Another Word on Pet Food

Since my blog on pet food I've gotten many questions regarding the nutritional value of particular brands of dog and cat food. My answer is always the same: READ THE LABEL. The main ingredient in any pet food should be meat, i.e., chicken, fish, beef and not meat-by-products or meat meal (which actually contain very few micronutrients). Twenty years ago the main ingredient in many pet foods was corn meal. I am shocked that this is still the case for some popular brands. I don't believe dogs or cats should be fed corn. But cats, unlike dogs who are omnivores, are carnivores and have much higher protein requirements than dogs. Corn is simply a cheap source of calories. It is also a common allergen for pets and people alike. In my opinion, you should avoid pet foods that contain corn meal, soy meal or wheat. These are empty calories that will make your pet fat. Then I hear things like, "Oh, but Fluffy just loves this food!" (Fluffy is probably a 20 pound cat who is more fat than Fluffy!) I'm sure many children love Wonder Bread and potato chips but I don't think that should be the basis of their diet! Obesity causes a whole host of metabolic problems and diminishes your pet's quality of life. Feed your pet food that will allow him to thrive!