Nothing makes us happier than seeing pets living healthy lives, enjoying the energetic benefits that come with good health. To attain this thriving existence, though, you need to make sure your pet is eating right. At Saint N Mike, we are committed to delivering not just exceptional products to cat and dog owners, we are dedicated to providing expert advice on how to care for your pet. With this in mind, here are four ingredients to avoid when shopping for your pet’s food.
Propylene Glycol
Known to be toxic to cats, propylene glycol is a synthetic additive used to absorb water and maintain moisture in products. Though it is approved by the FDA and is commonly found in salad dressings, it is harmful to cats and has an unclear impact on dogs. It is best to be safe rather than sorry, so you should make sure any treats you buy for your cat or dog don't contain any propylene glycol.
Corn and Rice
Cats and dogs should not be fed a carbohydrate-rich diet. When dogs are given a diet that is low in protein, they often become obese and develop chronic conditions such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Be on the lookout for pet foods that have high levels of rice or corn by seeing if they are the first ingredients listed.
Grain-Free
Though grain-free pet food has recently become popular, the FDA linked these items to fatal heart diseases in dogs. You can find these products easily if they are advertised and labeled as “Grain-Free”. This doesn’t mean that the food is made of meat, rather these products are typically made from dry products with peas, lentils, and other legume seeds. There are many options on the market, so transitioning away from these items shouldn’t be too difficult for you and your pet.
“Meal” Rendered Products
Rendering is the process of converting animal waste tissue into purified food products for pets. Rendered food items that are labeled “Chicken Meal” or “Animal By-Product Meal” can be unsafe for your pet because these products could be composed of body parts from sick animals or expired meat which means they may be lacking in nutritional value. Often rendered items are produced into fat and lard which can lead to Salmonella infections in your pet. Stay away from rendered items because of this shady production process and the hazardous effects it can have on your pet.
When shopping for your pets, it can be a challenge deciding which foods to buy because there are so many options to choose from. But by looking at the ingredients list and labels, you can deduce which products are the best for your pet by prioritizing items that contain grain and protein, while eliminating rendered options and foods that contain propylene glycol. At Saint N Mike, we believe it is important to love your pet as much as they love you. Providing them with a healthy diet is a great step toward achieving that goal. For more help finding the products your pet needs to live their best life, contact us today!