{"id":1112,"date":"2018-10-11T15:54:51","date_gmt":"2018-10-11T15:54:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.animalmedical.net\/blog\/?p=1112"},"modified":"2018-10-11T15:54:51","modified_gmt":"2018-10-11T15:54:51","slug":"pet-food-industry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.animalmedical.net\/blog\/pet-food-industry\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding the Gigantic Pet Food Industry"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"PetIt\u2019s a common scenario: pet owners peruse the seemingly endless aisles of pet food not entirely sure which ones would actually benefit the health and wellness of their best friends. There\u2019s grain-free. There\u2019s organic. There are interesting ingredients like kangaroo, ostrich, blueberry, and artichoke (to say nothing of the ones no one can pronounce!). <\/span><\/p>\n

The bottom line is that choosing the right pet food is fraught with confusion and even fear. Do you just want to feed your pet the best possible diet? <\/span>The team<\/span><\/a> at <\/span>Animal Medical Hospital<\/span><\/a> is here to help!<\/span><\/p>\n

A Lay of the Land<\/span><\/h3>\n

You want to feed your pet what they need in order to have long, healthy life, but you don\u2019t want to spend an exorbitant amount of time or money. The right food also has to satisfy your pet\u2019s hunger so they won\u2019t be begging you for <\/span>treats or snacks<\/span><\/a> in between meals. <\/span><\/p>\n

To Meat or Not to Meat?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Pet food is a billion dollar industry, and the marketing and packaging does little to help consumers separate science from myth. <\/span><\/p>\n

Protein is essential, especially for obligate carnivores, such as cats. You may see an increase in ingredients like lamb, chicken, fish, turkey, or duck in pet foods because they deliver high percentages of amino acids. Because ingredient labels must detail what a product contains in decreasing order by weight, you\u2019ll typically see a high-value protein listed first. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A Word on Grain-Free<\/span><\/h3>\n

Due in part to its influence on human products, grain-free pet food has experienced a surge in popularity lately. Unfortunately, many grain-free foods can have more added fat to make it tastier to animals, a fact that contributes to <\/span>soaring levels of pet obesity<\/span><\/a>. Also, recent studies have shown that certain grain free diets contribute to <\/span>canine dilated cardiomyopathy<\/span><\/a>, or an enlarged heart. You can always <\/span>contact us <\/span><\/a>if you have questions or concerns about your pet’s food.<\/span><\/p>\n

If Not That, Then What?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Given the variety of pet food on the market, it can be frustrating to choose between them all. Looking at the ingredient label is a good place to start. Also, the <\/span>nutritional adequacy statement<\/span><\/a> found on most pet food products is based on the nutritional profiles set forth by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). <\/span><\/p>\n

In addition to protein, ingredients like fruit, vegetables, and moderate grains provide essential nutrients and antioxidants. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in salmon, flax, and canola oil, round out many ingredient lists. <\/span><\/p>\n

When choosing a pet food, look for the following:<\/span><\/p>\n