We all want the very best for our pets. We choose the best toys, beds, and veterinarians, but one of the most important things we can give our pets is a good diet. With the wealth of pet food brands, selecting a balanced diet for your pet can be a daunting task. Here are a few easy tips to help you pick the perfect pet food in Folsom CA.
Before heading to the pet store, first know your pet. If your dog has a visible waist and you can feel his ribs with the palm of your hand, he is at a healthy weight. The same criteria applies to cats, but healthy cats will also have a small belly paunch. If ribs can be seen, your pet is underfed, and, if ribs cannot be felt under a layer of fat, he is overweight. Both conditions can lead to health issues. Your pet’s age also factors into the equation. A puppy or kitten needs a higher protein and fat content because they are burning more calories than a senior pet whose metabolism has slowed significantly.
Dry pet food is hard to beat for affordability, ease, and energy-density. Dry food is also known to promote dental health and comes in a wide array of flavors and ingredients. Because cats and dogs are naturally carnivores, you will want to find a dry food with meat listed in the first three ingredients (the most prevalent in the recipe). Dry foods with heavy grain content, while filling, can lead to gas and other digestive issues over time.
If your pet does not like dry food, there are other options. Canned, wet food often contains higher protein content and is easier to eat than dry food. However, it is usually more expensive and, if not portioned carefully, it can lead to unwanted weight gain. Some pet food brands also offer raw feeding diets that echo the primal diet of your pet’s wild ancestors. Raw pet food contains minimally processed meats and veggies and is either frozen or freeze dried. If purchasing raw pet food, be sure the label says it is a full, balanced diet and not simply a supplement to make sure your pet is getting all the nutrients he needs. While raw feeding has numerous health benefits, it is the most expensive option.