We all want the best ingredients when it comes to our own meals, so why settle for anything less for your furry friends? With the increasing popularity of holistic pet food in Gainesville, it’s become easier than ever before to provide your pet with food that’s not only great for their health but that of the environment as well.
Unfortunately, there is no legal definition within the pet industry of what makes a food “holistic,” so any brand is free to slap the label onto their product. Here are a few helpful things to look out for when it comes to figuring out which holistic pet food is the real deal.
All-Natural Ingredients
When checking out a holistic pet food, Gainesville cat and dog owners first need to make a beeline for the packaging’s ingredient list. Make sure the product uses whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and single-source meat. Choose food that is unprocessed, unrefined, and preservative-free. Holistic pet food should neither have any artificial colors nor flavorings, so keep an eye out for any unpronounceable chemicals!
Fortification with Vitamins and Minerals
The only kind of processing your holistic pet food should have undergone is fortification with essential vitamins and minerals. This ensures that your best friend is getting the balanced diet that they need. While you might assume that nutrition-related diseases are uncommon among today’s pet population, they are actually increasing in frequency. A truly holistic pet food is one that contains a mix of vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids to help guard your pet against these potentially lethal diseases.
AAFCO Standards
Despite there being no legally established definition of holistic pet food, Gainesville pet owners do have one valuable outside source to turn to when it comes to picking the wheat from the chaff. The nonprofit organization Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has established a set of minimal standards for food to be labeled “complete and balanced.” Check for an “AAFCO Statement” or “Product Guarantee” around the label’s nutritional content list to ensure your holistic pet food meets these established guidelines.
While choosing the best pet food brand may not be as easy as simply grabbing the first bag that says “holistic,” it need not be a nightmare either. With these simple tricks, pet owners can feel confident that they’re buying a holistic pet food their best friend deserves.