How to take care of your pet fish


What to Look for When Buying Pet Food

Most pet owners put as much thought andopened. It also tends to be the least
care into feeding our cat or dog as weexpensive as well as the least tasty -
do to feeding ourselves. Browse the petif you have a finicky cat, he or she may
food section of your local supermarketnot be enthusiastic about dry food. A
and you will see an incredibly largecat eating only dry food will drink more
choice of cat and dog food to choosewater.
from, and there are even more options ifMoist cat food is similar to dry food,
you shop at a pet store.but is soft and chewy - most cats are
The wording on pet food sold in the USable to easily eat this kind of food.
is regulated by the Association ofMoist cat food has moisture content of
American Feed Control Officials. (AAFCO)around 35%, so if you are feeding your
Pet food manufacturers must list thecat exclusively moist food, make sure
ingredients by weight - with the firstthat water is readily available. Once
ingredient being the main one. Thethe food has been opened, it tends to
nutritional breakdown of fat, fiber anddry out quickly and lose its taste.
protein indicate that the food containsEven the most finicky cat will eat and
the minimum amount indicated and notenjoy canned food. Canned food comes in
necessarily the full amount.an often overwhelming variety of flavors
The pet food industry is entirelyand the cost can vary, based on the
self-regulated and there is nothing tocontent and quality of the meat. And
prevent pet food companies from usingcats that only eat canned food are
poor quality ingredients. Considergetting plenty of water - most canned
buying name brand pet foods for your catfood has moisture content of around 75%.
or dog. They may be priced slightlyDog food also comes in the three basic
higher than the equivalent store brand -types - dry, moist and canned. Dry food
but premium pet foods generally haveis less expensive, as well as being
higher quality ingredients as well aseasier to buy in bulk and store. And
contain added vitamins and antioxidants.dogs can benefit from a diet of dry food
Try to choose pet food that suits theas it helps to reduce a build up of
specific needs of your pet - your cat ortartar and generally helps to exercise
dog will have different dietary needs asyour dog's mouth muscles.
a puppy or kitten, than when full grown.Moist foods for dogs can often contain a
You may find that you change your pet'slarge amount of preservatives and
food several times over the course ofartificial colors. They also tend to be
his or her life, especially if theirhigh in sugar content and are not
health deteriorates.generally considered a good source of
You can buy pet food that is designednutrition. Canned food tends to be
specifically for young or old pets, petsbetter quality and actually contains
that are diabetic, lactating or pregnantreal meat. An older dog or a dog with
- and even food designed for cats thatsore gums or having difficulty chewing
have a problem with fur balls. There areshould be fed canned food. However,
cat and dog foods that are designed forcanned food is costlier - especially
the indoor or inactive pet. Never feedwhen feeding a larger dog.
dog food to cats or cat food to dogs.If you are changing the type of food
Perhaps your biggest decision will beyour cat or dog eats, one effective
whether to feed your pet dry or moistmethod is to gradually mix in the new
foods. There are advantages to each offood with the old over a period of
these - and it doesn't hurt to vary yourseveral days. On the first day, the
pet's diet by alternating between them.serving should consist of ¾ old foods
And if you are going to feed your petand ¼ new food, on the nest day ½ and
the occasional treat, try to choose½ and so on, until your pet is eating
healthy treats - a surprising number ofjust the new food.
pet treats are unhealthy with a high fatAlways discuss your pet's diet with your
content.vet. It is worth taking the trouble to
Cats have three basic types of food -ensure that your cat or dog is not only
dry, moist and canned food. Dry food -enjoying mealtimes, but is being fed the
also known as kibble - has the advantageright food too.
of staying fresh longer once it has been



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