Cat and dog owners who love their animals want to give them the best of everything; this includes a healthy diet. However, the nutritional needs of animals are different from the needs of humans. Some human foods are indigestible or even toxic for pets, so most people tend to rely on store-bought pet foods to make sure their animals are getting safe, species-appropriate nutrition. Since the pet food aisle has such a wide array of options to choose from, the following are some guidelines to help pet owners who are looking for the best in pet food supplies Corvallis OR.
Cats and dogs are carnivores, so they need meat in their diet. Cats, however, need twice the amount of protein in their diet than dogs (or humans). Make sure that the pet food you choose lists meat or meat meal from a named source – like beef, chicken, turkey, or fish – as the first ingredient. “Meat by-products” usually refers to leftover parts, like organs or intestines, and while the term may sound unappealing to humans, by-products are also a good source of animal protein for cats and dogs.
Pet foods should also contain grains or other vegetables. Dogs can eat a higher percentage of grains and/or vegetables in their food than cats, and a lack of dietary fiber can cause diarrhea; however dogs, like cats, are primarily meat-eaters and thrive on a diet high in animal protein. Most vets recommend avoiding soy and corn because they add excessive protein, but rice, millet, and barley are healthy grains to look for in pet food.
Although cats and dogs consume raw food in the wild, there is no scientific evidence that raw food is better for pets. In fact, raw diets are associated with some health problems, like broken teeth and internal damage from to the consumption of bone fragments, along with parasitic infections. Moreover, pet owners can be exposed to bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella from handling raw pet food (though the bacteria tend not to survive the acid in a dog’s or cat’s digestive tract. Dry kibble is healthy for pets and good for their teeth.
Bear in mind that every pet is unique. Your veterinarian can you give more information regarding the best choices for your pet in Pet Food Supplies Corvallis OR. One recommended source of high-quality pet food is Albany Pet Hotel.
