There are hundreds of pet food brands and each one markets itself as the best. Making the right choice means looking past marketing and focusing on the label — nutrient values and ingredients.
Key values on the label
- Crude protein: Adult dog 22%+, puppy 28%+; adult cat 30%+, kitten 35%+
- Crude fat: 12-18% range
- Crude ash: Under 7% is ideal
- Moisture: dry food 8-10%, canned 70-80%
- Crude fibre: 3-5% (for digestive health)
The first 3 ingredients matter
Ingredients are listed from most to least. Among the first 3 there should be a named meat or meat meal (e.g. "lamb", "chicken meal"). Vague terms like "animal by-products" or "meat mix" suggest lower quality.
Cats are obligate carnivores; real meat content above 50% is important.
Life-stage food
- Puppy / kitten: high protein and calories
- Adult: balanced
- Senior (7+): lower calories, glucosamine, omega-3
- Breed size: small/medium/large breed formulas
Grain or grain-free?
True grain allergies are rare. Grain-free food is unnecessary for most dogs; it has also been associated with dilated cardiomyopathy in some large breeds (FDA research is ongoing). Without a vet recommendation, stick to high-quality grain-containing foods rather than switching to grain-free.
For appointments and detailed information: +90 551 892 99 62 or WhatsApp. Altıntaş Veterinary Clinic, serving Antalya, offers corporate-grade health care for cats and dogs.
