Read the Label First
The first five ingredients make up the bulk of any pet food. Look for named meats (“chicken”, “salmon”) at the top — not vague terms like “meat meal”. Avoid artificial colors, BHA/BHT, and generic “by-products”.
Pick the Right Life Stage
Puppy/kitten, adult, and senior formulas differ in protein, fat, and calcium. Feeding an all-life-stages food to a growing puppy can lead to skeletal issues. When in doubt, choose life-stage-specific.
Wet, Dry, or Mixed?
Each has trade-offs. Here’s how we think about it:
- Dry kibble — affordable, shelf-stable, good for teeth
- Wet food — higher protein, extra moisture (great for cats)
- Mixed — best of both worlds, the PetNow default
Portion by Calories, Not Cups
Two “cups” of different kibbles can mean a 40% difference in calories. Check the kcal/cup on the bag, then calculate based on your pet’s weight and activity. Overfeeding is the #1 cause of obesity in pets.
Transition Slowly
Switching foods? Mix old and new over 7–10 days (25/50/75/100). Sudden swaps cause stomach upset — and a lot of cleanup.