As Pet Nannies, we learn a mouthful from the pets in our care. Common diseases we see like Diabetes, Heart & Kidney failure, can be managed and prevented with better food choices. How we handle pet food after we purchase it can impact your pets' health & save you money.
I often laugh at what pets, "kids" enjoy the best. When we look at their food bag, it often has cornmeal as one of the first 4 ingredients. Corn converts to sugar 
Kids always enjoy candy! 
As Pet Lovers and consumers, what options do we have to offer our pets?
Pet food or "kibble" is sold in bags with beautiful pictures of vegetables & meat. They boast of "Science", "Natural" & "Weight Management". Yet the ingredients tell the tail. Our pets often gain weight on these products. It reminds me of my personal quest to downsize. As I read human packaging in the Kroger isle, the FDA has less-than-stringent rules about what describes a food until ingredients are inspected. Natural & Low fat is often high in calories! We have learned to read labels in the grocery isles. Why don't we do this for our pets?
Animal by-products and rendered animal fat are common in pet foods. We think this is a nice blend for them. Why do pets needs this processed food? Is it the best we can afford? We refer folks to Abady feed under links on our website. This is an informational site for how to read pet labels. We learn what to search for in ingredients on labels and the advantages of a grain-free diet. When was the last time your cat brought you an ear of corn from outside? A mouse, mole and bird is the prize of choice. A dog will bring a dead bird or squirrel out of the corn field. No corn cob is dropped at your feet.
We need to offer the best food available for our pets. We recommend purchasing food as needed. Some Pet Lovers buy a reserve of extra bags of food. All pet food comes with an expiration date! We encourage buying the bag you currently need for your pet(s). When you open the bag, SMELL it. Ever wonder why your pet will not touch a new bag for no known reason? A bag of food can mold from a damp warehouse. It can smell burned or "off" from the manufacturer. When you open a bag, keep the bag and do not decant it into a container. We know there have been recalls with pet food. With the current bag, you have the manufacturer's information at hand. Keeping kibble in a container often prevents complete rotation of food. Reminants of old food stay in the container and can go rancid.
Purchasing food from local pet stores is idea. We encourage a green approach as a pet food consumer. Large warehouse storage of pet food from the major chains may not offer the freshes & recent expiration dates with food. Your local pet shop is well informed with the food they sell. They keep smaller amounts of pet food on hand. They often accept opened bags that do not meet your pets palate. They often encourage bag returns to swap-out for another bag!
Lastly, pets have taste buds 1,000 more acute than humans. When we go to a restaurant, do we order the same food each time? Probably not. Your pets need variety in their diet. Consult your veterinarian as to how to progress into new foods. Good luck with your pet food choices. Tell us what you find.
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