There was an interesting Q&A in the WashingtonPost in their “Advice to Pet Owners” column. I was not surprised to see the columnist avoid giving a brand name. Rather, she gave “tips” on how to select a good pet food. She basically said, it pays to feed quality pet foods. Learn to read the label, buy in bulk, clip coupons, or add vegetables to the dog’s diet to stretch food out.
She closes by stating that selecting quality food may cost you a little more at the checkout line but you save longterm in reduced veterinary expenses due to health problems.
I would add that many pet food companies have a comparison chart on their website where you can compare ingredients of your brand vs. their brand. Only one that I know of, HealthyPetNet, does a cost comparison as well. You can compare Beneful, Eukanuba, Flint River, Iams, Natures Recipe, Nutro Natural, Science Diet, Purina One, Purina Pro Plan, and Wellness.
You might be surprised to see that on the less expensive grain-based foods, you are actually feeding more than on the holistic real meat-based foods. I explain this by saying that on a day when I skip lunch or don’t eat a big lunch, I snack all afternoon on junk. But when I eat a good lunch, I am satisfied and don’t eat more.
It’s the same with pet foods. When they have to fill up on carbohydrates because the meat protein isn’t satisfying them, you spend more because you have to feed more.
Pets really do eat less on the holistic foods, making the higher price a bit easier to swallow.
Gainesville, Fla.: Thank you for taking my question! I want to provide my two dogs and two young cats with good nutrition, but the most expensive brands of pet food — those sold only at pet stores, like Purina Pro Plan — are getting to be out of my budget. What grocery-store-sold pet food do you recommend for cats and for dogs? Iams? Purina One? Thanks so much!
Arden Moore: There’s a direct correlation between what you put in the food bowl and the quality of health (and longevity) in your pets. Like you, I have a “furry fab four” household (two dogs and two cats — the dogs know the cats are “gods” so there is true harmony).
When it comes to selecting quality food, the most important advice I can give you is to become a label reader. Select foods that list a REAL protein as the first ingredient (such as fish, chicken, beef, turkey) and not “meat by-product” (reminds me of the mystery meat served in my grade school cafeteria years ago) or certainly not wheat or other grains. Dogs are omnivores (meat and veggies) and cats are obligate carnivores (MEAT and more meat). That is how their bodies are designed.
Step 2. Portion control. Don’t guess on how much you are feeding your pets. Measure it using a measuring cup. You can s-t-r-e-t-c-h food by measuring properly. Also, knowing exactly how much you feed your furry crew is helpful should they suddenly start gaining or losing weight. Conveying to your vet your pets’ food portions is a helpful clue in pinpointing the “why” behind the weight change.
Step 3. Clip coupons. And, contact the pet food manufacturer and inquire about any possible “special sales” or promotions. Pet food is a very competitive business — just like the phone biz — and companies don’t want to lose a customer to a competitor. Express your loyalty to their brand.
Step 4. Shop in bulk — to an extent. Store your dry food in plastic bins with resealable lids to prevent the kibble from becoming stale or rancid. Opt for a one-month’s supply at max — because the food can become bad. Look for 2-for-1 sales or buy a 12-case or 24-case of canned food (far less than one at a time).
Step 5. For your dogs, you can actually serve a little less kibble and canned by including steamed veggies (no seasonings, no butter) into the bowl. Perfect place to put your leftover broccoli or carrots! Veggies help a dog feel full without adding calories.
Bottom line: investing in your pets’ chow — by selecting quality food — may cost you a few pennies extra at the checkout line, but you will be saving plenty of dollars in their health because they won’t be having to be treated for poor food-related conditions like pancreatitis or obesity. Paws Up!
By Teresa Holladay
http://IsYourPetFoodSafe.com
The Holistic Pet Food Blog
Filed under: Holistic Pet Food
