An important factor that affects the health and well-being of your Pet is the right choice of food. There are different types of pet food for pets (dogs and cats), which differ in composition, quality, nutritional value and, of course, price.

Classification of dry food

When choosing pet food, consider factors such as the age, breed, mobility, and health characteristics of the animal. Feeds come in several classes:

  1. Economy class – affordable feed with minimal requirements for composition. It attracts a low price, but it should be taken into account that such feeds contain a smaller amount of natural ingredients. The main components often consist of offal, corn starch and other cheap sources of carbohydrates and contain few vitamins.
  2. Premium feeds contain more nutrients. They are characterized by a better composition, having meat ingredients, grains and vegetable additives. Such a diet is more balanced than economy-class feeds, and is suitable for the daily nutrition of pets. In such a product, about 30% of natural meat, carbohydrates from whole grains. But the disadvantage of such feeds is, of course, the cost.
  3. Super-premium foods are considered one of the best options for regular feeding of dogs and cats. They are characterized by a high content of proteins of animal origin, a minimum amount of grains, a full set of vitamins and minerals. Such food is suitable for pets with sensitive digestion. Due to their composition, they are digested by 95%.
  4. Holistic-feeds, which are focused on maintaining the health of the animal in the long term. This is the highest quality food for animals. Such food contains only natural ingredients, without artificial additives, colorants and preservatives. The focus is not only on nutrition, but also on maintaining the overall health and longevity of the animal.

Manufacturers offer feeds of these types: dry, wet and canned, but many owners buy dry food for their pets. Dry food has a long shelf life, is easy to use, has good taste, a large selection of brands and affordable prices.

How to store dry food?

In order to keep the food fresh and not lose its useful properties, it should be stored correctly. We suggest to familiarize with the basic rules of food storage.

  1. When buying a new package, be sure to look at the expiration date. Taking into account the weight of the pack and the rate of consumption, make sure that the food will remain suitable for the entire period of use. Don’t buy food with a couple of months left on the expiration date, rather buy food with a longer expiration date.
  2. Dryness and airtightness. It is important to take care that the package with feed is tightly closed, but it is better to pour the feed into a container with an airtight lid. But if there is nowhere to pour the food, try to close the package as tightly as possible: a clothespin or sticky tape will help.
  3. It is worth avoiding temperature fluctuations. Do not store near radiators, on the balcony, in the freezer. In a humid and warm place pellets will quickly become unsuitable for feeding. It is best to store in a darkened, dry place at room temperature.
  4. It is not a good idea to leave packaging where it can be damaged by rodents and, of course, it is important to keep the food away from your pet.
  5. Do not mix old food with fresh food, after it is finished the storage container should be washed and then pour new pellets.
  6. Once you have opened the new food, store it for no more than 4-6 weeks. After a month and a half, even with proper storage, nutrients, vitamins and healthy fats are destroyed. Also, the former attractive odor of food for the animal is lost.
  7. It is worth buying the amount of product that your pet can eat in a month and a half. However, in order not to constantly open a large bag of food, it is advisable to distribute it in separate airtight containers.

By following these rules you will not only keep your Pet healthy, but also save your budget.

How to store wet food?

The main argument in favor of wet food is digestive and kidney problems. The food promotes rapid urine production and overall hydration.

Canned food is loved by almost all Pets. Due to the presence of preservatives, the taste and odor of the food is well preserved. They have a pleasant consistency and require constant control of the volume of water drunk. The term and conditions of storage of wet food are equally important.

  1. Wet food can be packaged in pouches, designed for one feeding, as well as in tin containers, similar to human canned food. During purchase, you should make sure that the soft packaging is free of dents, cracks and tears. Like dry food, this type of food has information on the package about the recommended feeding rate and composition. In closed form, it can be stored for up to 2 years, if the manufacturer has not specified other information.
  2. New closed spiders and canned food should be stored at room temperature, avoiding humidity, heaters and sunlight. But once opened, wet food should be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 24 or 48 hours, as specified in the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  3. Uneaten food should be put in a glass or plastic container and closed with a lid, placed in the refrigerator, because meat pieces not only dry up, but also become a favorable environment for bacterial growth, and this can harm the health of the animal. Also note that if open wet food is stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days it should be thrown out.
  4. Be sure to wash the Pet’s bowl after each meal, rinse it thoroughly so that no detergent odor remains.

In terms of nutritional value, both types of feed are approximately equal. The main difference is the shelf life in open form and the level of humidity. Canned food contains up to 80% liquid, while dry food contains a maximum of 10%. However, open pellets can stay in the bowl for several days, but uneaten pieces or pâté should be thrown away.

The Ukrainian market offers a wide range of pet food from domestic and international brands, different classes, types, costs and flavors. Therefore, each owner depends on what to choose your pet. After all, taking care of the tail is a high-quality, nutritious food. It is important to remember how to properly store the food so that it does not lose its nutritional properties, because the food should be healthy and fresh!