UNDERSTANDING PET FOOD

The small amounts of sugar in pet foods have important functions, but pet owners often view sugar as an ingredient that only adds calories and causes obesity or diabetes.

Alternative proteins, which are generally considered protein sources other than the traditional animal sources such as beef and chicken, are increasingly being utilized in both human and pet food. What are examples of alternative proteins, and why are they used in pet food?

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

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.

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.