What's in pet food?

The food you feed your pet is the single most important thing you can do for its health. Our mammals need a wide range of nutrients to maintain healthy body function. For optimal health your pet needs a diet which is nutritionally balanced and palatable. It is important to remember that the nutritional needs of a cat or dog are distinct and different to humans. For example, a cat is an obligate carnivore and requires at least 41 essential nutrients for healthy body function. A dog is an omnivore and requires 37 essential nutrients. There are 6 nutrient classes which a dog and cat must have to function properly.

To achieve this balance pet food manufacturers blend mixtures of ingredients including meat and fish, with vegetables, cereals, vitamins and minerals to produce foods that will satisfy the nutritional requirements of a pet in 1–2 servings. The majority of owners want to provide the best food possible for their pet and feeding this way means they can have complete confidence they are addressing their pets nutritional needs.

Over the decades pet food manufacturers have developed the nutritional expertise to ensure they incorporate the latest advances in pet nutrition. Pet food manufacturers produce products in line with the FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) Nutrition Guidelines and the NRC Guidelines (National Research Council). These guidelines detail the nutritional requirements of dogs and cats at varying life stages. There is strict legislation governing what ingredients can be used in the manufacture of pet food. This legislation is laid down by Europe and also applies to imported pet foods.

The broadening knowledge of pet nutrition and food technology has transformed the pet food industry remarkably over the years. It is now widely recognised by the veterinary profession that pets are living longer, healthier lives as a result of improved nutrition [Reid, S.W.G. and Peterson, M.M. (2000) Veterinary Record Nov, 630-631; Watson, D (1996) Veterinary Record Jan, 70 ].

Meats are generally good sources of protein, essential fatty acids, iron and some B group vitamins. They also increase the palatability of a product and have a high digestibility.

The animal based materials used in pet foods come from animals which are inspected and are passed as fit for human consumption but which are surplus to the requirements of the human food industry. These materials meet the very high safety and quality criteria laid down in the Animal By-Products Regulations 2005.

Members only use materials from species which are generally accepted in the human food chain. The members use materials of beef, lamb, poultry, pork, fish, rabbit and game. A copy of our raw materials policy can be found in the press office section of our website.

Fish are a good source of high quality protein. Fish muscle contains iodine. Because bones are frequently ground when preparing the fish, a good source of calcium and phosphorus is also provided. The flesh of oily fish contains vitamin A & D and omega 3. Fish are commonly divided in to white fish and oily fish - white fish e.g. haddock, plaice, cod, whiting and sole and oily fish, e.g. herring, pilchards, mackerel, sardines, tuna, salmon and trout.

High quality protein. Dairy products also provide calcium and a number of vitamins. Examples of dairy products used in pet food include cheese and milk products.

B vitamins. Soya beans provide a source of protein and energy, omega 6, fibre and minerals.

Cereals provide an important source of energy, a proportion of protein and other nutrients including thiamine and niacin. Although dogs and cats have no absolute dietary requirement for carbohydrates, they present an excellent energy source in an easily digestible form. Good sources of carbohydrates in pet foods are usually cereal based such as corn (maize), rice, wheat, barley or sorghum. Certain fibres (for example moderately fermentable fibres such as beet pulp or rice bran) can have beneficial effects on the health of the digestive tract (Hand, Thatcher, Remillard, Roudebush: Small Animal Clinical Nutrition: 4th Edition, pp 1192)).

A supply of energy and essential fatty acids. Important for optimal health, including kidney function and reproduction, and a glossy coat. There are 2 different types of essential fatty acids – omega 3 & 6 and 3 recognised EFA’s – linoleic, alpha linolenic and arachidonic acid. These are required in small quantities for optimal health and cannot be synthesised by dogs and cats from other fats. Arachidonic acid an essential nutrient for the cat and is only available from animal sources. Some fats also supply a source of vitamins A & D.

A supplementary supply of vitamins which ensures the pet is receiving the required daily dietary intake. Vitamins are also supplied through the ingredients.

Sodium is an essential nutrient for cats and dogs. Good sources of sodium in pet food include meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. Sodium may also be included in prepared pet foods in the form of table salt (sometimes listed on the ingredients panel as salt) to enhance taste.

NB The National Research Council lays down guidelines on sodium levels for dogs and cats. Although sodium levels in human food can present a human health issue due to the risk of hypertension, sodium levels in prepared pet food are not a cause for concern in healthy adult dogs and cats. The physiological make up of a pet animal is quite distinct from that of a human. Healthy dogs and cats are able to consume diets with higher sodium levels than those found in most prepared pet foods without increased blood pressure or gain in body water. While a higher sodium intake may cause increased thirst and water consumption, the extra sodium is excreted in the urine (Luckschander. N, Iben. C, Biourge. V, Journal of Veterinary Medicine 16: 354 ). In pets with disorders such as heart or kidney disease, the use of reduced salt diets may be advised. Such disorders must be discussed with a vet.

The term "various sugars" is a category description, which may refer to sucrose (cane sugar, commonly known as table sugar), fructose and glucose, all of which are natural products present in fruit, vegetables and cereals.
Some manufacturers may add sugar to pet foods as an energy source. Through digestion dogs and cats can easily convert sugar in to usable energy.
Manufacturers may also add very small amounts of sugar to assist with the cooking process. When the sugars are cooked along with the meat it results in the browning of the meat and the production of natural sugars, (just the same as those produced in the cooking of the Sunday roast), this provides a pleasing colour and enhances palatability.
If sugar is added, levels are carefully controlled to ensure nutritional balance and palatability.

Additives which can be used in pet foods include vitamins, flavours, preservatives, antioxidants and colours. Most of the additives used in pet food are also used in our foods. PFMA members only use legally permitted additives and only in the smallest amounts possible.

Preservatives can be artificial or natural, but either way they work by preventing spoilage of the food ingredients.

Canned pet foods are protected from oxidation by their airtight storage in the can, but dry foods, even with modern packaging, must include preservatives to maintain the quality and safety of the food.
The most common artificial preservatives used in the pet food industry are ethoxyquin, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA).
Tocopherols (vitamin E) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) are the most common natural preservatives used. When any preservative is used, it must be included in the ingredient list on the food's label.

Antioxidants Dietary antioxidants play a substantial role in the long term health and well being of cats and dogs. Some manufacturers may add biological antioxidants e.g. vitamins C & E, selenium, to pet foods to help promote good health and combat free radical damage to the body.

Any pet owner who is interested in obtaining further information on the ingredients of a specific pet food product should look at the label on the packaging. If there are any additives present this will be indicated by a statement such as, “Contains EC permitted antioxidant”. The enquirer should then contact the company directly, using the name and contact details on the packaging, to ask which additive it contains.