Whats In A Name? Not Much With Some Pet Foods!

What's in a name? Not much with some pet foods!

Susan Thixton

>From examining as many pet food labels as I do, it's disheartening to me to see pet food names that don't have much meaning to them. Many pet food lines have dozens of different types of dog food or cat food. Other than the typical adult or puppy/kitten formulas, there are foods that are marketed to special needs of pets such as senior pets, indoor cats, dental formulas, and so on. The problem can be that some of these niche pet foods there is no difference - or very little difference - in ingredients than the regular maintenance pet foods. Except the price. Niche pet foods do offer a higher price tag.

A few examples...

Here are the first five ingredients of a cat food named a 'hairball management' diet...Chicken, Chicken Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Egg Product, Ground Rice,

Same company, here is the first five ingredients of a cat food named a 'finicky eater' diet...Chicken, Chicken Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Egg Product, Ground Rice,

The first five ingredients are exactly the same - the only difference is the order of the third and fourth ingredients are swapped between the two products.

I'm not saying that all specialized pet foods aren't good or appropriate for their designed use - but what I am saying is look at the ingredients closely. Often the foods that are designed for a special purpose also have a special price tag as well. You could be paying for something that has no proven benefit for your dog or cat - and that is basically no different than a cheaper priced maintenance diet.

Please read the ingredients in your pet's food and treats. Also, call the pet food manufacturer and ask if the meat ingredients are human grade meats and if any ingredients are imported.

Learn more 'truth' about pet food - visit www.TruthAboutPetFood.com. Sign up for the free newsletter and read Petsumer Report - the first online pet product review publication providing subscribers with important information about their pet food and treats.