Food additives are components added to the pet food to improve its appearance and increase its nutritional value. Most animal and plant products that are not fit for human consumption are added to pet feed as common pet food additives. Functional pet feed ingredients are sorted by pet owners to attain the best nutrition and health for their dog or cat. The evolving human food trends have been the driving force of common pet food additives.

Such common pet food additives include fruits and vegetables, botanicals, whole grains, beverages, dietary supplements, probiotics, and prebiotics. They provide health benefits beyond the provision of essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, water, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Good quality pet foods should contain crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, and moisture.

Selecting the best food for your pet

When choosing the best food for your pet, consider the quality of its ingredients and its overall nutrient density. Best food for the pet is determined by the common pet food additives incorporated in the pet feed as always disclosed on the package of the pet food. Ignorance in the selection of the best food for your pet can result in health problems. For instance, when the pet food has too much or too little protein, vitamins, or minerals this causes serious problems in a fast-growing pet such as joint and bone issues.

Recommended Additives in Pet Food

• Whole animal products
  The pet’s nutritional priority is protein, which is obtained from a constant supply of whole animal product such as chicken, lamb, or salmon.
• Natural Fats and Oils
  Pets need energy and good health. Feeding them with generous quantities of fats and oils from animal and plant sources help keep their muscles strong and gives a glow to their skin as well.
• Healthy grains
  Carbohydrates such as rice, maize or oats are equally important to be included in your pet’s diet. These healthy grains strengthen their immune system and also help improve their overall health development.
• Essential vitamins and minerals
  Essential vitamins such as vitamin A, C, E, B-complex, calcium, phosphorus, Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids also boost the immune system of your pet keeping it healthy.

Dangerous additives in pet food

• Meat and vegetable by-products
  Get food with recognizable meat ingredients for your pets. Some pet food suppliers add aged meat or meat from sick or disabled animal endangering the health of your pet.
• Grain Fillers
  Avoid grain fillers such as wheat and corn. Such fillers are not healthy for pets because a majority of them are carnivores hence it affects their digestive system.
• Corn syrup
  Corn syrup is often used as a sweetener in dog foods. Too much sugar causes obesity, diabetes, and hyperactivity among pets.
• Chemicals
  Avoid all pesticides, growth hormones and foods that contain BHA, BHT, Ethoxyquin, Propylene Glycol Hydrochloric Acid, artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, and synthetic Vitamin K.

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