What's In Your Pet's Food?
Every pet is different and may require a specific diet to thrive. We carry a variety of pet foods that are sure to fit the dietary needs of your pet.
Pet Food Rating System
Not all pet foods are created equal. Learn how to evaluate what you're feeding your furry family members.
Level 1 – Premium
Level 1 foods contain no common food allergens and are highly digestible. Typically, they contain added probiotics, though this feature is not a requirement.
Probiotics are beneficial living bacteria (as in yogurt), which are added after the cooking process to aid in digestion. They provide the meat carnivores need without the by-products commonly found in other commercial foods.
PET DEPOT stores are committed to providing customers with a variety of Level 1 food brands.
Level 2 – Quality
Level 2 foods contain no common food allergens or byproducts, but they are not as digestible as Level 1 foods.
This may contain extra grain sources but will not include brewers rice. We have a great selection of Level 2 foods at value pricing.
Level 3 – Moderate
Level 3 foods may contain one or two food allergens, but are still moderately digestible.
Level 4 – Avoid
Level 4 foods should be avoided! They may contain by-products, a substantial amount of potential food allergens, and preservatives, which may contain artificial binding agents that harden stools.
Level 5 – Dangerous
Level 5 foods should be permanently avoided, at all costs! These foods can cause long-term harm to animals and may reduce your pet's life span.
Level 5 foods generally use ultra-poor protein sources, contain many food allergens, use preservatives, and may add unnecessary amounts of sugar, salt and artificial colors. Additionally, they may contain Meat Meal/Bone Meal and make use of Propylene glycol.
Ingredients to Look Out For
Know what's really in your pet's food. Here's a guide to common ingredients and their effects.
Common Food Allergens
Include but are not limited to: Soy, corn, wheat, and sorghum.
By-Products
Consists of the ground rendered, clean parts of slaughtered animals, such as necks, feet, beaks, tails, eyeballs, and organs.
Chicken, Turkey, and Lamb Meal
Dry and 50%-60% meat protein! During processing, these meals do not shrink below the grain weight, producing a true meat based formula for your carnivores.
Animal Digest
Materials which result from chemical or enzymatic hydrolysis of clean and non-decomposed animals.
Meat Meal / Bone Meal
Parts from mammals rejected for human consumption. Carcasses are denatured using toxic chemicals such as carbolic acid or creosote. Rendering facilities are not government controlled.
Preservatives (BHT & BHA)
Animal tests have shown adverse kidney, liver, reproductive, brain, behavioral, and allergic reactions. Many countries have banned their use.
Propylene Glycol
First cousin to antifreeze. Inhibits beneficial bacteria growth, pulls moisture from the digestive tract, and kills red blood cells.
Salt
Heavily used to increase palatability. Can cause hypertension, kidney stress, and colon irritation. Excessive amounts can hurt your pet.
Ascorbic Acid
A source of vitamin C. This is an acid and can cause an allergic skin reaction.
🚫 DO NOT feed your pet anything you would not eat yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best diet for my pet?
Every pet is different and may require a specific diet to thrive. We carry a variety of pet foods that are sure to fit the dietary needs of your pet. It's always important to consult a veterinarian before choosing your pet's food.
What is rendering or denaturing?
Rendering and denaturing are processes used to prepare meat/bone meals. To prevent condemned meat from being used for human consumption, government regulations require meat to be denatured. The two mixtures most frequently used are Carbolic acid and Creosotes — both substances are very toxic.
How do I cope with my pet's allergies?
The most common condition to treat in pets is skin allergies. Upon examination of pet diets, one may find a significant correlation between diet and allergies. The animal proteins dogs seem to do well on are lamb, venison, duck, and trout.
What is an easy way to boost my pet's health?
The easiest way to boost your pet's health is to give them a daily multi-vitamin! Antioxidants, Vitamins E and A, and Selenium, in appropriate proportions, will aid in the prevention of adrenal gland cell oxidation and help regenerate new ones.
Questions About Pet Nutrition?
Our knowledgeable staff can help you find the right food for your pet's unique needs.
Call Us: (717) 795-7387