UNDERSTANDING PET FOOD

Understanding the information on a pet food label can help when comparing and choosing pet foods.

Kelly S. Swanson, PhD, explains the importance of gut health, what dysbiosis means, and the value of using a synbiotic supplement.​

Excessive treating can increase the pet’s risk of becoming overweight.

Cats need to obtain adequate taurine from food, which makes this amino acid an essential one.

Gradually transitioning onto a new diet minimizes the risk of stomach upset.​

Gradually transitioning onto a new diet minimizes the risk of stomach upset.

Various cooking processes are used in preparing commercial pet foods to ensure delivery of highly nutritious, palatable products. The methods used are determined by the final form (e.g., a dry or wet food), desired texture and visual properties, and packaging. Common forms of pet food include dry extruded kibbles and canned wet food.

Feeding guidelines are designed to help owners determine the quantity of food to feed their pets to ensure an optimal body condition, but owners may be unsure how to use them.

Gluten-free diets are increasingly popular in human nutrition and this in turn can influence pet food decisions. What exactly is gluten and why is it found in pet food?