Do you have a dog or cat? Do you read the label on the foods you are feeding your beloved pet?
I have to admit that we used to buy whatever pet food was on sale. We never really gave the ingredients much of a thought. We figured all pet foods were pretty much the same. We couldn’t be any further from the truth. Not all pet foods are made the same way. Cheap pet food is made with cheap, low grade ingredients. Sure, it saves you money in the long run, but is saving a few dollars here and there worth risking your pet’s health?
We had to put our dog Espn to sleep back in March. He had an incurable liver disease. He was given 2-3 months to live. We were able to keep him with us for 8 months.
Espn (pronounced Es-pin) has always had a sensitive stomach. He would throw up and/or have diarrhea often. The vet said he needed a limited ingredient diet. That is when I started to read the labels on the food we were feeding our dog and cats. I was mortified at how much NON-FOOD ingredients were in the food we were feeding our pets.
One thing I have noticed with the “cheap” pet food is that they don’t contain any good sources of protein. Just like people, pets needs protein too.
Protein consists of long chains of amino acids that can be found in both meat and plant sources. It works to ensure proper growth, development, body tissue repair, and a healthy immune system. While there are 10 amino acids that cats and dogs must get from their food, a cat’s diet must also include taurine as their body is unable to naturally produce it.
To help you decide what protein source is best for your pet, here’s a quick guide from Petcurean.
Some people (myself included) used to think that you can only get protein from red meat. Did you know you can get protein from plants? Here are some great sources.
Plant-based Proteins:
- Peas: A good source of beta-carotene, niacin, Vitamin B6, folate, phosphorus, and copper. It’s also packed with dietary fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, thiamin and manganese.
- Organic flaxseed and sunflower oil: Both contain omega-6 fatty acids that promote healthy skin and a radiant coat. Flaxseed also boasts omega-3 fatty acids which are important for normal metabolism and optimal health.
- Lentils and Chickpeas: Both are low glycemic carbohydrates that also provide a good source of protein, iron, phosphorus and copper.
I knew that poultry was also a good source for protein.
Poultry:
- Chicken Meal: A concentrated source of protein containing meat, bones, and cartilage that is dried and preserved naturally. It should never include feathers, heads, feet, or entrails.
- Chicken Fat: Although human diets try to avoid fats, animal fat is good for your pet. Chicken fat is a great source of omega-6 which is considered the most important essential fatty acid for dogs and cats.
- Eggshell Meal: A natural source of calcium to promote bone strength. Eggshell membrane is an added plus!
Pro-Tip: As obligate carnivores, cats must get their protein from animal tissue. For a protein-packed meal and a meaty flavor they’ll love, try out Now Fresh Grain Free.
I didn’t know that fish was also a good source of protein. I knew it was healthy for you (people) but it’s also really good for your pet.
Fish:
- Cod: A good source of high quality protein, phosphorous, niacin, and Vitamin B-12.
- Dehydrated Cod: A concentrated source of protein that uses the entire raw material. The benefit of dehydrated product is the removal of water, but not the fat.
- Krill: As the “superfood of the sea,” krill is growing in popularity as a protein source. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and astaxanthin, krill is also virtually free of pollutants and heavy metals.
Pro-Tip: Want to try a fish-based kibble? GATHER Wild Ocean features line-caught Alaskan cod and sustainably harvested krill to create a delicious and healthy meal for your dog.
Whole Meats:
- Deboned Venison, Pork, and Lamb: All are great sources of protein that come from the animal’s clean and de-boned flesh.
- Novelty Proteins: This classification consists of proteins your pet may not have eaten before such as venison, salmon, or duck. Novelty proteins can sometimes help alleviate the symptoms of dietary sensitivities.
Pro-Tip: If your cat or dog has more challenging sensitivities, Petcurean’s GO! offers a wide variety of options that were specifically created for picky eaters, those who need a grain free or higher protein diet, and for those requiring a recipe with unique proteins or a limited number of ingredients.
Our dog did best with limited ingredient foods. I also tried to give him food free of grains. After all, in the wild dogs don’t normally eat grains. I think the same would apply to cats.
As you can see, there are different varieties of sources for your pet’s daily dose of protein. If you would like help in navigating your pet’s diet, Petcurean offers a useful Petfood finder that will tailor the perfect diet to your fluffy companion, no matter their needs.
For more information about Petcurean foods visit Petcurean.com. The brand is also found on social media. All of their links are found at the bottom of their website. There is also a store locator on their website as well, so that you can find a Petcurean retailer near you.
What do you feed your pet? Do you ALWAYS look at the label? Do you know what is in the food you are feeding your furry friend?
Kimberly
*I have partnered with Pecurean to bring you this information. Although compensated, the opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
** Photos sourced from Dreamstime.com.
jordan says
Crazy how important diet is! When my dog was a puppy he was throwing up bile at least twice a week. It really worried me but thought that maybe he was just throwing up because he had an empty stomach. After a while it was happening too often, so I pulled the trigger and switched it his food to a brand I trusted more. Since then, he hasn’t thrown up bile a single time.