With the Philippines’ growing pet industry, selecting the right food for our furry companions has become a significant—and sometimes overwhelming—decision. Every day, we are bombarded with marketing messages that make it challenging to distinguish quality information from false advertising. Fortunately, as pet owners, we know our pets best, and understanding their specific needs and preferences can help us make informed choices.
Assessing Your Pet’s Nutritional Needs
Just like humans, pets require a balanced diet to support their growth, energy, and overall health. Before selecting a pet food, it’s essential to assess your pet’s individual nutritional needs.
- Health Conditions: Pets with medical conditions often require specialized diets prescribed by veterinarians. These diets can prevent conditions from worsening and improve your pet’s overall health.
- Life Stage: Pets’ nutritional needs vary with age. Growing kittens and puppies, for instance, require higher levels of protein and fat than adult cats and dogs. Feeding your pets food designed for their life stage ensures they get the nutrients they need.
- Activity Level: Active pets, especially certain breeds, may require a higher-calorie diet. Conversely, less active pets might benefit from a lower-calorie diet to avoid weight gain.
- Weight: If your pet is underweight or overweight, veterinarians often recommend specific diets to help manage their weight and overall health.
Does Your Pet’s Food Provide These Essential Nutrients?
- Fats: Dietary fats are crucial for energy and are one of the three main nutritional groups, alongside proteins and carbohydrates. Fats also promote healthy skin and coat, regulate blood pressure, and support cardiovascular health.
- Carbohydrates: While carbohydrates are not essential in adult pet food, they are an easily digestible source of energy and can play a role in managing your pet’s calorie intake and weight.
- Calcium: Calcium is vital for healthy bone development, especially in growing puppies and kittens.
- Probiotics: Often referred to as “friendly bacteria,” probiotics aid digestion, boost the immune system, and help fight infections.
- Protein: Protein is essential for muscle growth, immune function, and hormone production, and also provides energy for your pet.
How to Ensure the Quality and Safety of Pet Food
As a pet parent, your pet’s well-being is always a top priority. Ensuring the food you choose meets safety and quality standards is crucial. Here are two key factors to consider when selecting the best diet for your pet:
- AAFCO Nutritional Standards: The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) sets the nutritional standards that pet food must meet to be labeled as a “complete and balanced diet.” Always check whether the pet food you’re considering meets AAFCO requirements. If it doesn’t, it’s time to switch. Fortunately, PetMarra products meet and exceed AAFCO guidelines, ensuring your pet receives the proper nutrition they need.
- BAI Registration: The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), a regulatory body under the Department of Agriculture, ensures that pet foods in the Philippines meet safety, quality, and effectiveness standards. Like AAFCO, BAI registration is an important factor when choosing pet food. All PetMarra products—from kibbles to wet food, supplements, and treats—are BAI registered, guaranteeing their safety and effectiveness for your pets.
In Conclusion
Choosing the best pet food for your furry companion is a thoughtful and sometimes complex process. However, it’s an important investment in their long-term health and well-being. By making informed choices, we can ensure our pets receive the best possible nutrition throughout their lives.