With so many pet food brands using clever marketing tactics, it can be challenging for pet parents to determine the difference between low-quality and high-quality pet food options. But fear not! By applying the same instincts and knowledge we use to select our own food, we can ensure that our beloved pets receive the best nutrition possible.
Jump to:
1. Hold Your Pet's Food to the Same Safety Standards As Your Own
It's essential to recognize that safety and quality are intertwined when it comes to pet food. While human-grade facilities might not always use human-grade ingredients and vice versa, true quality means adhering to high safety standards throughout the entire process. Sadly, the pet food industry lacks the same stringent regulations as the human food industry, leading to potential risks for our pets.
When it comes to shopping for human food, we feel confident knowing that our food is well-regulated and safe. However, the same cannot be said for pet food – there are no such regulations to provide us with peace of mind.
2. The Significance of Ingredient Sourcing for Quality Pet Food
Understanding the importance of sourcing ingredients is crucial to providing our pets with high-quality food. Differentiating between edible or human-grade ingredients and feed-grade ingredients helps us make informed choices for our pets' health.
TIP: Remember that "made with ingredients from federal human-grade facilities" does not necessarily mean the ingredients themselves are human-grade.
3. What's in the Box? How to Read Labels
Given the lack of regulations in the Canadian pet food industry, pet parents must scrutinize pet food ingredient lists to ensure they align with the claims on the packaging.
4. Unveiling Pet Food Labeling Secrets
Did you know that Canadian pet food companies have up to six months to update their labels after changing their recipes? This lack of regulation highlights the importance of examining pet food ingredients more closely. Here are some tips for better scrutiny:
Pay attention to the ingredient hierarchy: where higher-listed ingredients have a more significant presence in the food.
Investigate the sourcing of vitamins and minerals: Avoid vitamin and mineral isolates, which lack proper cofactors for efficient utilization by the body.
Be mindful of calorie sourcing: Determine whether calories come from carbohydrates or protein, as the latter is preferable.
5. What About AAFCO?
While pet food manufacturers may claim their products meet the AAFCO nutrient profiles, we mustn't rely solely on this assurance. AAFCO guidelines are essential for minimum nutrient requirements, but they don't consider the full spectrum of nutrient-rich fresh foods that are essential for optimal health.
A Healthy Diet for Our Pets:
Prioritizes fresh, minimally processed foods.
Includes a variety of nutritious foods in the diet.
Ensures plenty of water intake.
In contrast, an AAFCO Diet:
Allows for extreme processing and the use of synthetic supplements.
Encourages a monotonous diet with no variety.
Does not set moisture requirements.
6. Quality Over Quantity
Studies in human nutrition have shown that a healthy diet composed of high-quality, fresh foods leads to long-term well-being. The same principles apply to our pets. Relying on ultra-processed foods with premixed vitamins can't compare to a diet rich in variety and freshness.
As pet parents, it's our responsibility to prioritize our pets' health and provide them with the best quality food available. By understanding the importance of sourcing, reading labels, and ensuring food safety, we can make informed choices that lead to happier and healthier lives for our furry companions. So, let's put our pet food detective hats on and give our pets the love and care they deserve through nutritious and safe food choices.