The first wet diet emerged years later when the popular “Ken-L Ration,” canned horse meat, was introduced in the US. Nutrition programs for life stages started later, in the 1940s. The first therapeutic diets were introduced in the 1950s, and the first racialized diets appeared in the 1970s. The National Research Council didn’t provide the dietary needs for cats and dogs until 1980. This final point lays the foundation for providing pets with a balanced diet, along with other recommendations like AAFCO or FEDIAF.
I’ve only included a few examples below in extremely general terms because the precise proportions may change based on how the food is made:
1. Dogs’ nutritional needs:
- Proteins
A minimum of 22% of puppies and a minimum of 18% of adults are fat. - Fiber
Minimum 5.5% Fiber for adults; minimum 8.5% Fiber for puppies - It varies according to the particular requirements of the meal.
- trace elements and vitamins
- particular to the demands and stage of life of the dog.
2. Cat nutrition requirements
- Proteins:
A minimum of 30% of adults and a minimum of 26% of puppies are fat. - Fiber
Minimum 9% Fiber for Puppies; Minimum 9% Fiber for Adults - It varies according to the particular requirements of the meal.
- trace elements and vitamins
- particular to the demands and stage of life of the cat.
Many different foods have evolved. As a result, the food industry has to classify itself into several food types or categories to give customers the nutrition they need to fulfill their dogs’ demands.
Pet meals must comply with government rules and standards in many nations, which include having clear labeling and meeting specific nutritional requirements. Following the manufacturer’s recommendations for the right daily amount of food, taking into account your pet’s age, size, and individual demands, is crucial when it comes to any kind of food.
Food for dogs, cats, birds, rodents, reptiles, etc. is nowadays well-defined. However, the amount of nutrients needed varies based on the pet’s age, size, activity level, and unique needs. Therefore, it is essential to classify pet food according to these subcategories in addition to species.
Among the many different types of pet food categories, there is one that is determined by the financial means of each pet parent (as well as the nutritional value’s digestibility): this is the category of, in very broad words, economical food, standard food, or premium food.
There are more intricate subcategories inside each of the aforementioned segments; let’s discuss a few of them:
dry food
The most popular food in the world, it often has a well-balanced combination of vital elements. It is made via the extrusion method to attain specific physicochemical properties. As some nutrients, particularly micronutrients, might deteriorate with processing and time, it’s critical to adhere to the manufacturer’s storage and expiration date guidelines.
moist food
There is a lot of water in this kind of cuisine. Its texture and flavor appeal to certain pets more. As wet food might not be as abrasive, it is advised to add dry foods to the diet to support oral health.
rather moist food
It combines the aforementioned elements.
Food referred to as “Biologically Appropriate Raw Food” (BARF)
It is made out of raw meat, raw bones, raw organs, and raw veggies. It is predicated on the notion of resembling an animal’s natural diet more closely. It’s vital to think about taking supplements because a raw diet could be deficient in some vital elements. To prevent bacterial contamination, it is also important to maintain strict hygiene standards.
Foods Particular to Breeds
foods designed with specific breed requirements in mind.
foods appropriate for different periods of life
They might be for elderly people, adults, or pups.
Pet food with particular dietary requirements
We may list foods that are hypoallergenic, free of grains, and suitable for pets who struggle with weight issues.
Candy and snacks
Tiny servings of delectable foods as a training or reward. They don’t take the place of the main course.
Nutritional Supplements (minerals and vitamins)
To make sure the animal gets all the nutrients it needs. Supplements are not necessary for every animal.
Recall that our pet will consume the food we choose for him and that it will typically be the same meal over extended periods. For our pet to maintain optimal health and well-being, this diet needs to be well-balanced and supply all the necessary nutrients.
Pet parents now have greater access to a wider variety of foods and information, and pet nutrition research is becoming more sophisticated and widely available. As we’ve seen, there is a category created after years of study just for our particular pet. This meal is made to meet all of your dog or cat’s nutritional demands. It takes into account several different things, such as the species (cat or dog), life stage (puppy, adult, senior), size (small, medium, large), breed, activity level, and any dietary restrictions.
Since there is currently a type of food available today that completely nourishes the pet, it is crucial to remember that the choice of food should be based on the particular needs of the individual pet.
