Pet Food For Dogs and Cats
Puppies, rabbits, kittens, parrots, rodents, lizards, fish, and other pets all have one thing in common: their humans love them. If you’re bringing home a new pet, or if you’re browsing for something new for an old family friend, we have all the pet supplies you need to ensure your pet’s health and longevity.
We have all the pet supplies and food you could need to ensure your critter’s health. If your new little family member eats pellets, kibble, flakes, or veggies, we have what they love. We carry pet food from some of the most trusted names in pet nutrition, including Purina, Kaytee, Fancy Feast, and many more.
Nutrition for pets is just as important as it is for us humans; their attitude and energy levels can drastically improve when they’re getting the right vitamins, minerals, and proteins they need.
The next step is to ensure your pet’s hygiene. We carry cage liners for a variety of small pets and birds. They’re much easier to deal with than traditional shredded newspaper and sawdust options because these pet supplies are built to be especially absorptive.
We also have kitty litter for cats, training supplies for dogs, and a wide variety of filters for fish. Whether your pet scurries, swims, or squawks, make sure they have a clean environment to thrive in.
Once you’ve taken care of all the necessary pet supplies, it’s time to get down to the fun part. Pet toys can make spending time with your furry, scaly, or feathered friend even more enjoyable than it already is.
There are a variety of toys to enrich caged pets, and there are also balls, climbing structures, and chew toys for larger animals. If you filter your search for pet supplies by price, you can see the most affordable pet toys first, so you can afford to treat your pet to some extra love.
Live your life to the fullest, and ensure your pets can do the same with the pet supplies from our pet store.
How to Choose Pet Food
A pet food buying guide
Feeding your pet is an important aspect of pet care. Therefore, learning how to choose a pet food that will provide the right nutrition for your pet is essential and can be easy, especially when you keep a few simple factors in mind.
What kinds of pets are in your household?
The specific type of animal that you have is, of course, an important consideration when determining how to choose pet food. When you buy pet food, the type that you purchase will vary according to the type of pet that you have. For dogs and cats, you can usually find a number of quality pet foods in both the wet (canned) and the dry (bagged) varieties.
Reptiles such as snakes and lizards may require live foods such as mice or crickets, which you can obtain in most pet supply departments. Small pets such as ferrets, hamsters, mice, and rats require seeds and greens to stay healthy. Birds do well with seeds, grains, and suet, and most fish eat small flakes of food.
What type of food is best for your pet?
One factor that often gets overlooked when considering how to choose pet food is convenience. Often, when you buy pet food, convenience plays a large part in the decision process. For many pets, dry varieties are best since they are easy to buy, widely available, convenient to store, and easy for your pet to eat. Next, in terms of convenience and popularity, is wet food.
Wet types of pet food are available in cans and vacuum-sealed pouches. Many of the top-rated pet food brands offer both a line of wet foods and a line of dry foods. Specialty Foods, which come in a number of forms like dehydrated, live, and raw, are another important factor when considering how to choose pet food. For animals such as snakes, for example, raw foods are recommended.
Once you have determined the correct type of food for your pets, do a pet food comparison by carefully reading the labels to see what the various brands of foods contain.
Consider foods for special dietary needs
Animals, like people, can have special dietary needs, and this is important to keep in mind when considering how to choose pet food for your animal. For example, your pet might have an allergy to grains and will need a special type of pet food to manage this.
Furthermore, puppies, kittens, and senior animals require specialty formulas. Keep in mind, also, that your veterinarian is only a phone call away should you have questions about a specific food for your pet. There are a number of top-rated pet foods for almost any dietary requirement.
A few of the more common specialty pet foods are as follows:
- No grains: This type of pet food contains no grain fillers. Pet food brands with no grains are also often top sellers among organic pet foods. They are most commonly available in brands of dog and cat food because these are the types that are most likely to use grains as fillers.
- Gentle blends: These cat and dog food brands are designed for animals with sensitive digestive systems, such as older, less active animals.
- Indoor only: These are the best pet foods to feed your dog or cat if it does not go outside very often.
- Young: Many pet food brands now have specialty formulas for young animals. When you are planning to buy pet food for young animals, be sure to compare the nutrition labels so that you know what the differences are between these and the types of pet foods for older animals. Pet foods for young animals often have increased calcium to support the growth of strong bones and muscles.
- Old: Senior animals have different nutritional needs than younger animals. Older pets move less, may have medical conditions, and often have digestive issues. The best pet foods for senior animals take these issues into consideration, as well as caloric values since older animals tend to not move around enough to burn off excessive amounts of calories.
What does your pet like to eat?
