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UNDERSTANDING PET FOOD

Practical information about commercial pet foods and what goes into them.

Resources

Gluten in Pet Food

Feeding Philosophies

Gluten in 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?

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6 min to 10 min

Vitamins in Pet Food

Nutrients

Vitamins in Pet Food

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

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6 min to 10 min

Benefits of Synthetic Ingredients in Commercial Pet Foods

Ingredients in Pet Food

Benefits of Synthetic Ingredients in Commercial Pet Foods

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?

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6 min to 10 min

Antioxidants in Pet Foods

Nutrients

Antioxidants in Pet Foods

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.

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6 min to 10 min

Cooking Processes & Commercial Pet Foods

Choosing a Pet Food

Cooking Processes & Commercial Pet Foods

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.

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6 min to 10 min

Postbiotics in pet foods

Ingredients in Pet Food

Postbiotics in pet foods

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

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6 min to 10 min

Understanding Probiotics And Their Impact On Pet Health

Treats & Supplements

Understanding Probiotics And Their Impact On Pet Health

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

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16 min to 20 min

The Nutritional Value of Dry Pet Food

Choosing a Pet Food

The Nutritional Value of Dry Pet Food

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.

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6 min to 10 min

Understanding Postbiotics and Their Effects on Gastrointestinal and Host Health

Ingredients in Pet Food

Understanding Postbiotics and Their Effects on Gastrointestinal and Host Health

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.

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20+ minutes

The nutritional benefit of including organs in dog and cat food

Ingredients in Pet Food

The nutritional benefit of including organs in dog and cat food

Pet owners often ask veterinary health care providers why organs are included in pet food. There are nutritional advantages to including organs, and utilizing organs in dog and cat food is also beneficial for the environment.

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6 min to 10 min

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in pet food

Ingredients in Pet Food

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in pet food

Although medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) do not supply essential fatty acids and thus should not be the only dietary fat source in pet food, 1 studies show supplementing MCTs in the diet can provide health benefits to some dogs.

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6 min to 10 min

Feeding the finicky feline

Feeding Management

Feeding the finicky feline

Encouraging picky cats to eat can be frustrating for veterinary health care providers and pet owners alike. Managing medical conditions and stress and implementing strategies to improve food intake can help finicky felines meet their energy and nutrient needs. These strategies apply to hospitalized cats and cats in a home environment.

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6 min to 10 min