When it comes to the food that your pet eats, there are some things you should know. The first thing is that most pet foods do not have to be regulated by the government. That means they can contain almost anything! So make sure when buying a bag of dog or cat food, ask questions about the ingredients and where they come from.
First Things First
Also check for expiration dates, moldy spots on packaging material, and caking formation on top of kibble in cans or bags. If there are any concerns about quality then avoid buying from this brand altogether because it could lead to health issues later down the road.
Look for meat-based ingredients on pet food available at PetCareRx. High protein percentages are more likely going towards providing nutrients rather than just being filler material like carbohydrates. They aren’t needed as much by dogs & cats due to their digestive systems.
Know Where Your Food Comes From
Ask Questions
When you’re buying pet food, make sure to ask where it was made and how it was made. The same goes for any other pet products you buy—if the label doesn’t say anything about where the product came from, ask questions of your provider.
Know What You Don’t Know
If a company can provide all their information without hesitation or uncertainty, then they probably aren’t lying to you. Don’t be afraid to ask them.
Stay informed about safety issues surrounding imported foods from China. Since 2006, there has been a ban on importing dog treats from China due to concerns over contamination with melamine. This could lead to pets developing kidney failure after consuming them. However, according to recent reports, these products may still show up on store shelves even though they shouldn’t be there anymore.
Ask Questions and Read Reviews
Look for reviews on the company, as well as their products. Customer service, reputation, and social media are all indicators of a good pet food manufacturer.
Pet Food Ingredients
While not all ingredients are bad for your pet, it’s important to recognize the top five ingredients in your dog or cat’s diet so you can decide whether or not it is a good quality brand for your furry friend.
Pet Food Manufacturer Reputation
This will help determine if it is safe for you to purchase from that brand and also determine if they have recently been sued or had recalls due to poor product safety standards (or other reasons).
Pet Food Packaging Material Safety Standards
The material used in packaging should be BPA-free plastic.
Never Buy Food That Is Packaged in Damaged Containers
If the packaging has been damaged, leaks or signs of pests are present, do not purchase the product. Additionally, contact the manufacturer if you have questions about the quality of their product.
Don’t Leave Dog Food Out All-Day
For the same reasons you wouldn’t leave food out all day for humans, don’t leave your dog’s dinner out all day. If you’re going to be gone from home for over four hours, find another caregiver who will be able to feed and water your pet.
If you do have to leave food out for an extended period, cover it with plastic wrap or put it in an airtight container. The same goes for moist treats and other snacks that could become contaminated from bacteria on your hands if they are left uncovered.
Look for a Short Ingredient List
The shorter the ingredient list, the better. Look for food that is free of artificial ingredients and preservatives. Avoid foods with added grains, by-products, and fillers. These are often less digestible than whole meats and vegetables and therefore can lead to an upset stomach.
Keep Pet Food in Airtight Containers Away From Heat and Sunlight
Keeping your pet’s food in an airtight container is one of the best ways to ensure that it stays fresh. This can be done by storing the food in a container with a lid or even just keeping it in an airtight bag. You should also keep this food out of direct sunlight and make sure it doesn’t get too warm, hot, or cold.
One important thing to keep in mind is to always store pet treats away from your pets’ regular meals. Treats are meant for special occasions only, so if you leave them out all the time there’s a chance your dog or cat will start seeing them as part of their main diet!
Check for Mold or Bugs
You should check for mold or bugs. If you see signs of contamination, such as mold and bugs, avoid feeding your pet food that has these signs. If you see this in your product, contact the company to let them know and they may offer you a refund or replacement product.
Look for the “Use By” Date on the Packaging
The use-by date is an indicator of freshness, nutritional value, safety, and quality. The use-by date is a legal requirement that the manufacturer must follow!
This means that if you see an item with a best before or use by date on it, then this is the last day that it can be sold in stores. After this period has passed, you should not purchase the product because it is no longer safe to eat.
As a pet owner, you know how important your cat or dog’s health is to you. You want them to be happy and full. When it comes down to it, pet food safety is one of the most important things for you as a pet owner.
Pet food safety covers all aspects of ensuring that the food you give your pets is safe, including making sure that the ingredients used in their food are free of contamination and harmful substances.