Ingredient labels assist us make knowledgeable decisions in regards to the meals we purchase, however it may be tough to know what to deal with with a lot info on these labels. This is very true when labels on pet meals, as they give the impression of being just like these on our meals packaging, however include barely completely different particulars.
We requested our Freshpet vet, Dr. Aziza, to interrupt down these labels so we will higher perceive why nice components make for completely happy, wholesome pets.
What are antioxidants and why are they wholesome for my
pet?
Antioxidants are
substances that assist to take away damaging oxidizing brokers, like free radicals,
inside a dwelling being. Too a lot injury from oxidizing brokers can result in
mobile injury, making it simpler for cells to develop previous quicker or behave in
irregular methods, like growing most cancers.
Antioxidants are additionally nice in serving to the physique deal with inflammatory ailments like osteoarthritis and pores and skin allergy symptoms. Thankfully, antioxidants might be present in nutritional vitamins, minerals, herbs, and meals, like cranberries – that are present in a lot of Freshpet’s Fresh from the Kitchen recipes, together with the Vital® Grain-Free Turkey Recipe With Cranberries and Blueberries for Dogs.
What are the dietary advantages of feeding steam cooked
meat?
It’s crucial that
pets have a well-balanced, high-quality food plan, and a key consider that is how
the meals is cooked. Ingredients usually retain extra of their dietary
worth once they have been gently cooked reasonably than cooked in excessive temperatures
for extended intervals (a way that’s usually utilized in dry kibble). This is why
we gently steam our recipe at low temperatures then vacuum seal every meal to
lock within the pure goodness.
Having components which are steamed, just like the rooster in Freshpet® Select’s Sensitive Stomach and Skin recipe, permits for a big quantity of vitamins present in these components to be readily absorbed by the physique.
Are ALL fruits and veggies wholesome for my pet?
Not all fruits and
veggies are wholesome in your pets. Some fruits like grapes or veggies like
rhubarb are poisonous to canines. Thankfully, there may be a variety of different fruits
and veggies in your pet to get pleasure from which are nice sources of nutritional vitamins, like
carrots and spinach – each of that are discovered in lots of Freshpet recipes. If you
have any issues about potential meals toxicity towards your pet, be sure to
attain out to your veterinarian to verify if it’s okay earlier than feeding your pet.
Which components do you recommend in search of in pet meals
if my canine must shed some pounds?
Unfortunately, weight problems may be very prevalent amongst pets. Although it could appear innocent, weight problems makes it simpler for pets to develop ailments like diabetes, coronary heart illness, amongst others. If you might be involved in regards to the weight of your pet, food plan and train are strongly advisable. Like people, having a well-balanced food plan that has an important supply of antioxidants, and fiber is advisable when selecting diets to assist with weight reduction. Look for components like brown rice that’s present in Nature’s Fresh® Beef or Chicken recipes. It’s additionally a good suggestion to seek the advice of along with your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist to find out the best quantity of meals that’s advisable in your pet to assist attain your weight reduction targets.
Which components are most useful to feed a senior
canine?
The well being and dietary issues of pets can change as they transfer into their senior years. While selecting a food plan in your senior canine, think about their present ailments and what components are greatest fitted to them.
For occasion, a senior canine exhibiting indicators of osteoarthritis will profit from meals which are wealthy in antioxidants just like the cranberries or blueberries present in Vital® Grain-Free Chicken Recipe with Spinach, Cranberries, and Blueberries for Dogs to assist with continual irritation. If your senior canine is exhibiting indicators of a delicate abdomen, then components like rooster present in Freshpet’s Sensitive Stomach and Skin recipe is advisable.
What are the advantages of feeding fish to my pet, resembling
salmon?
Fish, like salmon, is a good supply of Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids assist to lower irritation, help kidney and coronary heart well being, deal with itchy and flaky pores and skin, promote a wholesome coat, and extra. If your pet is having pores and skin and coat issues, I like to recommend making an attempt out Freshpet’s Nature’s Fresh® Grain-Free Multi-Protein recipe for Dogs or the Freshpet® Select Grain-Free Gourmet Paté with Salmon for cats.
How do I do know what kind of protein I ought to feed my pet
(and what kind of proteins are greatest?)
The greatest kind of protein
to feed your pet relies on your pet. If they’ve any underlying well being
circumstances, this might influence the kind of protein they need to eat.
- Allergies:
Pets who’ve meals allergy symptoms are
usually allergic to the protein supply. Although most pets will probably be comfortable with
consuming rooster, some will probably be higher off in the event that they eat meals made up of bison or
turkey. - Dry
pores and skin: If your pet has dry pores and skin,
salmon could also be a greater protein attributable to it being an important supply of omega fatty
acids. - Stomach
issues: If your pet tends to
have abdomen issues, then rooster is mostly advisable.
It comes down to selecting the principle protein in your pet based mostly on what they want at a specific time. If you’re undecided, contact your veterinarian for suggestions.
What are the advantages of feeding my canine eggs?
Eggs are an important supply of nutritional vitamins, minerals, proteins, and omega fatty acids – that are nice for dry pores and skin, poor coats, and irritation. Although it’s secure for canines to eat eggs, it isn’t advisable to feed them uncooked as a result of elevated danger of contracting ailments from micro organism like Salmonella. Instead, think about feeding your canine Freshpet’s Homestyle Creation recipe that options scrambled eggs. It’s additionally price noting that in case your canine has a rooster allergy, then rooster eggs usually are not advisable.
Is it useful to feed my pet grains?
Dogs are omnivores,
which means their food plan consists of meat, grains, and greens. Grains might be
useful to a canine’s food plan, particularly as a result of they’re an excellent supply of fiber
and carbohydrates. It’s additionally fairly uncommon for a canine to have a grain allergy since
most meals allergy symptoms are as a result of protein supply. However, not like canines, cats
don’t require grains and may have a well-balanced food plan with out them.
We hope that Dr. Aziza was ready that will help you higher perceive the science behind meals labels. If you’ve gotten any additional questions on what you ought to be feeding your pet, schedule an appointment along with your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist.
