Are Premium Pet Foods Worth the Price? What Veterinary Experts Say

The Cost of Quality Pet Food: What You Need to Know

Are you spending more money on premium pet food brands thinking you’re getting better nutrition for your furry friend? According to veterinary experts, that might not necessarily be the case.

Carol Erickson, an animal advocate with the Pennsylvania SPCA, explains that the higher price of premium pet food brands is often due to the cost of ingredients, market demands, trends, and advertising, rather than superior nutritional value.

Expensive ingredients like Omegas 3s, fresh meats, fruits, vegetables, and spices can drive up pet food prices. However, there is no need to break the bank as long as the pet food meets specific qualifications. If the packaging states “complete and balanced” or has the letters “AFCO,” then the food is nutritionally complete.

One trend that experts advise against is grain-free pet food. Dogs and cats do not require a grain-free diet, and the use of corn in pet food is becoming less common due to rising corn prices caused by demand for ethanol production. Instead, you may see more quinoa and sweet potato used as carbs in pet food, which are not significantly different nutritionally from corn.

Erickson emphasizes that as long as a pet is thriving on their food and it meets the necessary qualifications, the quality is sufficient. However, some animals may require a special diet, so it’s essential to make appropriate revisions to meet their specific health needs.

If you’re considering adopting a pet, the PSPCA has featured pets like Skye, Dexter, and Lolo who are looking for loving homes. Skye is a shy girl who prefers life outside the shelter, Dexter is a lively boy in need of an understanding family, and Lolo is a talkative 15-year-old cat seeking a supportive home.

For more information on these pets or adoption inquiries, contact the PSPCA at adoptions@pspca.org or call 215-426-6300. You can also watch the full Pet Project interview with Erickson to learn more about pet nutrition and meet Skye, Dexter, and Lolo.