| We all have the best of intentions for our furry little | | | | By being fed the right amount of vitamins, minerals, |
| friends, but when money is tight pet owners can fall | | | | fats, proteins and calcium your pet is more likely to |
| to the temptation of buying cheaper pet food in a | | | | be healthier and happier, with a shiny, glossy coat. It |
| bid to save money. Supermarkets are awash with | | | | is important to remember that your pet will also need |
| bargain products which you may believe are just as | | | | fresh water on a daily basis, supplied in a clean bowl. |
| good as the more premium brands, particularly when | | | | The variety of premium pet food available on the |
| they are packaged in attractive cartons and tins. | | | | market is vast. In addition to food which suits your |
| However, choose the wrong food and it could | | | | pets age you will also find foods which have specific |
| actually have very little nutritional value. In the worst | | | | qualities, such as "light" pet food for animals where |
| case it could be thought of as feeding "junk food" to | | | | weight is currently an issue. You can also find pet |
| your pet at each meal. | | | | food designed for animals that do not go outside. |
| In the early stage of any animals' life certain | | | | There are even foods which are great for pets with |
| nutritional qualities need to be enhanced, for instance | | | | sensitive skin or excess plaque on the teeth. Your |
| protein and calcium levels. The calories required at this | | | | Vet will be able to guide you on the right choice of |
| stage will also be higher. Throughout the lifespan of | | | | food for your pet and can be a great source of |
| your pet the nutritional requirements change so | | | | information on pet nutrition. |
| wherever possible try to purchase pet food suitable | | | | A Question of Cost versus Quality? |
| for your pets' stage of life. For example look for | | | | You may have looked into purchasing a premium |
| puppy or kitten food and senior dog or cat food. | | | | quality feeding product for your pet and instantly |
| Premium suppliers of such foods have performed | | | | been put off by the price. However, take some time |
| extensive research into the nutritional requirements | | | | to read the packaging and think of the benefits of |
| throughout the various life stages of each animal | | | | feeding your pet a quality, nutritional meal at each |
| they produce for. The products therefore provide a | | | | feeding time. The nutritional value of many quality pet |
| tailor made nutritional meal at each feed. | | | | foods can be so high that the actual amount you |
| Vitamins are not only for Humans - Your Pet needs | | | | need to feed your pet is drastically reduced. You will |
| them too! | | | | more than likely find a 1KG bag of dry premium pet |
| Vitamins and minerals are vital to the health of any | | | | food lasts significantly longer than 1KG of budget |
| pet, but many pet owners are unaware of this. Many | | | | food. Therefore the cost per bowl can be equal, or |
| cheaper brands of pet food will claim to be "enriched" | | | | the premium brand could even be cheaper. Bear "cost |
| with vitamins and minerals and these claims are easy | | | | per bowl" in mind the next time you are purchasing |
| to believe. However, through the manufacturing | | | | pet food. By trialling a bag of premium pet food you |
| process many vitamins and minerals from the core | | | | may be pleasantly surprised with the results, both in |
| food source can be broken down and lost. Quality | | | | terms of your pets' health and the impact on your |
| pet foods will only use protected vitamins, which | | | | finances. |
| cannot be degraded throughout manufacture. | | | | |