When you shop for pet food, you might also consider picking up a new feeding station for your pet. Ceramic crocks are popular since they do not move around a lot due to the fact that they are heavier than other feeding bowls. Stainless steel pet supplies include bowls for larger animals such as dogs and cats, as well as feeder bowls for cages to accommodate smaller animals.
These are lightweight and easy to clean. If you purchase stainless steel cat or dog supplies such as feeders, the bowls are often detachable for easy cleaning. Plastic feeders, especially for caged animals, are highly popular due to their relatively low prices and a broad selection of styles. Raised pet feeders lift the bowls of the feeder off the floor and closer to the height of the animal’s mouth.
Coop cups are generally designed to be fastened to the interior of a coop or cage and are often used in birdcages or cages for other small animals such as hamsters. Automatic feeders are another variety to consider. No matter what kind of pet you have, you should keep at least one automatic feeder in the house.
That way, if you are called out of town for a few days, you still have a way to provide your pet with an appropriate amount of food on a daily basis. The best automatic feeders are the ones for which you can regulate the amount of food and when it is dispensed.
Consider accessories
Now that you have determined how to choose pet food, you might also consider what accessories you will need for measuring and storing food, providing water, and keeping your pet’s feeding area sanitary. An important consideration is food storage. Although cans of wet food can be stored in any convenient closet, dry food must be stored properly once it has been opened.
A non-BPA plastic container with a wide enough mouth to either scoop or pour the dried food is the recommended storage option for dry food. Measuring scoops can also make your life easier. A scoop can be kept in with the pet food if you are using dry food, or it can be stored in a spot near where your pet food is kept.
As for water bowls, there are many from which to choose; often, you can even match the water bowl to the food bowl. You can choose from freestanding bowls, or you can get a set of raised bowls. If you travel frequently, you can even get an automatic water feeder that dispenses water at set times so that there is always water in the bowl when your pet needs it.
One accessory that you should also consider when shopping for pet food and accessories is a pet placemat. Pet placemats keep food from falling onto your floor. They can easily be wiped down or shaken out after each meal, as well.
How to Buy Dog Food
A dog food buying guide
Your pet is an important part of your family. When you buy food for your family, you consider many things, including nutritional value and taste. Likewise, when you think about how to buy dog food, you should consider several factors before you shop. Determine which dog food is right for your dog with help from this dog food-buying guide.
What are your dog’s age and general health?
A primary consideration is the age of your dog. Younger dogs usually are usually more active and may require more calories and fat than older dogs. Because they are less active, older dogs may need a dog food type that is low in calories and fat. Older dogs have a harder time digesting anything but bland dog food.
Regardless of the dog’s age, if you have been using one type or brand for some time, think carefully before changing it. If you do decide to buy dog food that is different from what your dog is used to, introduce the new brand slowly, mixing it in with the old brand as the dog transitions to the new food.
When determining how to buy dog food, also consider your dog’s health. Many dogs need special food or a special type of food to stay healthy. Many dogs, young and old, may have problems with their mouths, stomachs, or other body parts. These dogs do well with specific dog food types. If you have questions, ask your dog’s veterinarian.
What kind of food does your dog like to eat?
As you think about how to buy dog food, an important consideration is whether or not your dog will eat the dog food you buy. Most dogs are not picky and eat almost anything you give them. For those who are a little more discerning, many dog foods have a strong, meaty taste that dogs like.
Be careful when changing brands or types when shopping for dog food for an older dog; a younger dog may not care as much as an older dog does. Be sure you monitor what your dog is eating. If you think your dog should be eating more or less dog food, then you may want to consider a different type of dog food the next time you think about how to buy dog food.
What are the different types of dog food?
Many dog owners think of dry dog food when considering how to buy dog food, primarily due to convenience. Dry dog food is available in different quantities, is easy to serve, and is easy to store. Dog owners often add a bit of water or broth to dry dog food to make it taste better and to make it easier to digest. If there are leftovers in the dog bowl, dry dog food can remain fresh for some time.
Wet dog food is another popular option. Wet dog food often contains more protein and fat than other types of dog food. Excess moisture may develop into chunks that look like meat, and many dogs like that taste and appearance. Wet dog food is relatively easy to store and serve. Canned dog food may be a particularly good choice for smaller dogs who do not eat very much, or for dogs that have problems chewing, swallowing, or with other digestive actions.
Because ingredients vary so much in wet dog food, be sure you read the label to determine what kind of dog food is the best dog food to buy for your dog. For owners who want or need a different option than traditional wet or dry dog food, there are a number of alternative dog foods to consider, including nutritious dog foods. Some dog owners prefer vegetarian dog food, due to health or ethical reasons.
Vegetarian dog foods offer protein from non-meat sources such as peas and potatoes. Dehydrated dog food is basically wet dog food without water, made this way in an effort to reduce bacteria growth. The dog owner adds the water right before serving the dog food. Dehydrated dog food gives dog owners more control over what their dogs eat. Frozen or freeze-dried dog food may not be as heavily processed as other dog food types and thus may be more nutritious.
