$$$ doesn't always equal quality when it comes to pet food
Some pet owners - and I'm one of them - would skip a meal rather than skimp on pet food. But for others, the weekly budget is so tight that there is no other option.
When it comes to pet food, price and quality don't always go hand in hand. As the editors of Consumer Reports point out, "Pets can thrive on inexpensive food or become ill on pricey food."
Dr. Gary Marshall says you should always check with your vet before changing your pet's diet.
"If your cat or dog has special needs that are being managed by a specific diet, I would urge you not to try to cut back on that because it might lead to other problems that are more expensive down the road," he said.
Marshall says if money is tight and you have to switch foods, don't feel guilty.
"There are so many choices out there and a lot of them are good choices and it's trial and error," he said.
Whatever pet food you buy, make sure the label says "100% complete and balanced nutrition."
Consumer Reports says there's no nutritional difference between wet and dry food.
The vets I spoke to are worried about people who think homemade is better than store-bought pet food.
"Dogs and cats have very specific nutritional and mineral requirements," said Beth Davidow, DVM. "So you can't just feed them hamburger or feed them rice on a long-term basis, because they will get nutritional deficiencies."
Changing pet food can be jarring on any animal's system. So you need to gradually introduce the new food as you remove the old. This should take about a week or so.
By the way, Davidow says she fed her pooch Purina Dog Chow, and he lived to be 18.
The bottom line: if you switch food (after talking to a vet, of course) and your cat or dog is happy and active, then great, you've saved some money. If there are any health issues, you'll need to make a change.
If you want to make your own pet food, you should contact your vet or a animal nutritionist certified by the American College of Veterinary Nutrition.
The group lists two sites as places to go for information on Homemade food: Pet Diets and Balance It.
More information:
What pet-food labels really mean
Q&A Vets weigh in on Fido's food
When it comes to pet food, price and quality don't always go hand in hand. As the editors of Consumer Reports point out, "Pets can thrive on inexpensive food or become ill on pricey food."
Dr. Gary Marshall says you should always check with your vet before changing your pet's diet.
"If your cat or dog has special needs that are being managed by a specific diet, I would urge you not to try to cut back on that because it might lead to other problems that are more expensive down the road," he said.
Marshall says if money is tight and you have to switch foods, don't feel guilty.
"There are so many choices out there and a lot of them are good choices and it's trial and error," he said.
Whatever pet food you buy, make sure the label says "100% complete and balanced nutrition."
Consumer Reports says there's no nutritional difference between wet and dry food.
The vets I spoke to are worried about people who think homemade is better than store-bought pet food.
"Dogs and cats have very specific nutritional and mineral requirements," said Beth Davidow, DVM. "So you can't just feed them hamburger or feed them rice on a long-term basis, because they will get nutritional deficiencies."
Changing pet food can be jarring on any animal's system. So you need to gradually introduce the new food as you remove the old. This should take about a week or so.
By the way, Davidow says she fed her pooch Purina Dog Chow, and he lived to be 18.
The bottom line: if you switch food (after talking to a vet, of course) and your cat or dog is happy and active, then great, you've saved some money. If there are any health issues, you'll need to make a change.
If you want to make your own pet food, you should contact your vet or a animal nutritionist certified by the American College of Veterinary Nutrition.
The group lists two sites as places to go for information on Homemade food: Pet Diets and Balance It.
More information:
What pet-food labels really mean
Q&A Vets weigh in on Fido's food