Freshpet: Dr Aziza explains how to choose the best Freshpet product for your dog or cat

When it comes to choosing food for your pet, it can be difficult to know where to start. Even once you’ve decided to go for real fresh food straight from the fridge, how do you know which recipe is the best? Freshpet veterinarian Dr. Aziza is here to answer your top questions about the different types of Freshpet. healthy dog ​​food products and which may suit different types of health needs and preferences.

How do I choose the best protein for my animal?

Many factors determine the best protein for your pet, including:

• Food allergy: Does your pet suffer from food allergies? If so, it is likely due to the source of protein in the food. If you have already determined the cause of the allergies, you just need to avoid products containing this ingredient. If you are unsure, it is recommended to conduct a diet trial with the advice of a veterinarian. One effective method uses new proteins, which are ingredients that you know your pet has never received before in its life. For example, the Vital® Grain-Free Beef and Bison Recipe with Spinach, Cranberries and Blueberries for Dogs would be an excellent choice for dogs allergic to common proteins found in over-the-counter diets.

• Dietary recommendations: Veterinarians often make dietary recommendations for medical issues like dry skin or digestive issues because finding a good product will help with these medical issues. For example, your vet may recommend a more gentle diet for his stomach if he frequently develops diarrhea. Freshpet® Select Stomach and Sensitive Skin The recipe is formulated with ingredients like chicken, rice, and pumpkin that are commonly recommended for diarrhea and indigestion.

• Taste and texture: A very important factor in determining the best dog food for your pet is their personal preference. Yes, pets can have a preference for certain foods and recipes and this is often influenced by taste, texture and smell. I recommend trying out the different Freshpet food formats available (i.e. patties, pâté, buns, grated, and bags) to see which style your pet enjoys the most.

• Acquire help: If you don’t know where to start, use The Freshpet Product Selector to guide you to the best recipes for you and your pet’s unique needs.

How do I know which format of food to choose for my dog?

I recommended choosing the food format based on your pet’s personal needs and preferences. Some dogs have severe periodontal disease and will therefore benefit from the roll or pâté formats as they are softer and gentler on their teeth, while others will prefer the texture of bagged or grated food. Also consider the size of your dog – a small breed dog will benefit from rolls or bagged food formulated in small bites over those designed for a large breed dog.

Why might Spring and Sprout, Freshpet’s plant-based option, be a good choice for my dog?

Some dogs have very severe food allergies and may benefit from a vegetarian diet. Although not common, having an option like the Spring and Sprout™ Cage-Free Eggs and Plant-Based Protein Recipe for Dogs is an excellent choice for pets with these unique needs. Some pet parents are vegetarians or vegans themselves and don’t like to handle or smell meat protein. With the Spring and Sprout™ recipe, it’s possible to keep your home completely meat-free.

Where do the proteins in Spring and Sprout™ come from?

The protein found in the Spring and Sprout™ recipe comes from eggs and cage-free soy. This plant-based diet is designed to be nutritionally balanced, high in protein and environmentally friendly.

How do I know if my pet has an intolerance to a certain ingredient?

If your pet is intolerant to a certain ingredient, you will most likely see skin or digestive issues like itchy skin or diarrhea. If you’re unsure if the symptoms you’re seeing are food-related, consult your primary care veterinarian.

What should I feed my dog ​​with a sensitive stomach?

Dogs with sensitive stomachs can often benefit from a diet that is relatively gentle on the digestive system. The go-to meal that most veterinarians recommend for these types of issues is boiled chicken with rice. If you’re not good at cooking, don’t worry. Freshpet Select Sensitive Stomach & Skin is a very good recipe to use. Not only does it contain steamed chicken and brown rice, but it also contains pumpkin, which is great for constipation and diarrhea.

What are the benefits of a grain-free diet for my pet?

The benefits of going grain-free are mostly based on the pet parent’s preference. It’s very rare to have a gluten or grain allergy in dogs, but if your pet has been diagnosed with it, grain-free diets are great for your pet. Luckily, Freshpet gives you plenty of options! I recommend to try Freshpet Vital Chicken Where beef and bison recipes to meet your dog’s needs.

How do I know if my dog ​​needs to go grain free?

Grain-free diets are at the center of much debate in veterinary medicine. Some studies have linked grain-free diets to an increased risk of certain types of heart disease, but the mechanism behind this link is still being investigated. However, if you have a pet that is prone to developing heart disease, it may be best not to give up grains. Ultimately, it’s important that you speak with your primary care veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist to determine if your pet is a good candidate for grain-free diets.

If you want a second opinion on which recipe to choose, make an appointment with your pet’s veterinarian. They will be happy to discuss the different options and make recommendations based on your pet’s health history.