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
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.
Preservatives (BHT & BHA)
Animal tests have shown adverse kidney, liver, reproductive, brain, behavioral, and allergic reactions. Many countries have banned their use.