Pet owners want to give the best to their pets but find it difficult to decide on the best food for them. When you choose food for your pet, you need to ensure the food contains the best ingredients.
There are many brands of pet food that are available in the market. Most manufacturers use expensive ingredients because they care for your pet. However, there are certain manufacturers who use inexpensive ingredients to reduce their cost and increase their profitability. So make sure you check the background of the company before you buy your pet's food.
Commercial foods that are available in the market have been designed keeping in mind the requirements of the average animal. However, these foods may not be suitable for all animals. Some of the ingredients used in these foods can cause diseases in your pet. Some of the common side effects of giving commercial food include allergies, bowel diseases, ear infection, obesity, kidney stone, heart diseases, bloat, cancers and many others. So you need to pay attention to the kind of food that you give your pet. If your pet has an adverse reaction to the food, then it is best that you avoid giving it to your pet.
Another problem that was found in some commercial foods is the presence of pesticide residues and antibiotics. Some commercial food contains meat from sick animals and this could be loaded with drugs, which could adversely affect the health of your pet. Also some foods contain grains that could have pesticide residues in them. These pesticide residues could damage the liver of your pet.
When buying commercial food for your pet, it is important that you identify which pet food contains all the requisite ingredients to keep it healthy. This will help in avoiding deficiencies and excesses of certain ingredients that could be harmful for your pet. You may need to change the food you're giving to your pet.
Many pet owners find it difficult to change the pet food that they give their pets. Some pets are finicky and may require more time to adapt to the food change. Initially, try to give your pet of the new food and of the old food. Slowly increase the quantity of new food that you give your pet. However, it your pet is unable to eat the new food then it is best that you return to old food and try again in a few days' time.
When you make changes in the food that you give, be alert for signs of change in your pet. At times, a change in food can result in changes in your pet's skin, mood, appetite, energy levels, weight and stool size and consistency. If you notice negative changes, then try introducing the new food again later.
Give your pet a combination of both dry and wet food. Wet food is also necessary as it helps to reduce the workload on the kidney and helps in keeping the urine dilute. Pets that have a history of kidney or bladder disease should not be given dry food. If you are still unable to decide on the food that you can give your pet, it is best that you visit a vet to get details on the food that you can give your pet.
