's on the back of the bag that counts! Or the side, or the bottom if they really don't want you to know what's in there.
Feeding your pet a healthy diet does not mean having to wonder if there is a black hole in your wallet. Learn to read the ingredients on pet food packaging and you will very quickly be able to determine whether a food is "good" or "bad." There are a few different routes to go in feeding your cat or dog: dry food, canned/moist food, raw diet or home-prepared foods. Any of these can be acceptable; you just need to make sure you know what you are feeding your pet and ensure they are receiving a balanced diet containing all the neccessary nutrients for proper growth, development, and maintenance.
photos: VirtualErn,laffy4k
Raw Diet and Home Prepared Meals
This is arguably the best food for dogs and cats; you know exactly what is in it and you know they are getting enough meat in their diets. But it is not for everyone. It requires time and caution - raw meat can contain bacteria that are harmful to humans. Dogs and cats have short digestive tracts designed to handle most of these bacteria. **Do not feed your pet raw pork, as it can contain trichinosis which can infect them.** Extra caution must be taken in homes with young children, who often like to play in food bowls. Feed your pet in a separate closed room or in a crate and when your pet has finished eating, immediately place the empty dish in a safe, out-of-reach place and wash it as soon as possible. You will aslo need to try and prevent your pet from licking children, or wash hands and faces immediately after playtime.
photos: Hotash,robstephaustralia
When preparing your own food for your pet, it is also important to ensure your pet is receiving a balanced diet. Though meats are the main part of the diet, vegetables and fruits should be included too. These can include carrots, green beans, cooked potatoes, apples, and blueberries to name a few. You may wish to talk with a knowledgeable veterinarian to make sure your pet's diet is balanced and contains everything neccessary. You can also find many books on the subject, which often include recipes to get you started.
Hereis some useful information from Shirley's Wellness Cafe on feeding a raw diet.
Again, it is important to discuss a new diet with your veterinarian before starting it.
Dry & Canned Foods
There are dozens of brands of dog and cat foods available through many venues, from grocery stores to national pet store chains to local family-owned businesses. Don't be fooled by the gimmicks many of the well-known brands use to sell their products: "100% Balanced Nutrition," "Veterinarian Recommended," "Natural." These are some of the claims you may find on the front of the pet food packaging. But it is what is on the back that counts: the ingredients.
What to look for...
Here is what you want to find in your ingredients:
1. The first ingredient should be a named meat product, i.e. whole chicken, chicken meal, turkey, duck, salmon, etc. Not just "meat meal."
2. Ideally, the first 3-4 ingredients should be named meat or meat meal products.
3. Whole vegetables and fruits.
4. Rice is acceptable. It is a good carbohydrate source; brown is better than white.
Here is what you do not want to find in your ingredients:
1. Meat by-products or meat by-product meal of any kind.
2. Wheat, soy, or corn products (can be a source of allergies).
3. Artificial preservatives, including BHA, BHT, TBHQ, and Ethoxyquin.
4. Artificial colorings.
5. "Animal fat" (an unspecified animal, an unspecified source).
This being said, very few brands of food you find at the grocery store, super store, or national pet supply chain can be considered a healthy food. To get a decent quality food for your pet, you may need to go to a small natural or holistic pet supplies store. That does not mean you have to spend a fortune on food! There are some foods that meet the aforementioned guidelines while remaining comparable in price to other big-selling brands that are not healthy. One of these is Chicken Soup For The Pet Lover's Soul. It is not the most premium food available, but it meets the guidelines of healthy food and comes at a great price that won't empty your wallet.
For more information on ingredients in dog food and to see how your brand stacks up, visit dogfoodanalysis.com. This website analyzes dog foods based on the ingredients list on the packaging. It does not include cat food, but generally a pet food manufacturer will use similar-quality ingredients in all of its pet foods, cat and dog.
Small Animal Nutrition
Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets, and all other small animals have specific requirements for their diets. Commercial diets in the form of pellets are available for these species; but again, some are better than others. Though they may claim to, no food will provide 100% nutrition. They need to be supplemented with fruits and vegetables, depending on the species, and in appropriate amounts. Hay, timothy hay in particular, is also very important to the diet of rabbits and guinea pigs and helps to keep their teeth ground down.
For more information on the proper nutrition and care of a specific small animal, please visit one the of the following websites:
Small Angels Rescue, Inc. - guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, rats, chinchillas, degus, and gerbils
House Rabbit Society - rabbits only
American Ferret Association - ferrets only
For care of non-mammals:
The Reptile Information Network - care sheets
Association of Avian Veterinarians- birds
Please remember to try to make a donation to these non-profits - they provide this information free of charge so that pets can lead happier, healthier lives!
Why is this so important?
It's not just about the idea of, "I wouldn't eat it so my pet shouldn't either." It is deeper. Literally. Low-quality foods can cause health problems for pets. It may be the root of the increase in renal failure in cats and dogs. Wheat, corn, and soy products can contribute to hair loss and flaky skin if your pet has an allergy to it. There may even be a link between diet and degenerative diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and dental disease. To prolong your pet's life, give him quality ingredients by either researching a ready-made food or making your own.