10 Essential Questions to Ask About Your Pet’s Food
Reviewed for accuracy on February 4, 2020, by Dr. Katie Grzyb, DVM
When it comes to selecting the right food for your beloved pet, it’s vital to ensure that you feel both confident and comfortable with your choice. Knowing the manufacturer and their transparency can significantly impact your decision.
According to Dr. Tony Buffington, DVM, PhD, a Professor at the Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center, asking the right questions can help gauge a pet food company’s honesty and commitment to quality. Below are ten critical questions, recommended by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), that can guide you in finding the best pet food.
1. Do You Employ a Veterinary Nutritionist?
A veterinary nutritionist, particularly one who is board-certified, possesses specialized training in pet food formulation. Dr. Joseph Bartges, DVM, PhD, from the University of Tennessee’s College of Veterinary Medicine, emphasizes that due to the unique nutritional requirements of dogs and cats, having an expert involved in food development is crucial.
2. Who Formulates Your Diets, and What Are Their Credentials?
Understanding who is responsible for the actual formulation of the pet food is essential. Dr. Ashley Gallagher, DVM, highlights the importance of having a qualified veterinary nutritionist involved in this process—either on-site or as a consultant.
3. Are Experts Available for Questions?
Dr. Bartges asserts that having means of contacting these experts—whether through email or other forms—can be a valuable resource for pet owners. This accessibility provides peace of mind and confirms the involvement of veterinary nutritionists.
4. Which Diets Are Tested Using AAFCO Feeding Trials?
There are two primary methods for testing pet food:
- Nutrient Analysis: Compares ingredient profiles against AAFCO standards.
- AAFCO Feeding Trials: Considered the gold standard, as they assess palatability and dietary effectiveness with real animals.
Dr. Buffington notes that performing feeding trials signifies a company’s commitment to producing high-quality food. Checking the pet food label for AAFCO procedures can provide insight into this aspect of testing.
5. What Quality-Control Measures Do You Implement?
According to Dr. Bartges, a reputable company should be able to discuss its quality control protocols confidently. This includes procedures to prevent cross-contamination of ingredients and stringent testing throughout the manufacturing process for allergens and pathogens.
6. Where Is Your Food Produced and Manufactured?
Understanding the production methods can impact the quality of your pet’s food. Dr. Gallagher advises inquiring whether products are manufactured in-house or by third-party facilities, which may have less control. Additionally, ensuring that meat products come from USDA-inspected plants is a critical safety measure.
7. Can the Pet Food Plant Be Visited?
Visiting the manufacturing facility can provide invaluable insight. Dr. Bartges suggests that if the manufacturer is local, a visit can help confirm their transparency about their production practices.
8. Can You Provide a Complete Nutrient Analysis?
A comprehensive nutrient analysis can provide vital details beyond the pet food label. Dr. Bartges stresses that if a company hesitates to share this data, it may be time to explore other options. Nutritional guarantees will include minimum figures for protein and fat, but a full nutrient breakdown should be available upon request.
9. What Is the Caloric Value of Your Diets?
Knowing the caloric content of your pet’s food is essential for maintaining a healthy weight. This information is often listed as kcal ME/kg or kcal ME/cup on packaging. Dr. Bartges suggests that if a manufacturer cannot provide this information promptly, it may be wise to consider alternatives.
10. What Research Supports Your Products?
Investigating whether the pet food manufacturer has published studies in peer-reviewed journals regarding their products can offer additional reassurance. Dr. Bartges mentions that while research in this area is not always readily available, it is a beneficial sign of a company’s dedication to quality.
Conclusion
Choosing the right pet food is a vital decision that requires careful consideration and research. By asking these ten essential questions, you can ensure that you are selecting a product that will support your pet’s health and well-being.
