Summary
Ingredients are included in diets primarily as a source of nutrients. Animals require specific nutrients, not specific ingredients. Nutritionists and pet food manufacturers formulate diets to provide complete and balanced diets for cats and dogs in various life stages or with different life styles. Ingredients are selected for their nutrient content, as well as their impact on palatability, digestibility, and consumer preferences. The quality of ingredients used is dictated by individual companies working with their suppliers. Unfortunately, indicators of ingredient quality cannot be included on labels, according to regulatory guidelines. The finished product quality depends on selection of ingredients that provide the desired features, as well as the appropriateness of the processing and cooking processes. If veterinarians have questions about the quality of a food, they should contact the manufacturer and inquire about the nutrient profile and the digestibility of the product, which are good markers of the quality of the food. Veterinarians also should consider the history of the company, their pattern of investment into research, and their safety record when considering whether or not to recommend a product. |