One of the most commonly asked questions we get from pet owners is, “What is the best food to feed my pet?”
While there are many options to consider when purchasing your pet’s food, what you really need to question is research vs. marketing.
Research vs. Marketing: Where Does the Pet Food Company Spend Its Money?
Some pet food companies spend a lot of their dollars on marketing tactics and promoting their food through high-budget advertising. More often than not, they use terms with limited or no legal definitions like “all-natural,” “human-grade,” and “protein rich.”
The FDA does carry regulations for pet food, just as they do for human food, and does regulate label claims as they pertain to medical claims such as: “maintains urinary tract health,” “Low Magnesium,” and “Hairball Control.” However, terms used by pet food companies such as “all-natural,” and “protein rich,” are not regulated, and are used mostly for marketing purposes. The FDA ensures that the ingredients used are safe and have appropriate function, but does not require feeding trials or analysis.
Other companies prefer to spend the almighty buck on research and development of their pet food. Your best bet is to choose a product that has been researched and tested to deliver the best complete, nutritional value to your pet. Hill’s, Royal Canine, and Purina are a few pet foods that research and test their food.
Using AAFCO to Determine if Your Pet Food is Nutritious
One way to be sure that your pet’s food meets all of the nutritional requirements it should, is to look for an AAFCO statement posted on the front or back of the dog food bag or cans. AAFCO is a voluntary organization that establishes standards or models for regulations aimed at ensuring that manufactures provide clear, accurate, and consistent information about animal feed, including pet food.
In order for the AAFCO statement to be present on your pet’s food, the manufacturer must use one of the following three methods for substantiating the claim:
- Analysis comparable in nutritional adequacy: laboratory analysis of finished product is compared with nutritional values from a similar product fed to dogs and cats according to AAFCO protocols.
Label States: “ABC Pet Food provides complete and balanced nutrition for (appropriate life stage) and is comparable in nutritional adequacy to a product which has been substantiated using AAFCO feeding tests.”
- Laboratory analysis: Finished product is compared to minimum nutritional values established by AAFCO Nutrient Profiles for dogs or cats.
Label States: “ABC Pet Food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog/Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for (appropriate life stage).”
- Feeding Trials: Finished product that has been tested is fed to dogs or cats according to AAFCO protocols. Feeding trials give us the most useful and accurate information about the nutritional value and safety of pet food.
Label States: “Animal Feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that ABC Pet Food provides complete and balanced nutrition for (appropriate life stage).”
- Analysis comparable in nutritional adequacy: laboratory analysis of finished product is compared with nutritional values from a similar product fed to dogs and cats according to AAFCO protocols.
Label States: “ABC Pet Food provides complete and balanced nutrition for (appropriate life stage) and is comparable in nutritional adequacy to a product which has been substantiated using AAFCO feeding tests.”
The Right Pet Food Also Depends on the Pet
One size does not fit all when it comes to feeding your pet. You need to consider life-stage, activity level, and overall health.
For example, when it comes to puppies, choosing the right food is not only important for its nutritional value but for bone growth. It is rarely communicated to pet owners that not all puppies are created equal, and that feeding a diet which is specifically designed for both large and small breed puppies is extremely important.
Food that is formulated for either large or small breeds takes into account the amount of calcium and fat needed for proper bone development. So, when you are choosing a food for your new puppy, check the bag for a food that is specifically geared towards your dog’s size.
Your pet may also have underlying health concerns such as kidney disease, thyroid issues, diabetes, weight issues, or joint problems that can be maintained, or in some cases cured, by feeding a diet that is specifically geared towards their health needs.
For more information and to discuss the best way to care for your pet, call 732-269-3600 to schedule an appointment.