Why is Healthy Pet Food More Expensive?

Today we want to tackle a common question: Why is healthy pet food more expensive? It's a fantastic question with a somewhat disturbing answer.

Many of us wonder why premium pet food carries a heftier price tag compared to the traditional kibble lining grocery store shelves. However, the real question we should be asking is: Why is that traditional dry food so cheap?

Let's dive in and explore this further.

The Real Cost of Traditional Dry Pet Food

The lower cost of traditional dry pet food can be attributed to one simple fact: It's not truly food—it's classified as feed. This difference means it can be placed next to cleaning supplies and chemicals in the grocery store, which is something you'll never see with the food we consume.

Traditional dry pet feed is affordable because it often contains:

  • By-products: These are parts of animals that are not deemed suitable for human consumption.
  • 4-D Meats: Meat from dead, disabled, dying, or diseased animals.
  • Toxic chemicals: Preservatives found in products like jet fuel and embalming fluids.
  • Artificial dyes: These are literally the same as those used in paints.
  • Low-quality fillers: Such as corn and wheat by-products.

When these ingredients are processed at high temperatures, they lose any remaining nutritional value. To make this feed palatable, manufacturers spray it with flavor enhancers. So, while it may taste good to our pets, it's far from nutritious.

The Hidden Costs of Low-Quality Food

Feeding your pets low-quality feed has significant downsides. The phrase "garbage in, garbage out" holds true. When pets consume these inferior ingredients, their bodies can't utilize most of it, leading to more waste—literally. What goes in as garbage comes out as garbage, and you'll find yourself picking up more in the backyard.

More concerning, however, is the impact on your pet's health. Substandard ingredients can contribute to numerous health issues over time, from digestive problems to more severe chronic conditions. The true price of cheap food is often paid in vet bills and reduced quality of life for our furry family members.

Why Premium Pet Food Costs More

High-quality pet foods are more expensive because they use superior ingredients and manufacturing processes. Here's what you get with premium pet foods:

  • Human-grade meats and ingredients: These are fit for human consumption, ensuring high quality.
  • Nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables: Listed before salt on the ingredient panel, meaning they contribute significantly to the food's nutritional profile.
  • No harmful chemicals: Premium foods avoid carcinogenic preservatives.
  • Natural preservatives and colors: Only natural ingredients are used to preserve and color the food.
  • Minimal processing: To retain the nutrition from whole foods.

Boosting Nutrition with Dry Food as a Base

Of course a fresh, raw or gently cooked diet is preferred but if you’re using dry food as a base, there are simple ways to boost its nutritional value:

  1. Add Fresh Vegetables: Incorporate lightly steamed or pureed vegetables like carrots, green beans, or sweet potatoes.
  2. Include Lean Meats: Add small amounts of cooked, unseasoned chicken, turkey, or beef.
  3. Supplement with Omega-3s: A bit of fish oil can enhance the coat and skin health.
  4. Probiotics: These support digestion and boost the immune system. Kefir and goat milk are great, fresh options!
  5. Fruits: Blueberries, apples (without seeds), and bananas can be a great addition for an antioxidant boost.
  6. Eggs: They contain protein, vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids.

In conclusion, while quality pet food does come with a higher price tag, the benefits to your pet's health and well-being make it worth the investment. And remember, although healthy food costs more, you will feed less of it! Your pet will get more nutrition out of a smaller amount of food. If you have any questions or need further guidance, we’re always here to help. Your furry family members deserve the best!