For pet owners, the hundreds of pet food recalls taking place each year has raised a lot of alarm. Concerned, many people are unsure what they can do to help protect their pets and avoid purchasing pet food that may come with risks of recalls, or worse, as some products make the pets sick or even lead to death. The good news is that despite all of the pet food recall headlines that hit the news each month, there are things people can do to help ensure they are providing their pets with a safer food option.
”Most people are caring pet owners, and they want to do what helps protect their pet,” explains Will Post, founder and CEO, Hound & Gatos Pet Foods Corporation. “Yet the problem is that most are not sure what that means and how to go about it. The more they learn about pet food, the better able they will be able to make an informed decision that will keep their pet healthier and safer.”
Pet food recalls have become commonplace, with foods being recalled for such reasons as salmonella or Listeria contamination, presence of foreign materials, or other issues. Here are several tips that consumers may want to keep in mind when it comes to choosing a pet food that will help reduce the risks:
· Get to know the company. Most people may know a company name simply because they spend millions on advertising. But that doesn’t mean they know much about the company or their ethics. Research companies to find one that offers high standards, quality products, and great customer service. Then stick with that company for the long haul.
· Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to contact a pet food company and ask them where something was made, where ingredients came from, or any other questions. They should have no problem answering questions about their products, or with being able to provide proof of their quality standards.
· Read reviews. Do some searches to read some reviews about various brands of pet food. Keep in mind that some reviews can be biased and even planted by the company itself, so look for impartial third-party sources giving the review. Also, ask around to see what friends and family feed their pets.
· Investigate ingredients. The source of ingredients is of major concern when it comes to reducing the risks of pet food recalls and with keeping pets healthy. Many of the pet foods recalled contain ingredients that came from Asia, rather than all being 100 percent originating in the USA. Read the labels and ask questions to determine where the ingredients are coming from, and then opt for only products that are completely originating from the USA. For example, the FDA just approved chicken from China. Only three percent of pet foods get inspected, leaving a big window for risks.
· Understand pet foods. Cat and dog food should contain 100 percent protein, which will supply them with the nutrients their bodies require. The problem with many commercial pet foods is that it is comprised of numerous fillers, such as generic liver, cheap fillers, and grains.
“In order to keep pets safer and healthier you can’t just pull any food off the shelf at the store,” adds Post. “Many have generic ingredients and fillers that cats and dogs should not be eating. Get to know pet foods and the companies that manufacture it, and then stick with one that has a high level of standards and is ethical.”
Hound & Gatos Pet Foods are 100 percent meat, with all their ingredients originating from the USA. They have been awarded a “Most Trusted Pet Food” award for two years in a row. Along with being the only pet food company willing to conduct DNA testing to confirm the source of their ingredients, they are also a company that will provide proof of not obtaining ingredients from Asia, despite there being shortages of ingredients in USA farms.
Hound & Gatos Pet Foods strives to help owners obtain the best quality products for their pets, and they deliver with 100 percent animal protein with no fillers. Visit www.HoundGatos.com and discover the difference of premium quality hypoallergenic pet food. Hound & Gatos has experienced some shortages in particular varieties due to their ethical stance on where ingredients come from and have remained diligent to not buy from Asia.