Being a Pakistani animal lover, you know how much we love our furry friends, and I must say, it's no wonder why dogs and cats feel like family members. We want them to be healthy and happy, and for that, their diet plays a very important role. But have you ever wondered what makes pet food good? How do you choose the best food for your dog or cat? Today, I am going to share some tips with you about the best pet food ingredients and what you should check before buying pet food.

 Why Is Pet Food Important?

Pets are no different from us, and they require good, healthy food to keep fit and healthy. Roti or rice or leftovers from the table just won't cut it. At times, they prove even more dangerous. Giving them good-quality pet food means they get every nutrient for their body organs to grow, their fur shiny, and just enough to keep them energized. Studies have shown that pets fed with premium pet diets live longer and are less prone to health issues like obesity, allergies, or joint problems. Therefore, spending pennies on the right food is not a waste of money; it is one step toward giving your pet a healthy life.

Ingredients To Look For In Good Quality Pet Food

Below, you will get a list of simple pet food checklists so that you can have the best kind for your fluffy friend: 

1. Essential protein

Pets require enormous amounts of proteins for their body muscles and maintenance. Ensure that pet food contains ingredients such as meat, chicken, fish, or lamb as the number one ingredient item. These contain the most critical sources of the protein. Beef and chicken happen to be good quality healthy dog food items, whereas fish is essential for cats because being carnivorous, they need it.

High-quality proteins provide amino acids, which are essential for your pet's growth and energy. For instance, a dog that gets enough protein will have stronger muscles and more energy to play.

2. Whole Grains or Grain-Free Options

Grains such as rice, oats, and barley give energy. Some dogs are grain intolerant. You would then have to look for the grain-free variety, which is now available in the form of sweet potatoes or peas. The ingredients are easy to digest and full of nutrients. This is important for pet owners here to understand that most Pakistani brands contain either wheat or corn as fillers, neither is inherently harmful, unless the dog has some form of food allergy, though it shouldn't be the ingredient they dominate.

3. Healthy fats

Fats are not bad for pets. Fats keep their coats shiny and healthy. Chicken fat or fish oil is a good example of healthy fats in ingredients. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids also support other conditions for your pet's overall health. They enhance brain functions, decrease inflammation, and are known for helping joint conditions.

4. Vitamins and Minerals

Ensure the dog food contains vegetables and fruits, such as carrots, spinach, and blueberries. These are highly endowed with vitamins and antioxidants that boost your pet's immunity.

Local brands in Pakistan include vegetables. Such vegetable commodities should be fresh, Moreover, ensure that your pet will gain nutrients to fight diseases effectively and remain active.

5. Avoid Harmful Additives

Always choose pet food that has no artificial color, flavor, or preservatives. They can cause harm to your pet in the long term. Select a safe pet food that has natural preservatives like Vitamin E or C.

The artificial ingredients will lead to allergies or stomach aches and long-term health problems like cancer. Be highly cautious while deciding on what to feed your pet.

6. Moisture Content

Wet food will do best for pets that don't seem to drink enough water because it has high moisture levels. It keeps them hydrated, especially during hot weather in Pakistan. Cats are not big drinkers, so wet food hydrates them well which is why it is a good food option for them.

Wet Food Myths in Pakistan

There are many myths about pet food in Pakistan. Let's clear a few of them:

"Home-cooked food is enough."

Well, home-cooked food would be great now and then, but it lacks all the required nutrients in general. Pets require a balanced diet that is pretty hard to achieve using homemade food.

" Cheap pet food is like premium pet food."

This is not true. Cheaper options usually come with fillers and low-quality ingredients that do not provide the necessary nutrition for your pet. Investment in premium pet food ensures your furry friend lives a healthier life.

"Raw meat is the best."

This is what most people think as they give their pets raw meat; it is considered natural and healthy. However, raw meat could contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, which might make your pet sick.

How to Read Pet Food Labels

When you pick up a bag of pet food, don't buy it because it looks fancy or because it is on sale. Always read the label carefully. Here are some quality pet food tips:

1. The first ingredient should be a protein source such as chicken or lamb.

2. Look for natural preservatives rather than artificial preservatives.

3. Avoid labels with the words "by-products" or "meat meals."

4. Find a well-balanced content of protein, fats, and carbs.

5. Read the label to make a better choice for your pet. If still in doubt, seek advice from your vet.

Benefits of Quality Pet Food Feeding

There are various benefits of feeding your pet with the right type of food:

• Good Energy: Your pet will remain active and playful throughout the day.

• Shiny Coat: His coat will shine smoothly, appear healthy, and look good.

• Strong Immunity: They are kept away from diseases and have strong immunity due to good food.

• Healthy Weight: Helps in preventing obesity, which usually becomes a common issue for pets.

• Improved Digestion: The good ingredients are easy to digest, hence less stomach issues.

You might believe that good quality pet food is going to cost a lot of money in Pakistan. Well, here's the truth: There are plenty of brands offering affordable pet foods. d’Amigo is the top option among them. Just surf through our website and you will get to know more about us.

If you are looking for local brands, make sure they follow international standards and have the best ingredients in pet food. Always check the ingredients before purchasing.

Fun Facts About Pet Nutrition

• Do you know this? The dog has about 1,700 taste buds; humans have close to 9,000. Hence, the flavor of their food does matter.

• Cats cannot taste sweetness simply because they have no sweet-taste receptors.

• Chocolate fed to dogs or cats can even be lethal; it contains toxic compounds called theobromine.

• A healthy dog needs about 18% protein in their daily diet, whereas a cat requires around 26%.

Final Tips

• Before changing your pet's food consult your vet.

• Store pet food in a cool, dry place to keep it fresh.

• Try to avoid feeding your pet human snacks, because they are salty, and this may be detrimental for the pets.

Conclusion 

Your pet deserves the best, just like any member of your family. Choosing the right food with the best pet food ingredients will ensure their health and happiness. Partner up with d’Amigo and you will see a positive change in your pet’s life. You can avail amazing discounts from us so hurry up! So next time you go shopping, keep this guide in mind. Your furry friend will thank you with love and wagging tails!