The life stage of your pet (puppy/kitten, adult, elderly) and any health conditions should be considered. Life stages and health situations demand different nutrients and formulas.
The label should say "complete and balanced" to indicate the food satisfies regulatory nutritional requirements. Make sure the contents are meat, not fillers or byproducts.
Balance protein, carbs, fats, vitamins, and minerals. The ratio of these nutrients depends on your pet's species, age, size, and activity level.
Try to avoid artificial preservatives, colors, and tastes. Avoid excessive grains, additives, and fillers that may hurt or cause allergies in your pet.
Discuss your pet's dietary needs with a veterinarian. They can recommend specific diets based on your pet's health conditions, breed, age, and any other individual considerations.
Some pets need grain-free, hypoallergenic, weight-management, or medically prescribed diets. Vets should recommend them.
Choose brands with solid reputations and quality control records. Look for brands that use feeding trials or veterinary experts to create recipes.
Follow the manufacturer feeding instructions. Avoid over- or underfeeding your pet. Adapt portion proportions to your pet's weight, activity, and health.
Consider your pet's preferences and any specific dietary preferences or sensitivities they might have. Some pets may prefer wet food over dry, or vice versa.