UNDERSTANDING PET FOOD

Probiotic taxonomy can seem daunting to veterinary health care teams and pet owners alike. Understanding taxonomic changes, or changes to the genus and/or species name of a probiotic, can help improve communication with owners about supplements.

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.

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.

Share this handout with pet owners so they understand the importance of obtaining your recommendation on which supplement(s) to give their pet.

Learn about supplements for pets: what they are, indications for use, and how to choose them.

Dietary carbohydrates in pet food help meet the pet’s physiological need for glucose. However, due to the ancestral origins of dogs and cats, some owners may question whether carbohydrates should be a part of their pets’ diet.

Pets obtain essential fatty acids from their diet. What are these fatty acids, and how do they support pet health?

Feeding guidelines are designed to help owners determine the quantity of food to feed their pets to ensure an optimal body condition, but owners may be unsure how to use them.

Minerals are one of six nutrient groups in pet food that dogs and cats need for optimal health. Learn more about the minerals that contribute to healthy body function.

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?

Protein is an essential nutrient that can be provided by both plant and animal sources. Are there differences between plant and animal proteins and what is considered a good quality protein?