What you considers / looks /avoids for when buying Pet Foods?

Answer 1

price means very little because lots of cheap foods have little nutrition that you end up feeding more in the long run and some foods (science diet) over inflate the price so you think its good but infact its crap....
I look at ingredients - it has to have CHICKEN MEAL (or lamb meal) as first ingredient...
NO BHA, no BHT - it must be NATURALLY PRESERVED, I prefer HUMAN GRADE MEAT...

all pets do best if consistantly kept on one food - bouncing around is hard on thier tummies. I do like foods that have FREQUENT BUYER programs..
I am in Canada so I try to select CANADIAN MADE FOOD - because I know the price for importation makes the cost of food go up...

rules of thumb - all foods in grocery stores or wal marts are lower quality - you need to feed alot more and get more poops and potentially more health problems
- if you see alot of commercials for a food, the food is crap because they are paying for commercials not qualtiy ingredients

I feed my indoor cats ACANA
I have 3 (spayed and neutered) outdoor farm cats they get SUMMIT
for dogs I reccomend NUTRAM

Answer 2

When buying a pet, whether a cat or a dog make sure you talk to a breeder that is knowledgeable about shots, worming, etc. Your puppy should have at least the first two shots and have been before you get it. Pups get shots at 9 wks., 12 wks., and 16-20 wks. Do NOT get a puppy that has not had it's shots, etc. as they can get sick from the stress of going to a new home! Chances are, this may be what happened to your friend's dog. As babies, they are susceptible to parvo, which can kill them. DO NOT TAKE ANY CHANCES!!! Do not get a pup that is too young! Sometimes people raise them just for the money and scoot them out the door waaay before they are ready! Make sure the pup is eating solid food! Feed a good quality food - not junky, cheap food! NO table scraps or other "human" food! Keep plenty of fresh water and learn about crate training when housebreaking your puppy. Talk to different vets to find one that you like! Being comfortable with that person is very important because that person will be helping you with your puppy, for all it's life!! Spay or neuter your puppy when it's the right age. This will make a healthier and happier dog!! Shih tzus are WONDERFUL dogs and very smart! I have one and she loves people!! She hops up on their laps the minute they sit down, so you may have to teach your dog that not everyone will like that. They are known as lap dogs for that reason. Mine is very smart and learned tricks VERY quickly. This is an excellent choice for a family dog!! The best of luck to you!

Answer 3

When I buy pet food, I first consider what type my animal needs. There are certain formulas designed for certain needs - food for overweight pets, food for sensitive skin pets, etc. Then, look at the nutritional information... every pet needs to have a good, balanced diet to stay healthy. Finally, pick a flavor that your pet will like - lamb, beef, etc.

Answer 4

Emily has it right about the corn. Cats, especially, need extremely little in the way of carbs.

I don't worry much about price. I have two cats and a Chihuahua. I look for quality ingredients and I avoid preservatives and artificial colors and flavors. I make my dog's food and have made cat food in the past, but I had four cats at one point and couldn't find a recipe they would all eat. I buy Wellness food for my cats.

When you think about it, dogs and cats are designed to eat raw meat and bones. Cats don't toast their mice over a campfire before chowing down. Dogs don't take down a deer and grill it, either.

Answer 5

When I choose a pet food the first and only consideration is what I will actually be feeding the animal.

The first ingredient MUST be meat or fish. I prefer the second ingredient to be some type of carbohydrate.

I will not buy any food that uses any by-products or fillers.

Answer 6

1.)I consider what the animal was made to eat. A lot of pet foods were made out of convenience to humans and not for the pets. Take dog and cat kibble...they put lots of corn in the food just cuz it's cheap, but dogs and cats don't really eat corn unless it's in the stomach of a mouse or rabbit. So I do my research about what my pets eat in the wild and find a food that best fits it.
2.)Freshness and quality of the ingredients
3.)Availability: I don't feel like traveling 20 miles to get my bird food
4.)Cost: kind of inevitable, but I try not to compromize their diet too much in the name of saving a penny. I just make a list of brands I think are the heathiest and find the cheapest one, or alternate (once in a while give a really expensive one). I also try to find things that are good for them but I have at home, like carrots for my dog or cooked fish for my cat or dandelions for my rabbit.

Answer 7

Depending on what kind of animal you have depends on what you buy!

Make certain you don't over pay and get something nutritious that they like.

Example:
my Ferret(s) like(s) the fruits & veggies mixed with the chicken flavored food.. not the ferret mix junk you can buy at the pet store or at Walmart :0)

Answer 8

Price is important, you should buy neutro, science diet, or another quality brand. Corn should not be one of the first ingredients, avoid by products, look for ground chicken instead.

Answer 9

when i buy pet food i look for price and nutritional content.

Answer 10

well, my vet recommended iams and i later found out that it is not good, i like maxxium pet food for cats and dogs.