By Alberta Frost

As most families are putting together their Thanksgiving shopping lists, let’s take a few minutes to contemplate how we are feeding the most important members of our families—our pets. Pet owners/guardians are faced with a dizzying array of food choices at the store, on line and through many very entertaining marketing campaigns.  How do I decide what are the best choices for my furry companions?  According to Dr. Graham Brayshaw, Chief Veterinarian at the American Humane Society, you should first understand your pet’s digestive system. (www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/choosing-right-food-your-dog-or-cat ) For example, cats are carnivores.  They need food that is 40-45% protein, high in fat, has few carbohydrates and contains taurine which is a critical amino acid.

Dogs, on the other hand, are omnivores.  They have gastrointestinal tracts similar to humans and can eat meat, greens and grains.  The two main canine ingredients to look for are protein (at least 18%) and fat.  Appropriate fat levels can vary with the breed and lifestyle of the dog so read the label and/or check with your vet on that subject.  Be aware that each species of pets has its own unique nutritional needs.

When selecting the appropriate diet for pets, you also need to consider their age, special medical needs, your time/lifestyle, cost, and Association of American Food Control Officials (AAFCO) certification.  (www.aafco.org/consumers/understanding-pet-food/selecting-the-right-pet-food/)  Each life stage (pregnancy/lactation, kittens/puppies, adulthood, seniors) has its own needs.  Medical conditions that can impact dietary needs include diabetes, kidney disease and food sensitivities/allergies.  In dogs and cats, food sensitivities frequently manifest in skin related conditions.  If you see hair loss or infection, you can try switching protein sources or to hydrolyzed food, but your best course is to consult your vet when any special circumstances present themselves.

One thing is certain.  When picking pet food always look at the label for an AAFCO statement that the food is safe and healthy.  If the product is considered to be a complete and balanced diet, it will contain one of two statements.  First, it has been formulated to meet established nutrition levels.  Or, second, animal feeding tests have been used to substantiate the claim of a complete, balanced diet.  Products offered by large, established brands have all been tested; smaller or newer brands may not have been, but should still have undergone a review process that results in a statement on the label. (www.aaha.org/resources/healthy-tails-how-to-choose-the-right-food-for-your-pet/ )

Now to the issue of cost – are more expensive foods worth it?  According to Dr. Joseph Wakshla, writing for the Cornell Feline Health Center publication Cat Watch (March 2024), the most important factors in pet food selection are that the food is balanced/complete and that your pet likes it.  Higher prices don’t necessarily mean more nutrition benefits, but may simply mean that the ingredients are more expensive.  For example, corn and wheat are less expensive than sweet potato or quinoa although they may not be dramatically different from each other as carbohydrate sources.  The same can be said for chicken meal and chicken byproducts.  Both provide a source of protein, but one is cheaper than the other.  I can attest from personal experience that protein sources vary widely in price.  Because of digestive issues, my cat cannot eat conventional sources of meat (poultry, beef).  Rabbit, which he can digest, is much more expensive and his food requires a prescription.  It is worth it to keep him healthy but would be unnecessary in a typical cat.  Again, according to Dr. Wakshlag, other food ingredients that increase price include Omega3 fatty acids, herbs/spices with potential health benefits, probiotics and fresh meats, and vegetables and fruits.  Such additions might be necessary for individual cats, but the average healthy cat will do well on any complete, balanced diet.

Here are a few other miscellaneous things to bear in mind.  Treats and supplements are not complete foods.  They certainly can be provided in addition to the pet’s regular meals, but should not be relied upon to meet basic nutrition needs.  According to the AAFCO, labels should be read not just for nutrition information but for feeding directions.  My cat is giving me the eye right now and would happily eat another meal, but according to the label on his food, he has gotten the right amount for his first meal of the day!   When reading the label also look for the specifics on meat sources rather than a vague “animal products” statement.  On the subject of canned food versus dry, medical professionals seem to agree that both have their advantages and disadvantages.  Canned food helps with hydration because it contains more water and may be important for those animals (namely cats) that don’t naturally drink an adequate amount.  But, canned food cannot be left out all day and is more expensive.  Dry food better supports dental health, and can be left out for those pets who are munchers.  Because each seems to have its use, I have chosen to do a bit of both.  If you are thinking about providing a raw diet do your research carefully.  Such diets can be nutritious, but need to be formulated with great care to assure that the nutrient balance is correct and that the food is free from contaminants like salmonella.

If your pet seems to be struggling with food-related issues or you have a new animal and are not sure how to proceed, do consult your vet.  Be wary of marketing claims and food fads.  For example, the use of words such as “premium”, “natural” and “holistic” can be used with no regulatory oversight.  If your pet is eating and seems healthy and happy – has a shiny coat, good muscle tone, firm well-formed stools, appropriate activity level for age – you are likely feeding him correctly.  Just keep up the good work (and enjoy Thanksgiving)!

About the Author: Alberta Frost is a caregiver at King Street Cats and happily owns two of her own.