(Dr. Iulia Mihai, DVM) We know that your local grocery store and the internet have a huge variety of pet foods on the market. For some owners, things like price, shipping, and geographic access can determine their pets’ diets. So, do you know why the quality of the food you give your pet to eat matters? It’s all in the details. 

Proper nutrition is one of the most important components, if not the foremost, of pet health. If your dog or cat consumes an inadequate diet, it can lead to numerous health problems over time. Problems can include dental disease, obesity, diabetes, lack of energy, nutritional deficiencies, weight loss, or a weakened immune system. 

In this article, we will discuss why premium diets are always recommended by veterinarians, what to check out on pet food labels, and why quality matters more than ever. 

Commercial Pet Food

Commercial pet food can be mass-produced on a large scale by pet food companies. There are other companies that choose to make their food in smaller batches and prioritize a different manufacturing process and recipe. Quality commercial diets are usually complete, balanced, and are formulated to meet pets' nutritional needs. They can be found in grocery stores, pet stores, veterinary clinics, and online. Modern pet ownership relies on the convenience of commercial pet food, especially if you do not have time to make meals for your pets yourself. 

Always check your pet food labels for associations or organizations in your country who are responsible for setting the nutritional standards for pet food. These companies allow pet food manufacturers to use their logo if they meet certain quality standards – whether the food was produced under safe conditions, whether the ingredients come from safe sources, validation of nutrient profiles, etc. In other words, these logos are product endorsements that tell you, the buyer, that the pet food meets certain quality standards. 

A suitable food for your pet respects their physiology and health – age, size, breed, pregnant or lactating animals, and animals suffering from various medical conditions. This is when a variety of options can be helpful because different companies can cater to different diets. 

There are three types of pet food on the market: dry, wet, and semi-moist. Pet owners should consider what food is best for their situation and the health of their pet. 

1. Dry Pet Food

Dry food (also called kibble) comes in bags of various sizes (from a few hundred grams to kilograms). This type of pet food contains a percentage of protein ranging from 18 to 50%, 12-50% carbohydrates, 7-40% fat, and about 6-10% water. Cats need more protein and fat in their diet than dogs.

Like any other type of food, dry food has certain advantages and disadvantages.

Dry food advantages:

• Convenient 

• Long shelf life 

• Dental benefits (helps in cleaning pets’ teeth)

• Cost effective

• Less mess 

Dry food disadvantages:

• Low moisture content 

• Less palatable 

• Potential for poor ingredients (fillers, meat by-products, artificial additives)

• May contribute to obesity (some have a very high carb content)

• May be difficult to chew by senior pets or those with dental problems 

2. Wet pet food

Wet pet food is available in cans and pouches of various weights. It contains up to 85% moisture, 7-18% protein, and up to 15% fat. Due to the high moisture content, pets can consume larger amounts of this type of food without gaining weight. Advantages and disadvantages of wet food: 

Wet food advantages:

• High moisture content

• Easier to digest

• Palatable 

• Higher proteins

• Lower carbs 

Wet food disadvantages:

• Short shelf life

• More expensive

• Less dental benefits

• Messier 

Your veterinarian may recommend this type of food if your pet is picky (more palatable), has a low appetite, or has teething problems. This type of food may also be recommended when your pet does not consume enough water as it has a higher moisture content.

3. Semi-moist pet food

This type of pet food has a slightly lower moisture content than wet food – approximately 25-35% water. Advantages and disadvantages of semi-moist pet food:

Advantages:

• More palatable

• Higher moisture content than dry food

• Convenient (no refrigeration needed)

• Soft texture (good for senior pets)

• Longer shelf life than wet food 

Disadvantages:

• Expensive

• High sugar and salt content

• No dental benefits

• Contains artificial preservatives

• Limited availability 

Dry food does not mean that it is automatically of lower quality than wet food - it just means they are different! Companies who prioritize high quality nutrition will be reflected by their endorsements and ingredients lists. You can easily find wet pet food options out there made with bad ingredients and kibble that boasts impressive formulations. It all depends on how honest the food company is with their nutrition. 

How To Read Pet Food Labels

The pet food label must state the following:

• Minimum percentages of protein and fat

• Maximum percentages of fiber and water

Remember that ingredients are listed by weight. If you see chicken as the first ingredient on the label, it means that it is found in the largest quantity of the total ingredients. The first ingredient must represent at least 70% total weight. However, be careful when reading a label because some manufacturers may try to disguise other less nutritious ingredients. 

For example, some manufacturers may hide corn by dividing the ingredient into two categories: corn and corn gluten. You will see meat as the first ingredient on the label, followed by corn, and then corn gluten. Even though meat may seem like the main ingredient in that particular pet food, it is followed up by two forms of corn. These are fillers to make the food cheaper to produce while the nutrition content may suffer. 

Pet foods containing the following ingredients should be avoided if you want your pet to develop well and stay healthy:

• Artificial dyes are used to improve the appearance of food, but have no nutritional value. Many of them can be harmful to your pet's health. 

• Artificial flavors – For example, synthetic meat flavors may contain chemical additives that could harm pets over time, leading to digestive issues, allergic reactions, and liver and kidney disease.  

• Growth hormones can lead to hormonal imbalances and can also have effects on your pet's health, leading to obesity, allergic reactions, digestive problems, and others. Growth hormones can lead to abnormal growth and endocrine imbalances. They can also increase the risk of tumors, favoring the appearance of cancer.

• Preservatives (e.g., BHA/BHT) – These chemical preservatives are used to prevent food from spoiling. In large quantities, they can lead to numerous health problems, such as dental problems, gastrointestinal disorders, liver disease, kidney disease, or skin diseases.

Other Filler Ingredients Found In Pet Food To Avoid

• Wheat and corn bran – Both have little to no nutritional value. They are used as fillers. 

• Corn gluten – This is a small source of protein, but may be allergenic for some dogs.

• Gluten and soy – Wheat and soy in your dog or cat's food are practically useless because they pass through the digestive tract undigested. In addition, their consumption can cause digestive problems in pets.

• Cellulose – This is used as a source of fiber, although it is almost useless in most pet food.

Why Quality Matters More Than Ever?

Quality matters more than ever because of the variety of pet foods on the market. High quality food uses real meat with few fillers and artificial additives, making it more beneficial for your pet's health. As our pets age, their nutritional needs change and become more complex. Therefore, premium food can help maintain an ideal weight, prevent chronic diseases, and support the well-being of your dog or cat. 

Overall, a quality diet can reduce your pet's long-term care costs because it can improve their quality of life. Prioritizing high-quality ingredients ensures your pet receives the nutrition they need for a healthy life, more energy, and longevity. Always choose a food suited to your pet's needs and your situation.

Iuliana graduated from the University of Agronomical Sciences and Veterinary Medicine in 2012, Romania. She has a Master’s degree in Small Animal and Equines Pathology and a strong affinity for Veterinary Parasitology and Laboratory. In 2013 she started her Ph.D. in epithelial cancer in dogs and cats. She volunteered at the faculty’s clinic in her 3rd year of study, and continued her career in small animal pathology and laboratory. She has one cat and eleven rats. Her interests outside of work include traveling, writing, and crafting.