Nutrition is a very complex subject and in the wake of recent pet food recalls, choosing a pet food that is both nutritious and safe for your furry family member has become more confusing than ever.

Just have a look at the pet food section at your local specialty pet supply store and you’ll see what I mean. There are many types of pet foods to choose from including canned, raw, cooked, dehydrated and dry to name a few. And within each category are numerous brand names and formulations that only muddy the waters further.

We realize that there are no black and white answers to help you choose a pet food that meets the nutritional needs of your beloved family members. Sometimes it’s more about trial and error than expert advice when searching for the right food. But looking for clues to how well your pet is doing on the food you’ve chosen — ie: a healthy coat, clean teeth, good physical condition and energy level — should help make your decision easier.

In this issue we’ve asked several veterinarians for their opinions about what constitutes a nutritious pet food and asked them to address the issue of feeding raw vs dry food to your pet. After reading the material between these pages you may have more questions than answers. This is good, because the more questions we ask and the more answers we demand as concerned pet guardians the more accountable the pet food industry is forced to become.

The good news is, as humans become better educated about what foods they should be eating to maintain a healthy lifestyle, so too are they inclined to do the same for their pets.

Sherry Butt
Editor, Citizen Pet