You want to make sure you’re giving your pet the best food available to ensure they have a long life, ample energy, and a healthy coat. Although all the options might look similar, each brand of pet food has some significant differences that can really affect your animal, so it’s important to take your time when making your selection. The experts at Racine’s Feed Garden & Supply in Robertsdale, AL, are knowledgeable about pet supplies and discuss three tips for choosing the food that’s right for your pet below.

Pet Supplies: 3 Tips for Choosing the Best Food

1. Read the Label

Reading the list of ingredients is arguably the most important part of deciding which food is best for your pet. Choose a food that has meat, like salmon or chicken, as the first ingredient to make sure your pet is getting enough protein. But be careful: When a label says “meat,” it can be the skeletal muscle of an animal as well as gristle and other tissue. However, when a label says “meat by-product,” it means animal parts without meat and can include bones, blood, and organs.

2. Research the Brand

The reputation a brand has is also an indicator of whether or not it’s a good product to serve your pet. It’s important to do your research on the manufacturer to learn about their quality control policies and discover where they source their ingredients from, because this information is not required to be on the packaging.

3. Test It Out

After you’ve discussed pet supplies and foods with your vet, read the labels, and researched the brand you think is best for your furry friend, it’s time to test it out. When switching your animal to a different food, do it slowly so as to not upset their stomach. Each day, incorporate a little more of the new kibble and a little less of the old until they have transitioned completely. It’s important to take note of their energy level, bowel movements, and the way their coat looks to make sure their new food is a good choice for their body.

If you’re looking for a wide selection of livestock or pet supplies from a trusted, family-owned company, look no further than Racine’s Feed Garden & Supply. Serving the Robertsdale, AL, community and the surrounding areas, this feed store also offers gardening supplies and seeds as well as hunting accessories. For more information about their products, contact the helpful staff at (251) 947-3003 or visit them online.