UNDERSTANDING PET FOOD

Understanding the information on a pet food label can help when comparing and choosing pet foods.

Pet owners are increasingly interested in supplements for their pets. Since all supplements are not the same, their use and selection for an individual pet should be considered carefully. Veterinarians should ask about the use of supplements as part of a pet’s diet history.

Dietary carbohydrates in pet food help meet the pet’s physiological need for glucose. However, due to the ancestral origins of dogs and cats, some owners may question whether carbohydrates should be a part of their pets’ diet.

Pets obtain essential fatty acids from their diet. What are these fatty acids, and how do they support pet health?

Feeding guidelines are designed to help owners determine the quantity of food to feed their pets to ensure an optimal body condition, but owners may be unsure how to use them.

See results from the 14-Year Purina Life Span Study.

See a list of additional key publications from the 14-Year Purina Life Span Study.

Salt is an important component in pet foods and is involved in a number of critical functions in the body. With recommendations to restrict salt intake in people, does the same apply to pets?

Fat is an important nutrient for pets. What is its function, and are there differences in the fat requirements of pets and people?

Soy can provide nutritional advantages for pets, but pet owners often question the quality and health impacts of this ingredient.

The small amounts of sugar in pet foods have important functions, but pet owners often view sugar as an ingredient that only adds calories and causes obesity or diabetes.

Protein is an essential nutrient that can be provided by both plant and animal sources. Are there differences between plant and animal proteins and what is considered a good quality protein?