What are some dog food accessories?
Dog supplies you may want include bowls and automatic food dispensers. The bowl should be the appropriate size for your dog. Very busy owners may want to consider an automatic food dispenser, which means that you fill the dispenser only once or twice a week as opposed to filling a bowl once or twice a day.
Many dog owners keep a supply of dog treats on hand to reward their dogs and encourage good behavior. As you determine which is the best dog food to buy, consider the following: What your dog needs
- Consider your dog’s age
- Consider your dog’s health
- Consider your dog’s habits and preferences
Types of dog food
- Wet
- Dry
- Alternative
Choosing the right dog food is an important way to help keep your dog healthy and happy for many years.
How to Buy Cat Food
A cat food buying guide
Knowing how to buy food your kitty will love is an important task. You want to keep your furry companion happy and healthy, and finding the best cat food to buy is part of that effort. With so many different brands and recipes on the shelves in the pet supplies section of the store, it may not seem easy to pick out the best ones. With help from this cat food buying guide, however, you will be on your way to finding the right food for your cat to enjoy.
How much of the recipe is meat?
One step in knowing how to buy cat food is developing an understanding of what cats are supposed to eat. Cats are carnivores by nature. Watch any wild cat on a TV show, and you immediately notice its love of meat. No leafy greens on the Savannah for them. Like human food, cat food containers have nutrition labels. Read the ingredients on the label.
Meat should be the first ingredient because that means it is the most abundant. The best types of cat food contain only meat, but this isn’t likely unless you make the food yourself; your best bet is to find brands that have meat as the top ingredient. When checking for meat content, look for actual animal names in the list of ingredients.
For instance, “chicken meat” or “chicken meal” leaves no guesswork as to what type of meat is contained in the food. “Meat and bone meal,” on the other hand, could be any type of meat product. Because there is no way to know what types of meats such mystery ingredients are referring to, it’s best to err on the side of caution and look for meat names you recognize.
Does food have fillers?
Another important aspect of knowing how to buy cat food that will meet your pet’s nutritional requirements involves knowing which ingredients to avoid. Many types of cat food contain added ingredients that might fill your cat up, but they won’t do much to help his health. Avoid getting cat food that contains soy, corn, or wheat.
It’s also a good idea to avoid types of cat food that have animal byproducts. These ingredients can sometimes cause allergic reactions in cats since they are not part of a feline’s normal dietary habits. Brown rice and other whole grains (except for wheat) are good choices if you have to choose cat food with grains. One of the best ways to avoid questionable ingredients in your cat’s food is to stick with brands that you trust.
The best cat food to buy is the one that you know has high-quality standards for making and storing its food. Do some research on company practices, ingredients, and other issues that could impact your cat’s nutrition.
Should you use dry food or canned food?
The verdict is out on whether dry or canned is the best cat food to buy. Some people believe that crunchier foods help keep a cat’s teeth clean; others argue that wet foods provide moisture that felines don’t always get from simply drinking water. Both forms are safe and nutritious; speak to your vet to help determine which might be the best type of cat food to buy for your pet.
There are other options aside from the usual dry and canned types of cat food. Some food makers offer frozen foods that contain raw meat that mimics a cat’s diet in the wild. These require a little more preparation on your part, and they can be slightly more expensive, but they are highly nutritious and provide a good nutrient-rich diet for your cat. Some cat owners opt to make their cat’s food entirely from scratch. There are recipes to give you cat food ideas if you intend to make your own.
Do you need a special formulation?
Your cat’s current state of health is another factor in determining how to buy cat food she will enjoy. Cats that fall within certain age groups may require specialized food. This is also true of cats that have certain health issues. For instance, kittens need more protein and calories than older cats to help with their rapid growth, so the best cat food to buy is probably one formulated specifically for kittens.
Overweight cats, very old cats, indoor cats, or underweight cats might also need special food to help meet their special nutritional needs. These foods can often be found in a store’s cat supplies section, and you can ask your vet about any specialized needs your cat may have. He or she can guide you on the best cat food to buy.
What does your cat like?
This cat food buying guide covers various considerations in choosing healthy cat food, but the best cat food to buy is one that your cat will actually eat. Nothing else matters if your pet won’t go near the feeding dish. There may not be a way to determine which types of cat food your pet will desire before you try it.
Buy small amounts at first to let your cat get a sampling. If all goes well, continue with the food. Try only one new type of cat food at a time. This will help you recognize which type and brand are to blame if your cat has any digestive issues or allergic reactions to a particular food. Now that you know more about how to buy cat food, you can shop for cat food to find the best option for your pet.