Buying healthy pet food for your pet is one of the best decisions you can make. Whether you’re looking to add a new furry member to the family or you already have a dog, a cat, or a bird, a high-quality diet can make all the difference. There are a number of things to consider when choosing healthy pet foods, and this article will walk you through the process.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are an important component of a healthy pet diet. They provide energy for the body, and a variety of other nutrients as well. The right balance of carbohydrates and fats is necessary to keep a dog healthy.

Carbohydrates are found in nearly all commercial pet foods. However, manufacturers may choose to include them in their recipes, or not. Keeping the carbohydrate content in a diet low is not ideal, especially for growing dogs.

A pet food label should break down the amount of carbohydrates into sugars and fiber. This will help consumers calculate the carbohydrate content of a particular product.

Protein

The key to good health for your dog or cat lies in the quality of the protein it consumes. Protein is a macronutrient that provides a variety of benefits for the body, including energy, immunity, and skin and coat health.

In addition to providing essential amino acids, animal-source proteins are also more digestible. Dogs and cats are capable of producing some of these amino acids on their own, but they do need to be supplied in the diet.

Pet food manufacturers have stepped in to offer individual nutrients for the specific needs of pets. Some pet foods are labeled super premium, gourmet, or ultra premium.

Calcium

The calcium content of your pet’s food is a crucial component of its health. This mineral is important for the proper functioning of the nervous system and the bones. Calcium also aids in preserving muscle control and helps in the prevention of seizures.

Some of the best sources of calcium for dogs include fish, dairy products, whole grains and vegetables. If you’re feeding your dog a raw diet, consider incorporating a bone meal or a calcium supplement into the mix.

Bones are a rich source of calcium. These should be a part of at least 5 percent of your dog’s daily intake. It is wise to avoid overdosing your pet with calcium because it can lead to skeletal malformations and joint breakdown.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is important for dogs as it aids in the absorption of calcium from food. It also helps in maintaining bone health. A lack of Vitamin D can cause many different ailments, ranging from mild to life-threatening.

There are many good sources of Vitamin D, mainly from fish. In fact, fish contains more vitamin D than any other source.

Although Vitamin D is essential, it is also possible to overdose on it. If a dog accidentally consumes more than the recommended amount, the outcome could be quite serious.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent a Vitamin D overdose. The best approach is to feed your pet a natural, balanced diet that is free from excessive supplements.

Carrageenan

Carrageenan is a food additive that is used in many foods. It is extracted from edible red seaweed. This product is a common ingredient in wet and canned dog and cat food.

While it is a popular ingredient, carrageenan is also a potential health hazard. Carrageenan is known to cause inflammation in the digestive tract, which can lead to cancer. Chronic inflammation can also contribute to other health problems, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Some pet food manufacturers claim that adding Carrageenan to pet food is safe. There is some evidence to suggest that it can increase the risk of gastrointestinal problems, allergies, and skin disorders.

You are what you eat

You are what you eat is the gold standard for a pet, but you have to do it right. A little education goes a long way. Fortunately, you don’t have to shell out a fortune. A few trips to the local grocer can go a long way. The trick is figuring out which pet foods are best for your hound. In the dog house, a few small but frequented bowls of tasty goodness may be just the ticket for your pal. The trick is to make sure that the equine version of your boozebox remains happy and healthy. Thankfully, there’s only a handful of your nearest and dearest in your circle of honor to contend with.