PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Do you need to spend more to get the high-quality food your pet needs to stay healthy? The answer isn't necessarily, according to veterinary experts.
As Pennsylvania SPCA Animal Advocate Carol Erickson explains, just because a premium pet food brand is more expensive doesn't necessarily mean it's more nutritious. Costs of raw materials, market demand, trends, and advertising often drive prices up.
Expensive ingredients such as omega-3s, fresh meats, fruits, vegetables, and spices can drive up the price of pet food.
There is no risk in purchasing a cheaper pet food as long as you meet certain criteria.
Related: Pet Project: Detecting Health Problems in Dogs with their Sense of Smell
Pet food is nutritionally complete if it says “Complete and Balanced” or has the letters “AFCO” on the package.
One trend experts say you shouldn't embrace is grain-free pet food. Dogs and cats do not need a grain-free diet.
Although some people are concerned about the use of corn in their pet's diet, currently commercially available pet foods do not contain corn in their products. This is because the price of corn has increased due to the demand for corn for ethanol production.
As a result, quinoa and sweet potatoes may be increasingly used as carbohydrates in pet foods, but Erickson says they're not that different nutritionally from corn.
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Erickson says that as long as the pet thrives on the owner's chosen diet and meets the aforementioned criteria, the quality is good enough.
However, Erickson says some animals have special dietary needs, so it's important to properly modify it to meet your pet's specific health needs.
Featured pets currently looking for foster parents
Skye is portrayed as a shy and kind girl who prefers life outside the shelter. She was taken to the shelter by an animal law enforcement team. Skye is open to meeting her lovely family and other humble dogs.
Dexter is portrayed as a lively and kind boy who needs someone and a family to understand his energy. He would be a great fit in a home where he can play and channel his energy into fun activities.
Lolo is a 15-year-old cat who is said to be talkative and loves other pets and food. He came as a stray dog looking for his loving and supportive home.
If you would like to learn more about these Pawfect friends up for adoption, please contact the PSPCA at Adopts@pspca.org or call 215-426-6300.
You can also watch Erickson's full interview for this week's Pet Project in the video player above. Stay tuned until the end to meet Skye, Dexter, and Rollo.
