1. How to read pet food labels ?
Understanding the declarations on the label and consciously feeding our pets is crucial. There are two types of records: open formula (by category) and closed formula (by raw material name).
- Open formula allows for great flexibility. Anything not declared on the label can change during the production of the next batch.
Example: meat and animal by-products, cereals, vegetables, oils and fats.
- Closed formula is clear to the consumer and transparent. The manufacturer clearly states what exactly can be found in the given food
Example: chicken, beef, dried poultry protein, peas, wheat, salmon oil, parsley.
2. What are the typical and essential elements of a pet food label ?
The label is divided into several key elements:
- A) We start with the basic elements indicating the product name, its type, and purpose.
- B) Next is the main part of the recipe, i.e., the composition of the given product.
- C) The next element is nutritional additives, where we find essential vitamins and minerals. Thanks to them, the food is complete and balanced.
- D) After the additives, we find the composition analysis (analytical components) on the label. It shows us the content of the main nutrients of the given product, such as protein, fats, or ash. Of course, ash is not something we should be afraid of. Ash is what we call the inorganic part of this recipe. It mainly consists of minerals, i.e., calcium and phosphorus, which are found in the food.
- E) The last element is the recommended dosage. Of course, every animal has individual needs, but the manufacturer’s suggested portioning is a good starting point for determining how much food to give your dog or cat.
3. What to pay attention to when reading the label ?
By law, two label records are established: closed and open formula.
Closed formula clearly and transparently describes its content. This method of recording is a guarantee that we will receive the same quality every time.
In the case of an open formula, the consumer does not have complete information about the product’s composition. With this record, the manufacturer has more freedom in the food production process, e.g., using an uncommunicated part of the meat and animal by-product content for the currently most financially advantageous type on the market. This means that the same flavor produced at different times may potentially differ and ultimately may not taste good to our pet.
4. Why doesn’t the food composition add up to 100% ?
This is due to two reasons. Firstly, wet food always contains water, which is never declared, and usually constitutes a large part of the recipe. Water is a key element of every animal’s diet. It is thanks to it that vitamins are distributed throughout our pets’ bodies, and nutrients dissolve and distribute. It also regulates body temperature and helps to get rid of unnecessary metabolic elements.
Secondly, analytical components and additives are declared in areas other than the main composition on the label.
5. What is beef tripe visible in dog food ingredients ?
Beef tripe (beef stomach lining) is a dog superfood. In pet food, we define superfood as food of natural origin, rich in high-value ingredients that uniquely take care of the pet’s health and functioning.
Tripe provides not only high-quality protein but is also a so-called natural multivitamin. It contains vitamin B, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium.
6. Should we feed only dry food or only wet food ?
It is recommended to give only wet food or a variant of mixed dry and wet food. If we opt for the second option, we should maintain a 50:50 or 75:25 ratio of wet to dry food. A diet based only on wet food or a variant with a significant amount of it ensures hydration for our pets. It is also easily digestible and allows you to maintain the proper weight of our animal. In addition to the benefits already mentioned, there is one more advantage of wet food – it is simply tastier.
However, properly selected full-portion dry food, appropriate for age, health, and activity level, can form the basis of a pet’s diet. In this case, it is important to pay attention to the composition and origin of the ingredients. If you decide to feed only dry food, remember to provide your pet with constant and free access to fresh water.
7. Is there a difference between a puppy’s diet and an adult dog’s diet ?
Pet food manufacturers usually communicate at what stage of life a given food is recommended. In products focused on puppies, we will find ingredients that support the dog’s development and growth. Moreover, dogs in the first stage of life need much more energy, which they largely use for intensive growth. When a dog reaches adulthood, its diet should also change. Puppy food is too caloric for an adult dog, so if we don’t change its food, it can quickly start to gain weight. A dog’s diet should always be tailored to its age, activity, and size. The diet of an active German Shepherd will look different than that of a small Maltese who prefers to lie on the couch for most of the day.
8. Why doesn’t a cat want to eat a product it used to like ?
A lack of appetite in a cat never results from the cat’s malice. There can be several reasons: a too dirty bowl, a bowl too close to water or a litter box, a different than usual food temperature. If a cat refuses food for a long time, it is worth going to the veterinarian. It is also not recommended to test several types of food at once. It is worth sticking to one brand and possibly enriching the cat’s diet with various treats. If for some reason we need to change the food, it should be done gradually. If we are raising a cat from a young age, it is best to familiarize it with as many flavors and food textures as possible from the beginning of its life. Thanks to this, in the future, they will be more open to what we want to give them.
9. Can a cat eat dog food ?
The nutritional needs of cats and dogs are completely different. Dogs are omnivores, with meat dominating their diet. Nevertheless, vegetables, fruits, or cereals do not harm them, and these products can be found in dog food in appropriate amounts. Cats, on the other hand, are exclusively carnivores, and the presence of other products in their food can simply harm them. A cat that eats dog food does not receive the appropriate nutrients necessary for proper functioning. This can weaken the immune system and disrupt the functioning of other organs. Very often, a cat that eats dog food struggles with weight loss, apathy, its fur becomes dull and thin. It may also be exposed to numerous digestive problems. The presence of vegetables and fiber causes the cat to experience bloating, pain, or diarrhea after eating such food.
Of course, a one-time consumption of dog food by a cat will at most end in digestive problems, but regular replacement of balanced cat food with dog food can have very negative consequences.
10. What is the amount of phosphorus and calcium in Delicious Dinners cat food ?
Delicious Dinners 400g (can): calcium – approx. 0.5g/100g, phosphorus – approx. 0.3g/100g
Delicious Dinners 85g (small can): calcium – approx. 0.3 to 0.45g/100g, phosphorus – approx. 0.12 to 0.25g/100g
Delicious Dinners 100g (pouch) – calcium – approx. 0.31 to 0.36g/100g, phosphorus – approx. 0.31 to 0.37g/100g
11. What is the amount of phosphorus and calcium in Butcher’s Original dog food ?
Butcher’s Original 150g (tray): calcium – 0.2-0.4%/100g, phosphorus – 0.2-0.3%/100g
Butcher’s Original 400g pieces in beef jelly: calcium 0.462g/100g, phosphorus – 0.261g/100g
Butcher’s Original 400g pieces in chicken jelly: calcium 0.485g/100g, phosphorus – 0.269g/100g
Butcher’s Original 400g pieces in lamb jelly: calcium 0.530g/100g, phosphorus – 0.286g/100g