By Dr. Al Townshend

The Good and the Bad Basic Ingredients

Vitamins and Minerals are some of the most important nutrients that every pet requires. We at Pet Planet place great value on recommending the best levels of vitamins and minerals for dogs and cats. Every function that occurs in the body depends on vitamins and minerals and adequate amounts of water.

Vitamins and Minerals

The pet food industry has set standards for the level of vitamins and minerals necessary in order for a diet to be complete and balanced. Unfortunately, they are minimum standards and not ideal amounts that can provide the best benefits.

It is important to look at the levels of vitamins and minerals but it is equally important to understand where those vitamins and minerals come from.

Good Sources

Natural vitamins and minerals are always better than artificial sources. Meats, grains, legumes (peas, lentils, and chickpeas), fruits and vegetable are good natural providers. Many pet foods, including the foods in the Pet Planet stores, add additional amounts of some vitamins and minerals.

Bad Sources

Not so good sources are often in a form that is poorly utilized by the dog or cat and so it is important to be sure that what is on the ingredient list is in the most appropriate form.

Providing not just the minimum levels of vitamins and minerals but supplementing optimum levels is especially important. Be sure and discuss the importance of vitamins and minerals with the staff at any Pet Planet store.

Water

Like vitamins and minerals, water is necessary for every process that occurs in the body. It is used up quickly and so it is important that it is replaced frequently during the day.

Fresh, clean water should be available at all times for our pets. Ideally, there should be more than one source of water.

Pets on a total daily recipe that is mostly dry (kibble) food are at risk of not getting enough water. Cats especially need plenty of water to maintain a healthy urinary system. Adding canned food or topping the dry food with a portion of raw can significantly increase the amount of water a pet consumes.

Want help selecting a pet food for your pet? Get a free Pet Planet Nutrition Consultation at a Pet Planet Health location near you.