| Most pet owners put as much thought and | | | | opened. It also tends to be the least |
| care into feeding our cat or dog as we | | | | expensive as well as the least tasty - |
| do to feeding ourselves. Browse the pet | | | | if you have a finicky cat, he or she may |
| food section of your local supermarket | | | | not be enthusiastic about dry food. A |
| and you will see an incredibly large | | | | cat eating only dry food will drink more |
| choice of cat and dog food to choose | | | | water. |
| from, and there are even more options if | | | | Moist 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 US | | | | able to easily eat this kind of food. |
| is regulated by the Association of | | | | Moist cat food has moisture content of |
| American Feed Control Officials. (AAFCO) | | | | around 35%, so if you are feeding your |
| Pet food manufacturers must list the | | | | cat exclusively moist food, make sure |
| ingredients by weight - with the first | | | | that water is readily available. Once |
| ingredient being the main one. The | | | | the food has been opened, it tends to |
| nutritional breakdown of fat, fiber and | | | | dry out quickly and lose its taste. |
| protein indicate that the food contains | | | | Even the most finicky cat will eat and |
| the minimum amount indicated and not | | | | enjoy canned food. Canned food comes in |
| necessarily the full amount. | | | | an often overwhelming variety of flavors |
| The pet food industry is entirely | | | | and the cost can vary, based on the |
| self-regulated and there is nothing to | | | | content and quality of the meat. And |
| prevent pet food companies from using | | | | cats that only eat canned food are |
| poor quality ingredients. Consider | | | | getting plenty of water - most canned |
| buying name brand pet foods for your cat | | | | food has moisture content of around 75%. |
| or dog. They may be priced slightly | | | | Dog 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 have | | | | is less expensive, as well as being |
| higher quality ingredients as well as | | | | easier 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 the | | | | as it helps to reduce a build up of |
| specific needs of your pet - your cat or | | | | tartar and generally helps to exercise |
| dog will have different dietary needs as | | | | your 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's | | | | large amount of preservatives and |
| food several times over the course of | | | | artificial colors. They also tend to be |
| his or her life, especially if their | | | | high in sugar content and are not |
| health deteriorates. | | | | generally considered a good source of |
| You can buy pet food that is designed | | | | nutrition. Canned food tends to be |
| specifically for young or old pets, pets | | | | better quality and actually contains |
| that are diabetic, lactating or pregnant | | | | real meat. An older dog or a dog with |
| - and even food designed for cats that | | | | sore gums or having difficulty chewing |
| have a problem with fur balls. There are | | | | should be fed canned food. However, |
| cat and dog foods that are designed for | | | | canned food is costlier - especially |
| the indoor or inactive pet. Never feed | | | | when 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 be | | | | your cat or dog eats, one effective |
| whether to feed your pet dry or moist | | | | method is to gradually mix in the new |
| foods. There are advantages to each of | | | | food with the old over a period of |
| these - and it doesn't hurt to vary your | | | | several 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 pet | | | | and ¼ new food, on the nest day ½ and |
| the occasional treat, try to choose | | | | ½ and so on, until your pet is eating |
| healthy treats - a surprising number of | | | | just the new food. |
| pet treats are unhealthy with a high fat | | | | Always 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 advantage | | | | right food too. |
| of staying fresh longer once it has been | | | | |