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5 Tips For Choosing Pet Food (and Why You Should Prioritize Functional Ingredients)
Here are 5 tips to help you choose the best pet food, including choosing functional ingredients to support health. And find out how you could potentially win a $100 Amazon gift card!
Your dog’s or cat’s health and happiness start with what’s in their bowl. But with so many pet foods on the market, it can be nearly impossible to make informed decisions about what fills your fur baby’s belly. We have some great tips that will help you find the perfect food for your dog or cat, including why it’s important to prioritize foods with functional ingredients. Check out our top 5 tips and learn how you can earn a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card!
#1: Opt for Functional Ingredients
Functional ingredients provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. They help support digestion, joint health, skin and coat, immune function, and cognitive development. You’re most likely already familiar with a variety of functional ingredients, such as:
- Probiotics and prebiotics
- Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
- Glucosamine and chondroitin
- Antioxidants
- Taurine
A functional ingredient you might be seeing more of lately is plasma. It contains high-quality, highly digestible proteins, amino acids, minerals, antibodies, and other nutrients.
Take the APC Pet Health Survey for your chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card!
#2: Go Natural
The term “natural” can be vague, but when it comes to pet food, look for formulas that don’t contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Instead, opt for simple, wholesome recipes made with real food ingredients that support overall health and well-being.
#3: Prioritize the Right Proteins
Dogs and cats thrive on high-quality proteins. High-quality proteins contain multiple amino acids, are easy to digest, and support muscle repair, growth, and other bodily functions. Look for real meat and fish as the primary ingredients in your pet food to help build strong muscles and maintain energy.
#4: Don’t Forget that Taste Matters
Companion animals can be picky eaters. Ensure their food is highly palatable with natural flavor-enhancing ingredients for continued mealtime excitement. Some functional ingredients, including plasma, give food a rich, delicious taste that animals can’t resist.
Take the APC Pet Health Survey for your chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card!
#5: Check the Label for Benefits
One of the biggest things that makes it hard to choose the right pet food is unclear messaging. Good pet foods will be transparent about their benefits and health advantages, which can include things like:
- Balanced nutrition
- Digestive support
- Skin and coat benefits
- Strong muscles and bones
- Dental cleaning
Pet Foods that Check All the Boxes, Including Functional Ingredients!
We’ve put together a list to help you make informed decisions about what you feed your dog or cat.
Great foods with functional ingredients for cats:
- Elsey’s cleanprotein
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Sensitive Skin
- Tim’s Chase All Life Stages
Great foods with functional proteins for dogs:
- Nulo Cold Pressed
- Solid Gold NutrientBoost
- The Pet’s Table Air Dried Meals
We Want to Hear From You!
What’s most important to you when purchasing pet food? Take our survey—just 3 minutes or less—and share your preferences for your chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card.
The post 5 Tips for Choosing Pet Food (and Why You Should Prioritize Functional Ingredients) appeared first on Animal Wellness Magazine.
