Nutritional care is a crucial component of responsible pet ownership. A well-balanced diet helps maintain immunity, healthy body weight, and energy levels for cats, dogs, and other animal companions. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, while insufficient feeding risks malnutrition, so finding the right portions and nutrient balance is key. When considering nutrition for pets, experts suggest focusing on high-quality proteins, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that match your pet’s age, activity level, and specific health needs. Research shows home-prepared meals require meticulous planning to ensure complete nutrient coverage, while commercial pet foods are often formulated to meet established standards. Keep in mind certain human foods, such as grapes or chocolate, can be toxic, reinforcing the need for pet-safe diets. Veterinarians emphasize the importance of regular checkups to tailor diets based on changing needs. By prioritizing balanced nutrition early on, you support a longer, happier life for your furry friend.

Does your animal companion get super excited about meal time? We’re betting that the answer to that question is probably a yes for the vast majority of you. While our adorable patients may all have wildly differing perspectives on most topics, it’s safe to say that most of them agree on one thing: they really love food! We’re also pretty fond of meals and snacks. Filling up Fluffy and Fido’s dishes isn’t very hard difficult, but choosin what type of food to put in them can get a bit complicated. In this article, a local Weld County, CO veterinarian shares some helpful tips on pet nutrition.

Ingredients In Pet Food To Avoid

One of the most important things to consider is what is in your pet’s food. Many varieties of human and pet foods are heavily processed these days, and they may contain fillers, preservatives, and other ingredients that may not only be suboptimal but even harmful.

Here are some things to avoid in your pet’s food:

Artificial Food Coloring: Dyes will do nothing to boost your pet’s health. They are typically used to make the finished product appear more appealing and uniform to humans. Red #40, Yellow #5, and Yellow #6 are especially problematic. They all include benzidine, which is a recognized carcinogen.

Rendered Fat: Rendered fat may appear logical, however it is frequently prepared by combining and boiling the undesired portions left over after animals have been processed for meat. Unfortunately, some of the animals may have been ill or infected.

Propylene Glycol: Propylene glycol is a food stabilizer that is commonly used in both Fido and Fluffy’s treats. Large doses can induce adverse effects. It has also been outlawed in Europe, which is reason enough to be concerned.

Corn Syrup/High Fructose. Corn Syrup: If you’ve developed the habit of reading food labels, you’ve probably noticed that corn syrup is now used in a lot of things. It has been associated with a number of human medical disorders, including heart disease, diabetes, and fatty liver disease. It is not harmful to Fido, but it is high in sugar and is generally unhealthy for him.

Artificial Preservatives: The most frequent ones are butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and ethoxyquin. These can be found in a wide variety of wet and dry foods, as well as treats.

Thickening Agents: While thickening agents are unlikely to be at the top of the list of harmful foods, they are also not without drawbacks. Carrageenan, guar, xanthan, and cassia gums are among the most often utilized. They also offer advantages, such as stability and texture. However, some studies indicate that they may be carcinogenic.

For further information, ask your veterinarian.

Tips For Choosing The Right Food

The first thing you should do is talk to your furry pal’s doctor. While we may go over some broad points, it is vital to remember that each pet is unique. Several criteria are considered here, including your pet’s age, health, breed, and lifestyle, as well as any medical concerns they may have. An underweight Pug has extremely different dietary needs than a plump Lab, and a young St. Bernard requires different food than a senior Dachshund.

Aside from that, stick to brands that have AFFCO clearance. AFFCO, or the Association of American Feed Control Officials, is a non-profit organization dedicated to regulating pet food ingredients, manufacturing methods, and quality laws. They work to guarantee that pet food fulfills the essential quality standards to keep your pet healthy, as well as that the nutrients are in the proper amounts. A seal of approval from them confirms that the brand has been thoroughly assessed.

The AFFCO categorizes ingredients in pet food into six distinct groups, each essential for balanced nutrition for pets.

Water: Your pet should always have access to fresh water. Water is also used in meals. The amount of moisture in your pet’s food could impact how easily they absorb the nutrients. For instance, our feline friends actually need quite a bit of moisture in their diets. Mice, birds, and other animals make up cats’ natural diets. Fluffy also consumes her prey raw, which ensures she gets plenty of water from her natural diet.

Carbohydrates, Including Fiber: Carbs give dogs energy in the form of glucose, which is essential for keeping their tails wagging. Cats, on the other hand, require no carbohydrates in their diet. Fluffy will, however, continue to acquire carbs and fiber from her prey in the wild. However, carbohydrates should not be the primary constituent in a dog or cat’s diet.

Vitamins: Vitamins help many of your pet’s organs and systems function properly. Different vitamins have various functions. We will not go into detail about each one, save to say that it is critical that vitamins be added in the proper proportions. Both too much and too little are risky. Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, iron, zinc, and calcium are all vital nutrients for pets.

Minerals: Minerals are also important for your pet’s health because they maintain its internal systems. Iron, zinc, copper, and magnesium are essential nutrients for dogs and cats.

