The Importance of Pet Nutrition and Why Fresh Food is a Great Option
What is proper pet nutrition?
Making sure your dog or cat is on a nutritionally balanced diet is one of the best ways to ensure that they live a long and healthy life. The old saying “you are what you eat” applies to our pets, so it’s essential that you pick food with high-quality ingredients.
Most commercial pet food brands provide products that give your pet the bare minimum. Whereas, if they are on an optimal diet, your pet will experience many health benefits including fewer skin conditions, fewer internal health problems, stronger bones, and more energy. The extra money you’re spending on a high-quality diet means you’ll probably be spending less money at the vet’s office!
Water is the most important. Even a 10% loss of body water can cause serious issues. Your pet should be drinking at least 2.5x the amount of water compared to food.
Protein is very important and can come from different sources: animals and vegetables, meat often being considered a high-quality choice.
Fats are necessary for energy production but can be dangerous if not fed in correct portions.
Minerals and vitamins are a key part of helping nerve conduction.
Carbohydrates are required but must be monitored carefully as many pets get excess carbohydrates, which can lead to obesity and other health issues.
The nutritional requirements for pets vary based on many factors, including their size, age, activity level, and medical history. If your pet does outdoor activities or exerts more energy, then he will require more protein and fat for energy production. For instance, working dogs need more calories than dogs that are solely house pets. Another example is that younger animals need more calories than adults since their body is growing rapidly.
How do you pick a high quality, healthy pet food?
Most of us, especially Vancouverites, are health-conscious and eat fresh, whole food whenever we can. If you do it, why shouldn’t your furry friend also eat the best? If you’re just starting your research or coming back for a refresher, we have a simple checklist for you to use when choosing a healthy cat or dog food option for your beloved companion.
Feed minimally processed food options whenever you are able to. Many brands of kibble are made using the technique “extrusion”, which kills all the bacteria but also gets rid of many of the food’s nutritional benefits.
Try wet food over dry kibble since it’s often less processed and also has higher water content. This means your pet is less likely to be dehydrated.
Look for pet food that is made with human-grade ingredients. If sourcing of ingredients is not talked about, it’s usually a bad thing because legally pet food can be made from 3D meat: dead, dying, or diseased.
Avoid pet foods with a lot of chemical preservatives or additives.
Many pet parents prepare their furry friend’s meals at home. This can be in the form of raw or homemade cooked food. Whichever option you choose, it is even more important to do research and consult a professional to ensure the food is complete and nutritionally balanced. You also need to consider the safe handling of food (specifically raw) and the necessary supplements!
Now you’re more aware of the need for good pet nutrition, but you also don’t have time to spend home cooking food or preparing raw meals. There is a great alternative available: Fresh pet food. This alternative is becoming more and more popular these days as owners start to turn away from the mainstream pet food industry in search of healthier options.
Natural, fresh pet food will benefit your pet in so many ways:
Better skin and softer, shinier skin
Better poops because the food is more easily digestible
Easier to maintain a healthy weight
Strengthens the immune system with natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from whole, fresh food
No additives or preservatives means they aren’t in danger of negative health impacts
More energetic
Additionally, fresh food is great for pets with allergies, sensitive tummies, or who are picky eaters.
Kafka’s Organic is a local subscription-based pet food company operating in Vancouver, Canada. Kafka’s mission is to protect and care for pets by rethinking the status quo in the pet food industry and innovating the highest-quality, safest products for animal friends and their guardians.
Kafka’s uses whole ingredients sourced from ethical farmers and butchers that are prepared into a nutritionally balanced pet food exactly the same way a meal for humans is prepared. Like your own healthy diet, Kafka’s fresh meals for your cat or dog don't have artificial additives, fillers and synthetic vitamins and minerals. All the recipes are vet-approved and meet AAFCO guidelines, which means ingredients are carefully selected and proportioned to meet your pet's daily nutritional requirements.
Kafka’s currently offers a range of homestyle fresh dog food and cat food for home delivery or pickup at local retailers. If you don’t know how to start your fresh food journey, try out the feeding calculator!
