When buying food or treats for your pet, how much time do you actually spend on reading the ingredients each time?  A recent survey of 2,181 pet owners discovered that 43.6% prioritize the health of their pet’s food over their own, and that doesn’t surprise us!  Our pets are our family, and we want the very best for them.  So, what should you know about feeding your pet healthy food?

We’ve compiled our top tips below to help you ensure that your pet is as healthy as can be:

Tip 1: Buy them the right food

With endless options of pet food available, it can be difficult knowing which option is best for your particular pet.  There are a few considerations you should keep in mind, such as the age of your pet, any special dietary needs, their lifestyle and their overall preferences regarding taste and texture.  A puppy, for example, will have much different dietary needs than a senior dog, as will a couch buddy vs. an agility dog.  We always recommend speaking with your vet so they can help determine the best food for your pet based on their dietary needs and be sure to monitor them anytime you introduce a new food.

Tip 2: Consider raw, frozen or fresh foods

Concerned about preservatives in your pet’s food?  While this is a hotly debated topic among pet owners, there are companies that specialize in healthy and natural pet foods and treats.  Some examples include Because Animals, who use organic ingredients and omega-3 content in their food, Open Farm and Lily’s Kitchen are other examples.  If your pet doesn’t take to traditional kibble, you may want to consider raw, frozen or fresh foods.  Just be sure to budget accordingly as it does tend to be more expensive!

Tip 3: Add supplements to their diet

Much like how humans supplement their diets with vitamins, the same can be done with animals.  The supplement industry has spiked in recent years and is set to hit $1 billion by 2027.  Types of supplements include vitamins, fish oils and probiotics!  It’s best to speak with your vet prior to adding any additional supplements to their diet, and only buy supplements from a reputable source, such as your vet clinic or local pet store.  And much like introducing a new food, be sure to monitor your pet closely if you’ve introduced a new supplement to their diet.

Eating right is a good start to ensuring you have a healthy pet, which is a requirement to travel with us.  Are you relocating in the near future?  Contact Worldwide Animal Travel today to receive a free quote for our pet relocation services!