Posts Tagged ‘cat food’

Consumer demand is changing what kinds of food grocery stores sell as increased amounts of organic, non-GMO, and natural products are taking up more and more space on shelves and displays.  Did you know these trends are now influencing the pet food industry?  Pet food ingredients that were taken for granted for decades are now being scrutinized more closely.

Our pets trust us to care for them and look out for their best interests.  Without question we shower them with amazing toys, plush, snuggly beds, and health care when needed; but how often do we question what we feed them?  Next to vaccines, diet is the second most important decision you will make for your pet. It has far-reaching consequences, many of which most pet parents pay little attention to.  This is why learning to read pet food labels is so important. 

In Part 1 of Understanding Cat Food Labels we covered meat, meat by-products, meat/bone meal, soy products, and fillers.  We also took a closer look at the guaranteed analysis on the label.  Today we’ll explore the elements of fats, vitamins, minerals, and taurine.  Just for fun, go grab a bag or can of cat food and let’s dive in together.

Cat Food Labels–What’s In Your Cat’s Food? Have you ever looked at the label on your cat’s food?  These days it requires not only a magnifying glass but a dictionary!  All kidding aside, I highly recommend you spend a few minutes analyzing what’s in your cat’s food.  I was in a Facebook conversation about a […]

Cats love routine…and they love to eat.  It’s super easy for them to train us to dote on their every whim or hunger pang.  We eagerly acquiesce to their every need, and there is no better example than a cat who’s a picky eater.  If the bowl of food we offer is snubbed how many […]

Down here in Houston, Texas it’s not uncommon to hear people complain about their allergies.  Even cats can develop allergies not only to airborne irritants but to the ingredients in their food.  How do you know if your cat has a food allergy?  What are the symptoms and the most common ingredients that can lead to food allergies in cats?  And what can you do about them?

Appearances can be deceiving and pet food marketing messages are ultimately about getting people to spend money.  Pet food companies are counting on the fact that as cat parents we know nothing about feline nutrition and it should be left up to them to tell us what to feed our cats.  The waters can be very muddied indeed, and it’s about to get even muddier. 

By now most cat parents are probably savvy and smart enough to know that grain-free foods are a better choice than food containing grains.  However, it’s not the healthy solution you may think it is.

Knowing what I’ve learned over the past several years about the dark side of the pet food industry it’s no surprise at all to see how certain pet food companies have made alliances with veterinarian professionals. These companies, along with pharmaceutical companies, wield incredible influence on the curriculum taught at vet schools, too. In the end it’s all about business.

Poop. It’s not a subject you probably talk regularly about with your friends. After all, it’s rather embarrassing, and most people would probably rather just keep that information to themselves. Bathroom talk should be kept in the bathroom, right?