Choosing the Best Pet Foods: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

When it comes to looking after our beloved pets, we often go above and beyond to provide them with the best toys, the cosiest beds, and regular vet check-ups. 

But what about the food we put in their bowls every day? Just as we scrutinise ingredients and nutrition labels on our own food, and what we feed our children, we should be just as vigilant with what our pets eat. 

Sadly, far too many commercial pet foods are loaded with preservatives, cheap fillers, artificial colours, and other additives that could harm your pet's health over time.

In this post, we’ll guide you through how to choose high-quality food for your dogs, cats, parrots, and other common pets, because if you care about your own diet, it’s only right to care just as much about theirs.

Why Quality Pet Food Matters

Pets rely on us entirely for their wellbeing. The right food supports their immune system, digestion, energy levels, coat or feather condition, and even their mood. Poor-quality food, on the other hand, can lead to obesity, digestive problems, skin irritations, allergies, and long-term health issues.

Think of your pet’s food as you would your own weekly shop. Would you feel good eating fast food and nothing else? Probably not. And neither will your pet thrive on food full of unnamed meat by-products and chemical preservatives.

Common Red Flags in Pet Food

Here are a few ingredients and practices to watch out for when buying pet food:

Meat by-products or animal derivatives: These often include low-grade parts of animals not considered fit for human consumption.

Artificial preservatives like BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin: These are controversial and have been linked to health concerns.

Artificial colours and flavours: Pets don’t care about the colour of their kibbles, and these additives serve no nutritional purpose.

Corn, wheat, and soy fillers: Cheap bulking agents that offer minimal nutritional value and can cause allergies in some pets.

Generic fat sources: Ingredients labelled as “animal fat” or “poultry fat” without specifying the source can be questionable.

Choosing the Best Food for Your Pet

Dogs

Look for named protein sources: Ingredients such as “chicken,” “beef,” or “salmon” should be listed first.

Avoid cheap kibbles: While seemingly economical, they often contain high levels of grain fillers and artificial additives. And can work out more expensive over time.

Consider fresh or raw options: Many UK-based companies now offer gently cooked or raw dog food subscriptions with human-grade ingredients.

Read the label: If you can’t pronounce half the ingredients, it’s worth reconsidering the product.

Cats

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require a meat-based diet. Avoid foods that are grain-heavy or contain too many vegetable-based proteins. 

Moisture matters: Wet food is often better for hydration and urinary tract health.

Avoid “complete” foods with poor-quality meat meals and instead look for real meat and added taurine, an essential amino acid for cats. And also avoid so-called "vegan" cat foods. They are called obligate carnivores for a reason.

🦜 Parrots and Birds

Steer clear of seed-only diets: Many shop-bought seed mixes are fattening and lack essential nutrients.

Offer fresh vegetables, fruits, and formulated pellets: Choose pellets made without artificial colours or sweeteners.

Rotate fresh produce: Variety helps mimic natural diets and supports mental stimulation.

🐰 Small Mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, etc.)

Hay is king: Unlimited access to high-quality hay is crucial for digestion and dental health.

Watch pellet ingredients: Choose ones with no added sugar or artificial dyes.

Avoid muesli-style mixes, which can encourage selective eating and lead to nutritional imbalances.

Tips for All Pet Owners

Do your research: Look into brands, read reviews, and check independent pet food rating websites.

Consult your vet or an animal nutritionist: They can help guide you based on your pet’s age, health conditions, and activity level.

Consider home-prepared meals (with care): If done correctly and with expert guidance, cooking for your pet can be an excellent way to ensure quality.

Rotate protein sources: Helps prevent sensitivities and provides variety.

Be mindful of recalls: Stay updated with UK pet food recall alerts.

Final Thoughts: If It Matters for You, It Matters for Them

Our pets are family. If we wouldn’t feed ourselves processed food every day, we shouldn’t expect our animals to thrive on it either. A little time spent reading labels, researching brands, and exploring healthier options can lead to happier, healthier lives for our furry and feathered friends.

Just as you’d want the best for your child, your pet deserves real, wholesome nutrition — not just something cheap and convenient in a shiny bag. After all, they trust us to make the right choices.