 | We all want the best for our pet and feeding them good, quality food should be no exception. However, pet owners often have a difficult time deciding which food is best suited for their pet because of the large number of food choices available at local grocery stores, pet stores, or animal care facilities. What should pet owners know in order to choose the food which meets their pet's nutritional needs? |
In making pet food decisions, many owners look to the nutritional information given on the label. Unlike human food, the labeling on most pet foods can be very deceiving. Some popular commercial foods use words like “holistic” and “organic” to give owners the feeling they are feeding their pet(s) a better quality of pet food. Terms like “organic” used for human food, often mean that the item is a healthier alternative to the nonorganic option because the food is grown without or made with artificial chemicals. Pet foods which carry the organic label may contain ingredients which were grown without the use of artificial chemicals, but this does not change the nutritional value of the food ingredient(s). Another common word found on pet food labels is “holistic”, which is used to mean food that nourishes the whole body. Because of the different dietary needs of pets, the USDA cannot come up with useful terms or definitions directly relates to pet food.
Another common advertising and labeling practice which uses human food wording involves the use of whole meat versus meat meals. In pet foods, the use of meat meals is not a filler but provides the protein listed on the food label. This process does not change the chemical makeup of the protein source and actually using meal allows more protein to be packed into each kibble than using whole meats. Chicken meal or other meat meal is the skeletal meat that has been dehydrated or depleted of moisture and then ground into a powder. For example, Chicken meat has about 70% moisture and 18 % protein, compared to chicken meal which has 10 % moisture and 65% protein. Other meals, like bone- meal and by-products, make calcium and other minerals more readily available to the pet and supports growth and daily nutritional requirements
| Finally, many pet food labels state there is no corn or corn products in the food. However, the use of corn in pet food diets is actually not a bad thing. The corn that manufacturers use in the diet is not like using whole, dried, cracked corn nor is it used as a filler. Instead, manufacturers of pet food break down the kernel of corn into different components which are a great source of essential amino acids and linoleic acid which is an Omega 6 fatty acid. These amino and fatty acids help to maintain healthy skin. Corn is also a good source of other important nutrients such as zinc, manganese, and antioxidants like lutein that promote eye health. The presence of corn in the diet aids in the digestive health of your pet by providing fiber and supplies energy from its complex carbohydrates. | |
If you have any questions about your pet's nutritional health, please consult with your veterinarian. They can help you choose a diet that best suits your pet’s needs.
https://www.royalcanin.com/about-us/science-based-nutrition
www.purina.com/meet-purina/nutrition#/results-driven
http://vet.osu.edu/vmc/companion/our-services/nutrition-support-service/myths-and-misconceptions-surrounding-pet-foods
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