Fat: Fat offers energy, protects Fido’s coat and skin, and lowers inflammation. It is also important for helping pets absorb nutrition, providing insulation and protection, and hormone production. Linoleic acid, flaxseed, and fish oils are all potential sources of fat in pet food. Fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, are essential for pets.

Protein: Protein is essential for pets’ cartilage, tendons, ligaments, skin, fur, claws, muscle, and blood cells. As it degrades, it produces vital amino acids, which are critical for your pet’s health and survival. Chicken, lamb, fish meal, cattle, and eggs are common sources of animal protein in pet food. Plant-based proteins include corn-gluten meal, soybean meal, and legumes.

Deciphering Pet Food Labeling

One of the most effective things you can do is develop the habit of reading food labels. Here’s when things can get difficult. Many businesses employ deceptive marketing strategies to make their items appear better than they are.

AAFCO-approved foods must display a few key pieces of information on their labels.

• Brand And Product Names
• Name Of The Animal That The Food Is For (Dog, Cat, Etc.)
• Quality Statement
• Ingredients List
• Feeding Instructions
• Analysis. This is a huge one because it shows the percentages of the nutrients stated above. While some elements can be specified with a maximum percentage and others with minimums, the list must be in a specific order and in measured units.
• Statement: A nutritional sufficiency declaration that “indicates that the food is complete and balanced for a particular life stage, such as growth, reproduction, adult maintenance or a combination of these, or intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only.”
• Name and address of the manufacturer or distributor

The ingredient list is where things can get complex, thanks in large part to labeling requirements. For example, if an ingredient appears in the name of a product, it must account for at least 95 percent of the item. There are some workarounds, though. Something labeled ‘flavor’ just needs to include roughly 3% of that element.

Make sure to consult your Weld County, COveterinarian for specific recommendations on what to feed Fido and Fluffy. That involves receiving advice on things like food sizes and meal times.

Nutrition for Pets in 2025: Updated AAFCO Guidelines and Dietary Needs

What are the six essential nutrients required for dogs/pets according to AAFCO standards?

AAFCO guidelines define six nutrient categories for healthy canine diets: water, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fat, and protein. Each category supports unique body functions, from hydration and energy production to structural maintenance and immune response. Water aids digestion and waste removal. Carbohydrates supply glucose for activity, vitamins and minerals regulate body processes, fat promotes cell function and hormone production, and protein builds muscle and repairs tissues. A balanced diet with these nutrients helps sustain overall wellness, supports robust growth, and contributes to lifelong vitality for dogs. Adhering to these guidelines ensures every meal provides a strong foundation for a content and active pet.

Why can dogs digest carbohydrates despite being descended from carnivores?

Dogs can digest carbohydrates effectively because their domestication involved genetic adaptations enhancing starch digestion. Unlike wolves, dogs possess higher levels of the enzyme amylase, produced primarily in the pancreas, allowing them to break down carbohydrates into glucose efficiently. This adaptation developed over thousands of years as dogs consumed human food scraps containing grains and other starch-rich ingredients. Consequently, modern dogs have evolved to efficiently utilize carbohydrates as a sustainable energy source, supporting their active lifestyles and dietary flexibility, which is why grains and other carbs commonly feature in commercially prepared dog foods.

What are the unique nutritional needs of senior dogs?

Senior dogs have distinct nutritional needs to maintain optimal health and vitality. They require diets higher in quality protein to preserve muscle mass and support joint function, often needing lower-calorie foods to prevent weight gain due to reduced activity levels. Healthy fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids from sources like fish oil, benefit cognitive function, skin, and joint health. Enhanced fiber content supports digestive health, while antioxidants such as vitamins C and E are beneficial for boosting immunity and fighting age-related cellular damage. Always select foods meeting AAFCO standards specifically formulated for senior dogs to address their changing nutritional demands comprehensively.

Can dogs thrive on vegetarian diets if properly balanced?

Dogs can indeed thrive on a properly balanced vegetarian diet, provided they receive all required nutrients. Although classified as omnivores, they can obtain sufficient protein, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals from plant-based ingredients when carefully formulated. High-quality sources like soy, lentils, and peas, paired with fortified foods or supplements, help prevent nutritional deficiencies. Regular health evaluations confirm that the chosen plan meets daily requirements for energy, maintenance, and growth. Close collaboration with a qualified veterinarian ensures that dietary adjustments align with individual needs and support vitality throughout a dog’s life.

What are the risks of feeding raw diets?

Feeding raw diets can pose a risk of bacterial contamination like Salmonella or E. coli, leading to infection in pets or owners who handle the food. There’s also a chance for nutritional imbalances if the meals are not properly formulated to meet a dog’s or cat’s dietary needs. Plus, raw bones can cause choking or gastrointestinal injuries. Some animals may also struggle with digesting certain raw ingredients, resulting in digestive upset or malnutrition. Consulting a veterinarian helps address these concerns to maintain a balanced, safe, and healthy overall daily diet approach.

Make An Appointment At Our Weld County, CO Pet Clinic

Do you have any queries or worries concerning your pet’s diet? Are you wondering what you should feed your pet? Please contact us, your local Weld County, CO pet hospital, at any time.