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Categories Of Pet Foods
In addition to distinguishing pet foods based on their
form, products are also distinguished more generally
based on the criteria of cost, place of purchase, nutrient
density (number of calories per pound) and, to a lesser
degree, palatability and digestibility. Super premium,
premium and non-premium products can all offer 100%
complete and balanced nutrition. No official definitions
exist for these categories of pet foods and the characteristics
of products vary from one manufacturer to another. In
general, super premium products tend to be at the high
end of the spectrum for the distinguishing characteristics,
premium products fall in the mid-range and non-premium
products tend toward the lower end of the spectrum for
cost and nutrient density. Super premium foods are generally
sold in pet specialty stores and veterinary offices,
carry big price tags and are usually energy dense, or
have more calories per pound of food. Premium foods
are traditionally sold at grocery stores but are also
available in pet specialty outlets. These types of products
are moderately priced. Feed stores often carry non-premium
pet foods which are very inexpensive.
Some pet foods are designed with palatability as their
distinguishing feature. These products often have kibbles
with different sizes and shapes and carry various flavor
claims. They appeal to pet owners interested in indulging
their pet and providing great variety.
Store-brand products are those pet foods sold under
the store's name as opposed to a national brand name.
These foods are designed to offer similar guarantees,
ingredients and performance to the nationally advertised
brands at a lower price.
Comparing Label Guarantees
The difference in moisture content among the various
types of pet food impacts the nutrient density of the
products or the amount of nutrients per pound of food.
As the water content of the diet increases, the amount
of protein, fat and other essential nutrients decreases.
That means the animal must consume a larger portion
of the high moisture products to receive the nutrition
they need.
This difference in moisture content also prohibits
a direct comparison of the nutrient content of one product
type to another. For example, a consumer cannot compare
the 12% protein content of a canned dog food to the
21% protein level of a dry dog food and conclude the
dry food will supply more protein. The serving size
for the canned food will be much larger due to the increased
amount of water. Thus, the dog will actually consume
similar amounts of protein with each product. The consumer
can, however, make a fair comparison of the 21% protein
content of one dry dog food to the 30% protein content
of another dry dog food and conclude that the dog will
receive more protein by eating the higher protein product.
That is not to say, however, that the higher protein
product is necessarily superior. That would depend on
the life stage and lifestyle of the pet to whom the
product is fed. It is generally accepted that dry pet
foods are more economical to feed than the soft-moist
and canned varieties and offer more convenience to pet
owners. Dry products also have crunchy kibbles which
help reduce the build-up of plaque and tartar on the
pet's teeth.
Pet Foods To Meet Special Needs
Many pet foods are formulated to meet certain specific
nutritional needs of dogs. For example, diets designed
specifically for puppies usually contain higher levels
of the nutrients pets need during their period of rapid
growth and development.
Some dog foods are formulated to have higher levels
of protein and calories to provide the extra energy
dogs need when they are hunting or working. Other dog
foods are formulated to be lower in calories and fat
to help less active and older dogs maintain normal body
weight.
For more information about individual pet food products,
contact the manufacturer.
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Reprinted with permission by Ralston Purina Canada
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