Beyond the Marketing: How to Evaluate Pet Food Brands
Pet nutrition is a complex science, and choosing the right food for our furry family members is a deeply emotional decision for many pet parents. Recently, the market has seen a surge in boutique pet food brands making bold health claims and touting unique processing methods.
But how can you be sure the food you're buying is actually safe and effective?
When evaluating any pet food company, it largely boils down to two critical factors: expertise and quality control.
Here are the biggest red flags to watch out for and the questions you should be asking:
1. Do they have a full-time nutritionist on staff?
Many boutique brands boast that their recipes are "vet-approved," but it's important to dig deeper. Does the company employ a full-time veterinary nutritionist, or are they only involved in a consultant role? While using consultants isn't uncommon among smaller brands, it is a point of concern. If a nutritionist is only consulting, there is no guarantee that the company is actually implementing their medical and dietary advice.
2. Do they conduct feeding trials?
This is one of the most critical steps in pet food manufacturing. Does the company perform diet testing, also known as feeding trials? Lack of feeding trials is a major red flag. Without them, we simply cannot be sure the food will do what it claims it will do.
For example, if a brand claims their food helps dogs lose weight, is that weight loss happening safely? Are they still providing balanced nutrition, or just restricting calories? A nutritionist can formulate a picture-perfect diet on paper, but it must be tested to ensure it is safe, nutritious, and shelf-stable for a large population of living, breathing pets.
3. Are their health claims backed by published research?
If a company is making specific health claims or marketing a different processing method, they should have peer-reviewed publications or published studies to back them up. While a lack of publications isn't necessarily a dealbreaker, having published studies demonstrates a company's genuine commitment to animal health and scientific rigor.
The Bottom Line
When in doubt, consult with your veterinarian about which food to feed your pet. It’s often best to stick with companies that have a proven track record, extensive quality control measures, and established partnerships with veterinary schools and practices.
If you are looking for specific dietary solutions for a pet health issue, consider scheduling a consultation with a veterinary nutritionist. This approach ensures your pet is getting the care they need while being under the supervision of a specialist.
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The Dig, Fetch Pet Insurance's expert-backed editorial, answers all of the questions you forget to ask your vet or are too embarrassed to ask at the dog park. We help make sure you and your best friend have more good days, but we’re there on bad days, too.
