It just gets more confusing. Today a trip down a pet food aisle gives as many choices as the cereal aisle in the grocery store – and the nutritional values are perhaps even more varied! The impacts of feeding your cats and dogs appropriate food could be great – including longevity and vet bills. So how do you feed your Pets in El Dorado Hills CA? Here are some surprising facts about the foods your pets’ good health craves:
Protein is the key
Cats and dogs are natural carnivores. They need meat-heavy diets for good health. The best pet foods have definite kinds of meat (beef, chicken, etc.) as the first two or three ingredients on their content label. The high end and healthiest foods will follow the meat with vegetables and even fruit. Raw frozen sources of protein are super-healthy for your pets, but you must watch the varying fat contents to match them to your pets’ activity levels. Canned foods offer a good alternative to a raw food diet. Dry foods can also be healthy, but do not offer the water content which is best.
Cats and dogs do not need carbs
Cereal fillers are often used to bulk out pet foods. Things such as corn, soy, wheat and rice may be cheaper and filling, but your animals do not naturally need it. It could also cause allergies in some pets.
No one needs preservatives
Just as we are trying to eat fewer chemicals, dogs and cats also benefit from more natural food. Preservatives, fillers, colors, and additives can all be found in pet foods. Even that culprit high fructose corn syrup shows up in the doggy equivalent of junk food. Pets can develop a sweet tooth just like us.
Variety is good
Although the common wisdom is not to change your pet’s food, many experts today believe that it is good to have your pet eat a variety of protein sources. This not only makes sure your pet gets a good diet of different amino acids but keeps them from being over supplied with any one nutrient. Many pets enjoy the experience of variety, too. If your pet’s stomach seems upset, change foods gradually or stick to a narrow rotation.
If you need direction about choosing pet foods and one of the area’s largest selection, contact us at Lees Feed. We care for your Pets in El Dorado Hills CA.