Choosing the Best Food for Your Pet

Published on October 9, 2025 by Denver Paws Team

Understanding Your Pet's Nutritional Needs

Just like humans, pets require a balanced diet to thrive. However, their specific nutritional needs differ significantly based on species (dog vs. cat), age (puppy/kitten, adult, senior), breed size, activity level, and any underlying health conditions. For instance, a growing puppy needs more calories and specific nutrients for development than a sedentary senior dog.

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their diet must consist primarily of meat to provide essential amino acids like taurine. Dogs, while also carnivores, are more omnivorous and can digest a wider range of foods, including certain grains and vegetables.

Types of Pet Food

The pet food market offers a vast array of options. Understanding the differences can help you make an informed choice:

• Dry Kibble: Convenient and cost-effective, dry kibble helps keep teeth clean. Look for high-quality brands with real meat as the primary ingredient.
• Wet/Canned Food: Often more palatable and provides higher moisture content, which is beneficial for hydration, especially for cats.
• Semi-Moist Food: Less common, these foods are often higher in sugar and salt and are generally not recommended as a primary diet.
• Raw Food Diets (BARF): Consist of uncooked meat, bones, and organs. These diets are controversial and require careful preparation to ensure nutritional completeness and safety from pathogens. Consult your vet before considering a raw diet.
• Home-Cooked Diets: Can be healthy if properly formulated by a veterinary nutritionist. Without expert guidance, they often lack essential nutrients or contain imbalances.

Reading Pet Food Labels

Pet food labels can be confusing, but understanding a few key terms can help:

• Ingredient List: Ingredients are listed by weight. Look for whole meat (e.g., chicken, beef, salmon) as the first ingredient.
• Guaranteed Analysis: This section provides minimum percentages of crude protein and fat, and maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture. These are important for comparing different foods.
• AAFCO Statement: Look for a statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) indicating that the food is "complete and balanced" for a specific life stage (e.g., growth, adult maintenance, all life stages).
• Calorie Content: Often listed as kcal per cup or can, this helps with portion control.