Choosing the right pet food can be overwhelming, especially with so many different brands out there and types of foods too. Where do you even begin? Well, how about with this informative article to help you better understand what’s right for your pet. Read more to learn if fresh food, wet food, raw food or dry food is what should be delivered to your door to get both you and your pet having the most pawsitive experience yet.
Consult with your vet
When it comes to pets, similar to humans, there’s no one size fits all. And this runs even more true for food. That’s why it’s essential to make sure you’re choosing the right food for your pet’s specific needs, taking into consideration their age, weight, and if they have any dietary restrictions. You’ll be able to best determine this by speaking with your pet’s veterinarian, who can professionally help you understand how many calories your pet needs, as well as the protein and fat levels their bodies need. And of course, if they need any other specific nutrients in the diet, or perhaps should even be avoiding certain foods to keep them healthy.
Learn the ingredients
When choosing food for your pet, you’ll need to look beyond the packaging and marketing claims made by the brands in order to ensure the best, healthiest option. Both the quality of ingredients as well as the specific ingredients used are important factors to keep in mind when comparing brands and types of foods. The first ingredient in pet food should generally include high-quality protein sources, such as meat, poultry and fish. It’s also important to aim to avoid ingredients that you can’t pronounce or aren’t familiar with – this generally means they are artificial and contain a variety of preservatives, colors and flavors, potentially impacting the health of your beloved pet.
Delivery for convenience
All of the brands that we recommend offer home delivery of their pet food, which allows for a far more overall convenient experience, enabling access to healthy, top-rated pet food without the trip to the store. Sometimes certain pet foods are also only available online or are not in stock at the store closest to you. Pet food delivery often even comes at a more competitive price compared to the store with a variety of subscription options – this also helps create a more automatic purchasing experience to help running out at the last minute which can be common for busy pet owners.
Portioned meals
Ordering pet food online and having it delivered to your door is not just easier and cheaper, but it also often means that you’ll receive portioned meals for your pet. This has a wide range of benefits, such as assisting in preventing obesity in pets, helping to ensure they receive the right amount of food for their age, size and lifestyle. Portioned meals can also reduce waste, save time and be especially useful for traveling. Be sure to look out for this when choosing which pet food brand to opt for.
Types of Pet Food
Feeling confused by all the different types of pet foods? There’s in fact only four main types, and these include fresh, wet, raw and dry. Similar to most things, each and every type has its unique benefits, as well as reasons why they might not be ideal for each pet. The best choice really depends on the specific needs of your pet. Here’s an overview of what each one is and who it’s most recommended for.
Fresh Pet Food
As the name suggests, fresh pet food is made with fresh, whole ingredients, similar to what we ourselves would eat, such as meat, fruits and vegetables. The most obvious benefit of fresh pet food is that it offers higher nutritional value compared to processed food and is free of preservatives. This type of food also tends to be very tasty which can be helpful for picky pets. On the downside, however, fresh pet food isn’t usually the most cost friendly option.
Wet Pet Food
Wet pet food is generally sold in cans or pouches, similar to a can of tuna that we would eat for a light lunch. It contains more moisture than dry food and is known to provide benefits for pets with dental issues or even those who are in need of more hydration. This type of food also tends to be tasty for those who aren’t the easiest eaters. Wet pet food is also not the cheapest option and doesn’t stay as fresh as other foods.
Raw Pet Food
Raw pet food is made with raw foods, such as uncooked meat, bones and organs. This is most similar to the diet of wild animals, eating completely naturally and can be beneficial for pets with allergies or sensitivities. Raw pet food tends to be easily digestible which can help prevent constipation. Do note however that raw food isn’t right for all pets and should only be given to your pet under the recommendation of your veterinarian.
Dry Pet Food
Dry pet food is the most commonly known type, sold usually in bags and contains less moisture than wet food. It’s the most popular mainly since it’s convenient and easy to keep, as well as the fact that it’s typically less expensive than other types. Reasons pet owners might decide to opt out of dry food include the taste, the digestibility of the food or the preservative content.
In Summary
Selecting the best food for your beloved furry friend requires carefully considering their needs. This includes placing a special focus on ingredients, delivery options, portion sizes and types of food. We’re proud to help you make the selection process easier with our comparisons and reviews of top rated pet food delivery brands.