UNDERSTANDING PET FOOD

Gluten-free diets are increasingly popular in human nutrition and this in turn can influence pet food decisions. What exactly is gluten and why is it found in pet food?

Vitamins are important nutrients for pets and people. What are their functions, and should pets be given vitamin supplements?

Similar to human foods, ingredients used in pet foods come from a number of sources. Many are obtained directly from animal or plant raw materials, but they can also be manufactured (or synthesized) and are referred to as ‘synthetic’ ingredients. What types of synthetic ingredients are used in pet foods and what is their role?

Dietary antioxidants support pet health and help preserve the nutritional quality of pet food. Learn more about the important ways that antioxidants contribute to better, longer lives for pets.

Various cooking processes are used in preparing commercial pet foods to ensure delivery of highly nutritious, palatable products. The methods used are determined by the final form (e.g., a dry or wet food), desired texture and visual properties, and packaging. Common forms of pet food include dry extruded kibbles and canned wet food.

Probiotics offer many benefits, but with so many options available, pet owners may not know how to select the best quality and most appropriate one for their pet's needs

Grains provide valuable nutrients, but pet owners may believe that grains are “fillers” or that they may be a source of food allergies.

By-products are a safe and nutritious ingredient, but pet owners may perceive that pet foods containing by-products are low-quality.

Postbiotics are an example of a dietary intervention that may improve microbiome, gastrointestinal, and host health.

Probiotics have a multitude of uses in veterinary medicine, including for healthy digestion, immune function, and anxious behaviors.

Manufacturing dry pet food is a science that has been studied extensively to safely produce complete and balanced diets that have all the nutrients that pets need to thrive. Understanding the production methods and benefits of dry kibble can help improve communication with owners about commercial pet food.

Postbiotics contain dead microorganisms and/or their components, but they still provide biological benefits for the microbiome and overall health. Learn more about this emerging topic in microbiome science.