I have a dear attachment to my dog, Bailey. Not only is he an important part of our family, but he brings me more joy than I ever imagined possible from a pet. So in addition to giving my dog all the love (and toys!) in the world, I make sure to give him the best food possible—all-natural chow that helps him stay happy and healthy. (Unfortunately, many pet food brands contain harmful ingredients and icky by-products, so it’s extra important that pet owners read labels carefully to ensure your pup gets a good meal!)

As far as I’m concerned, Wellness makes the best food for both dogs and cats.  A group of animal lovers themselves, their mission is to help pets live life to the fullest by providing them with real, nutritious food. They work alongside veterinarians and nutritionists to determine what pets need to be healthy—then make it taste great (to your dog, at least!). If you’re a dog or cat owner, I highly recommend you check ‘em out at wellnesspetfood.com. You and your pet won’t be disappointed!

-Brittany, KIWI staffer

Beyond the Ingredient Label: What’s Really in Your Pet’s Food?

Spending time preparing healthy and natural food for your family is an important concern of many busy mothers. You want your family to eat a balanced diet that not only provides the nutrition needed to live a healthy lifestyle but also enough energy to get through soccer practice and dance classes. When it comes to the four-legged family members, food selection should be just as important—our pets also depend on us for their well-being.

Many pet food companies use ingredients that, while deemed unfit for human consumption, are allowed as ingredients in pet food by the FDA and AAFCO. So, what protein ingredients should you avoid?

Meat byproducts and meat meals are carcass parts such as necks, feet, undeveloped eggs, bones, heads, and intestines. The animals raised for use in these ingredients are given antibiotics and hormones (which then end up in your pet’s food), and often live on factory farms that are damaging to the environment. The ingredients can contain protein from 4D animals, which is a USDA/FDA term used to describe meat that comes from animals that were dead, dying, diseased or disabled prior to being processed.

Just as important as what not to look for, you should know what ingredients should be in your furry friend’s dinner. The first ingredient on the label should be a pure protein source, such as chicken, duck or salmon. There are many high quality pet foods in natural food stores that use natural and organic protein sources, so the animals are raised without the use of antibiotics or hormones.

Feeding your pets high quality food will not only pay off with fewer vet bills, but you can also be rewarded with a longer and healthier life with your pet full of kisses, snuggling and tail wagging!

Beth Swanson