What’s in a Pet Food Name?
by Susan Thixton
From looking at as many pet food labels as I do, I’ve been reminded about an interesting but disheartening issue about some pet foods. Many pet food manufacturers produce dozens of different types of dog food and cat food. Besides the typical adult or puppy formulas - there are foods that are marketed to specific needs of pets - such as senior pets, indoor cats, dental formulas, and so on. The problem can be that with these niche marketing pet foods - often times there is no difference (or there is very little difference) in ingredients between the higher priced niche products and a maintenance pet food.
A few examples…
The first five ingredients of a cat food selling as a ‘hairball management’ pet food…Chicken, Chicken Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Egg Product, Ground Rice,
Same company - now below is the first five ingredients to a cat food sold as a ‘finicky eater’ dietChicken, Chicken Meal, Egg Product, Cracked Pearled Barley, Ground Rice,
As you can see, the first five ingredients are exactly the same. The only difference in the two foods is the third and fourth ingredients and switched in the two foods.
It is not that all specialty pet foods are not good or appropriate for the named use, I am only suggesting that you look closely at the ingredients. Many times a pet food that is designed for a niche purpose also carries a hefty price tag as well. Pet owners could be paying for something that has no proven benefit for their dog or cat and that is basically no different than a lesser 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.
About the Author:
Learn more ‘truth’ about pet food - visit www.TruthAboutPetFood.com. Register 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.
Last 5 posts by Susan Thixton
- Do you still have doubts on the dangers of Chinese imports? - April 21st, 2008
- They Know We Know...Pet Food Manufacturers - April 20th, 2008
- Comparing the cost of pet foods - April 8th, 2008
- Pet Food Field Trip to Walmart - April 7th, 2008
- Mad Cow Pet Food? - April 5th, 2008
