UNDERSTANDING PET FOOD

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

Cats and dogs have different nutritional needs, so they should be fed food specifically formulated for their species.

This glossary defines the key phrases used to describe commercial pet foods and explains the roles of two important associations.​

Pet food manufacturers are committed to producing safe, nutritious cat and dog foods.

Commercial pet foods are available in different forms, each providing different features and benefits for owners and pets.

Understanding the information on a pet food label can help when comparing and choosing 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?

Purina was the first to use prebiotics in pet food and is a leader in the field. What are the benefits of prebiotics to pets?

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