I will try not to make this a rant but it is something that drives me and many other veterinarians UP THE WALL.

You bring your pet in for their annual visit, as your veterinarian I ask some basic history questions:

Has there been any vomiting or diarrhea? “Nope”

Has there been any coughing or sneezing? “no doc”

What kind of food do they receive?  “….Oh I’m not sure, it’s expensive so it is good quality not the junk food”

Sorry to break the news but dollars do not equal quality. I’m not entirely sure where this misconception arose but it makes my eye twitch every time I hear it. Unfortunately the driving force for price is marketing and the better the marketing of foods e.g. “all natural” “human grade” “no by products” the more the consumer will jump to open their wallets.  What I tell my clients is, yes I agree these foods sound great, who wants to eat by products (chicken wings anyone???) but what we fail to realise is that the food (canned or kibble or both) is the sole ration we offer our pets. As such we need to ensure they are balanced for their macro nutrients (protein, fat and carbohydrate) as well as micro nutrients (vitamins and minerals). Yes it is not super exciting but a professionally balanced diet is critical in the health and longevity of our pets.

As a side note: If you put the veterinary diets side by side to some of expensive pet store diets the cost per day is VERY comparable.  These veterinary diets are calculated and balanced to meet the requirements of your pet.

Now there are many exceptions to the rule. People have the option to make their own pet foods at home with the help of proprietary vitamin mineral powders that are added to specific recipes. I’m sure there are pet store brands that are good/acceptable for your pet, my only hope is that people are not misguided by the notion that cost dictates quality.

Do your research and ask your vet.

What do you feed your pet and why?