Did you know that supermarket food is putting your cat at risk?
Why should we avoid supermarkets when buying food for our pets?
We often hear people say they feed their pets food bought from regular shops or supermarkets. Let’s explore why this is not recommended by specialists and what risks you may be exposing your pet to if you don’t pay attention to the ingredients:
Low ingredient quality: Pet food sold in supermarkets or corner shops often contains low-quality ingredients, such as meat from unknown sources or meat derivatives, fillers, and cheap grains.
Avoid vague labels with terms like “meat derivatives” and choose clear meat sources such as chicken, beef, or fish. Cats do not need grains in their diet, as these can be difficult to digest and may lead to allergies and digestive issues. Avoid labels that list wheat, corn, or other grains among the first ingredients.
Price doesn’t always reflect quality, and often more expensive products may contain lower quality ingredients than expected. Don’t skip reading the ingredient list — make an informed choice when buying food for your pets.
Additives and preservatives: Many supermarket products contain artificial additives and preservatives, which can be harmful to pets. Words like BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin, or artificial colours should raise red flags. These chemicals may cause allergies, food intolerances, and other health issues. Sugar has no nutritional value for pets and can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other health problems, so it should not appear on the label. Similarly, excess salt can lead to high blood pressure and kidney issues.
Lack of expert advice: Supermarket staff are generally not trained in pet nutrition or animal health, making it difficult to find appropriate advice or products tailored to your pet’s specific needs.
The better alternative: specialised pet shops, vet clinics, and veterinary pharmacies!
We always warmly recommend choosing, whenever possible, specialised pet shops or vet clinics and pharmacies. These places offer high-quality products tailored to the nutritional needs of pets, with fibre-rich diets and certified-origin ingredients. Moreover, if the staff is knowledgeable, they can give reliable advice regarding your pet’s diet based on age, energy level, price/quality ratio, and other factors you might care about.
Reading the label is key!
No matter where you buy food for your furry friend, it’s crucial to read the label carefully. Make sure the food you choose contains high-quality ingredients from safe sources and is suited to your pet’s specific needs.
Special diets for medical conditions when needed
Pets with kidney, gastrointestinal, liver, or urinary problems may require a special diet — and these are just a few examples. In such cases, your veterinarian is the go-to expert to help you find the right food that meets your pet’s individual health needs.
Concluzie
Be mindful of what you choose for your pets and always opt for the highest quality food! A proper diet is key to a long life without unpleasant medical surprises!
