Best Pet Food: What the Label Can Tell You

 

You love your pet, so you want to feed him the best-quality food that you can find. But pet food nutrition labels aren’t the same as those for human food. It can be hard to tell if one product is better than another by simply reading the name on the label.

Keep your eyes open for a few signs that you’re buying the best food for your dog or cat.
Ingredients Aren’t Enough

When you shop for yourself, you might read the list of ingredients to see what’s in the food that you’re thinking about buying. So it makes sense if you look at ingredients on pet food packages as well.

“That’s where the pet parents’ eyes are drawn,” says Julie A. Churchill, DVM, PhD, associate professor of nutrition at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine.

An ingredients label lists food by weight, with the heaviest item listed first and the lightest item last. Heavier foods that sound good (berries or carrots) may be higher up on the list than other foods that weigh less (dried meat), but that may not tell the whole story.

“Things that are water-rich -- fruits and vegetables -- that will push them to the top of the list,” Churchill says. “Meat and chicken are 70% water, so they’re heavier [and listed higher on the label]. Owners may mistakenly say: ‘It’s got more meat in it,’ but it may have less chicken in it than those foods that add chicken meal, which is a cooked, dry product.”
Read the Fine Print

Most companies that sell dog and cat food include a statement on the package based on the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) Model Pet Food Regulations. It should say whether a food is designed for puppies or kittens, pregnant pets, or adults. It may have other details as well.

“It’s not the most prominent part of the label,” Churchill says. “It’s usually in small print.”

Many AAFCO statements say that the food is “complete,” which means that it contains all of the nutrients that pets require. It may also say that the food is “balanced,” which means that those nutrients are there in the proper ratios for dogs or cats at that stage of life.

Dangerous Foods for Dogs

Who can resist those big brown eyes and cute doggie grin? Can a little reward from the table or getting into Mom or Dad’s stuff really hurt your dog? Well, that depends on what it is and what's in it. If it contains the sweetener xylitol, it can cause your dog some real problems. In fact, there’s a lot of people food your dog should never eat. And, it’s not just because of weight. Some foods are downright dangerous for dogs -- and some of these common foods may surprise you.

You Let Your Dog Walk You

A poorly trained dog can be a hazard when you’re out for a stroll. Tens of thousands of people end up in the ER every year because of pet-related falls. Many of them happen during walks, either when a person trips over a dog or gets pulled or pushed by one. Experts say obedience training is the best way to make sure your pooch doesn’t take you down during his morning walk.

You Overlook Ticks

After a walk in the woods, you check yourself for these pests, right? Don't forget about your dog. Tick bites put your furry pal at risk for Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and a handful of other diseases. They can also cause serious illnesses in cats, and put the rest of the family at risk. If you find one, remove it with tweezers, and be careful to get all of the head and not to crush it. Ask your vet about tick control.

You Ignore Ringworm

If your pet has a round bald patch, this fungus could be to blame. People can get it when they touch an infected dog's or cat's skin or fur, so it's important to treat it. Ringworm usually causes a reddish, ring-shaped rash on the skin or bald spots if it infects the scalp. If your pet has hair loss, take him to your vet.

You Don't Bother to Deworm

Roundworms are common parasites in dogs and cats. They cause diarrhea and vomiting, and may lead to a serious illness. But they're a threat to people, too. An infected pet can spread the tiny eggs in soil or sand. Kids may swallow the eggs when they put dirty fingers in their mouths. When the worms hatch inside people, they can cause blindness and other tissue damage. Ask your vet about regular deworming for your pet.

You Skip Flea Medicine

Pets without these meds aren't the only ones who will pay the price. Fleas will quickly set up shop on their skin, especially in summer and fall, and fill your home with their eggs and young. Some people wind up covered in itchy sores. Fleas can also spread serious diseases to people, including bubonic plague. Ask your vet about long-term flea medication, and put a routine reminder on your calendar to give it to your pet.

You Don't Spay or Neuter Your Pet

Millions of cats and dogs live on the street or end up euthanized because of unwanted litters. Still, many people are reluctant to spay or neuter their pets. The fact is, it's a healthy choice for an animal. It lowers the risk of breast cancer in females and testicular cancer in males. Neutered males are also less likely to run away from home, mark their territory, or act aggressive. Talk to your vet about the decision to neuter or spay your animal.

You Keep the Food Bowl Full

It's one of the most common mistakes pet owners make. The problem is that cats and dogs often eat more than they need. If food is always available, they'll take in too many calories and put on too much weight. Instead, follow the serving suggestions on the pet food label, or ask your vet for advice.

You Force Cats to Be Vegetarian

Vegetarian people sometimes want their pets to share their lifestyle. The trouble is cats are "obligate carnivores" -- they must eat meat to survive. They depend on nutrients that are found only in animal tissue. Dogs may be able to handle a well-balanced vegetarian diet, but check with your vet first.

You Give Them Too Little Exercise

Just like people, pets need to get moving to stay healthy. Without exercise they're prone to obesity, which raises their risk of respiratory problems and joint trouble. The right amount of exercise for a dog depends on the breed and size, but vets recommend at least a half-hour each day. Bonus: Brisk walks with your buddy can help you get in shape, too.

You Misread Body Language

Sure, you love your dog. But do you really understand him? If you think a wagging tail is always a good sign, you could be in for a surprise. When a dog wants to threaten someone, he may hold his tail high and wave it stiffly back and forth. Mistake this warning for a sign of playfulness and you could get bitten. To avoid misunderstandings, learn about your pet's body language.