At Berthoud Animal Hospital, we are committed to your pet’s overall health and well-being, which is why we take your pet’s nutritional needs very seriously. Our veterinarians recommend Hill’s Healthy Advantage diets for dogs and cats that do not require prescription food. This formula is designed to provide pets with their exact nutritional needs for their life stage, as well as meet their preferences in flavor and variety.
Choosing a Pet Food
Many pet food and grocery stores have plenty of suitable and nutritionally dense options for dogs and cats. When it comes down to selecting a diet, however, it can be very overwhelming to know which option is the best food for your furry family member. Here are some tips to consider when choosing a pet food that will help your pet live a long, happy, and healthy life:
Look for AAFCO Guidelines
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is an organization that sets standards for animal feeds and pet foods in the United States. This entity runs food trials to ensure that commercially available pet foods meet cat and dog nutrition needs. AAFCO-approved diets will have a nutritional adequacy claim that states if the food is “formulated to meet or exceed the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO nutritional profiles” or if “animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that the pet food provides complete and balanced nutrition” for the life stage. We recommend choosing a diet that has been through AAFCO trials to ensure nutritional adequacy for your pet.
Consider your Pet’s Requirements
Pets, like humans, all have unique nutritional and caloric requirements. These can vary based on your pet’s age, size, species, lifestyle, and health conditions. When choosing a pet food, we recommend selecting a diet that is specific to your pet’s specific dietary needs.
Pay Attention to Labels
While pet food labels may be overwhelming with information, they provide valuable insight into the quality of the food. It is important to consider the nutritional adequacy statement, list of ingredients, feeding directions, and guaranteed analysis that are listed on the packaging. Additionally, food that is labeled for either intermittent or supplemental use should not be fed long-term, unless directed by your pet’s veterinarian.
