As pet parents, we only want the best for our fur babies. We want the best food, toys, beds, and treats that we can find. Buying pet food is no different than buying other consumable items. We always try to buy premium brands. However, sometimes it’s not easy to tell if a brand of pet food is considered “premium.” So what makes a pet food premium?
One of the best ways to determine if you’re buying premium pet food is by reading the label. Here are 6 things to look for on the ingredient list and nutrition fact panel that signify quality ingredients:
1: Whole meat vs. Meat Meal
The first thing to look for is whole meat as the first ingredient rather than a “meat meal.” The term “meal” is a generic term for ground-up animal parts that aren’t necessarily fit for human consumption.
2: The Use of Premium Meat Powder
Pet owners are demanding low-ash chicken meals, meat powder, and fresh meat. To meet their needs, pet food manufacturers must use high-quality protein sources like premium chicken fat from chickens raised without antibiotics or hormones. Liquid forms of proteins that have been stabilized with natural antioxidants will also be a hit among customers looking for tasty snacks on the go.
3: Vitamins, Minerals & Nutritional Supplements
The third thing to look for is vitamins, minerals, and nutritional supplements that match an animal’s needs as closely as possible. Look for vitamins A, E, B6, and D, which help protect against heart disease, skin problems, eye problems, and arthritis. They also help your pet maintain shiny fur that will keep them looking and feeling great.
4: Proteins
The fourth thing to look for is high-quality animal proteins – the ones that pets digest most easily. For example, duck is a very digestible protein source compared to chicken, but other meats like lamb or beef are also high quality.
5: Grains
You’re probably familiar with the importance of whole grains in your diet, but you may not be aware of how they can benefit your pet’s health. Whole grains are an excellent source of fiber and contain antioxidants and phytonutrients, which could help ward off cancer and other diseases.
6: Quality ingredients in general
The final thing to look for is a blend of quality nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. This means the food will contain named meats, whole grains, and other important nutrients. If it’s a “made with” or “with added” claim, make sure that the actual food name is on the label.
Choosing a Pet food Brand
Buy from quality brands that need the criteria described above with whole meat ingredients as the first petfood ingredients, natural vitamins and minerals, high-quality animal proteins, and no chemical additives or preservatives.
What is Premium Pet food and What is Not?
Unfortunately, it can be difficult to quickly distinguish between premium pet food and one containing lower quality ingredients. It takes time to read through an ingredient list and nutrition fact panel to determine whether or not they’re a good choice for your pet. This means you may have to read several labels before you can confidently say it’s a premium brand.
