Good food makes a tremendous difference in how well your cat or dog lives. Proper nutrition is essential at all stages of your pet’s life. Nutritional imbalances can lead to a variety of physical and behavioral problems. Some become apparent immediately, while others may manifest as a serious health threat as the animal gets older.

In recent years, the pet food industry has churned out hundreds of brands which vary wildly in price and quality. Choosing the right food for your companion may seem an overwhelming challenge. The following will help you make informed choices about what you feed your cat or dog.

At the grocery store, you can find a range of commercial pet food products. Generic or house brands are the cheapest and are generally made from the poorest quality ingredients. These are never a good choice.

If you have no option other than the grocery store, stick with well-known name brands. Basic chows or ration-style canned foods usually contain fewer additives and fillers than those marketed as “gourmet” offerings. Usually sold in small cans or packages, these novelty foods are highly preserved, have lots of sugar and salt, and are the equivalent of human junk food.

PAWS recommends choosing a pet food sold at pet supply stores. Rather than meeting maximum or minimum standards, these premium foods aim for optimal nutrition. They are usually more expensive than grocery store brands, but they can save costs hidden in cheaper diets. Ideally, a pet eats less of the better food, digests more of it, and leaves less waste.

No matter where you buy pet food, it is a good idea to read labels. Avoid brands that feature long lists of chemicals. Preservatives, colorings, artificial flavorings and scents are usually added in small amounts, but in combination, and over time, these chemicals can undermine your pet’s health.

Other common ingredients are labelled “meat-by-products.” These are slaughter house remnants and can include moldy, rancid or spoiled processed meats as well as diseased tissues. Whenever possible, buy brands that list the meat itself (beef, chicken, lamb, etc.), and not by-products.

Cats need twice as much protein as dogs. Dry cat foods can be a good source of protein, but since many have a high concentration of some minerals (known collectively as ash), they can also contribute to Feline Urinary Syndrome (FUS). Look for low ash foods (magnesium no more than .08–.10% of content, and a calcium to phosphorus ration of 1.2:1). Avoid fish-based foods, especially tuna because it is high in ash and can lead to a Vitamin E deficiency in cats. Adult cats should be fed two separate meals each day.

Factors including age and general condition determine your pet’s nutritional requirements. Diets should be chosen to meet specific needs and maintain ideal weight. An animal of normal weight has ribs that, while not easily seen, can be felt without an upper layer of fat. Obesity is the most common nutritional disease in dogs and cats, prevails in older animals, and results in part from over-consumption of appealing commercial foods. It may take some time for your pet to develop a taste for a premium diet if he or she is accustomed to highly flavored commercial foods.

Disease can increase need for some nutrients while decreasing ability to absorb others, and activity levels and temperament provide clues to your pet’s metabolism. Diets should be chosen to meet specific needs and adjusted as those needs change.

Younger cats and dogs need to be fed more often than older ones, and meal sizes and frequency must be adjusted as the animal grows. Be persistent, and switch your pet to the new diet gradually. Establish appropriate feeding schedules, and stick to them.

• Buy the very best pet food your budget allows. Premium brands usually offer the best nutrition.
• Avoid generic brands.
• Stick to basic foods and avoid novelty products that have flavor “enhancers” and other additives.
• Talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s specific needs. There are premium foods formulated for all stages of an animal’s life.
• Set a feeding schedule that works for you and your pet, and be consistent. For cats, do not leave food out between scheduled feedings.
• Provide your pet with fresh water at all times.
• Do not give milk to your kitten or cat.

Avoid foods available in grocery stores. These foods tend to contain a lot of filler (corn and rice) which will create excess stool to pick up, may cause allergies and will have long-term side effects.

Quality pet food is available from veterinarians, pet food supply stores and through the Internet.