For the full growth and development of pets, proteins, fats and carbohydrates are important. That is why so much attention is paid to the quality of dry food. But too often, the choice is not determined by the actual value of a particular feed, but by the beautiful picture in the advertisement. Professionals who create commercials know how to get potential buyers interested. What should you pay attention to when choosing food for your pet, so as not to give money for a product of unknown origin?
Instructions
Step 1
Remember, the percentage of nutrients shown on the package is not an indicator of the quality of the feed. This is just the biochemical composition of the product. It can be the same in premium feed and cheap products. The indication that the product contains 25% protein, 10% fat and some fiber does not mean anything. After all, engine oil is also fat, fiber can be sawdust, and horns and hooves are no doubt protein. Such a product will not benefit your pet.
Step 2
Pay attention to the amount of food recommended for animal nutrition. The more the norm is indicated, the lower the nutritional value of the feed and the more ballast substances are contained in this product. Dogs and cats live off what they assimilate, not what they eat. In cheap forages, the nutritional norm can be one and a half to two times higher than in high-class forages. Thus, you pay more for good feed, but use less. In elite food, the standard for an adult dog weighing 10 kg is 110-115 grams of product. For cats weighing 3 kg - 30-35 g.
Step 3
Read the ingredients carefully. In good food, meat comes first. It should be at least 25%. In addition, good food should include at least two additional sources of animal protein, such as fish and eggs. It is very good if the manufacturer specifies what kind of meat is used in the production of feed.
Step 4
Food for dogs and cats should not contain more than 50% vegetables and grains. Ideally, there should be 25-30% of them. Note that in a long list of ingredients, the same foods may appear multiple times under different names, such as "corn flour, soy flour, corn gluten flour, beer rice, dried peas." Too many empty feed fillers. In general, corn is the most harmful ingredient; it is practically indigestible. But its content in cheap feed exceeds all permissible limits due to its low cost.
Step 5
Please note that according to European standards, food called "offal" can hide not only healthy liver and heart. This list includes chicken feathers, feet, heads, skin with fur, slaughterhouse waste, horns, hooves, blood, and even urine. The less specifics in the list of ingredients, the lower the class of feed. "Salmon meat" - excellent, "chicken liver" - good, "cereal" - most likely wastes of flour milling, "offal of animal origin" - thanks, no need.
Step 6
Dogs will not eat a grain pacifier. But the animal can be deceived. It is enough to add the desired flavors and sweeteners. A good feed should not contain such things as: caramel, sugar, dyes, EWG additives, BHA, BHT, animal fat. In general, the presence of a large number of incomprehensible words on the packaging should alert you.
Step 7
Choose food from a company that specializes in the production of animal food. Unfortunately, most of the feeds on the Russian market are produced by companies for which the main business is products for people. And animal feed is just a great way to ensure zero-waste production. In an amicable way, the products from which economy-class feeds are made need to be sent to the trash heap, but giant corporations manage to get good benefits from this.
