Dogs and cats are important members of our families, their health and well-being are a priority for us. One of the most crucial decisions we make as pet owners is what to eat. In this article, we'll look at the important things to consider when choosing kibble for your four-legged friend.

 

Your pet's nutritional needs

Before choosing food for your dog or cat, it is crucial to understand their specific nutritional needs. Dogs and cats have different dietary requirements, and their diet should be tailored to their species, age, size and activity level. Be sure to consult a veterinarian for specific recommendations. You can also use this tool to roughly calculate your pet's energy needs.

Before considering a food, it is important to integrate it gradually in order to detect any form of reaction but also to allow time for your animal to adapt between 2 formulas. The transition is a key element that will increase your chances of success in integrating a new diet. Food allergies are common in animals. The allergens most often involved are meats, especially beef, dairy products, chicken, eggs, corn and even soy. Formulas without grains or dairy products could then be more attractive choices for these animals.

The quality of ingredients in animal feed

The ingredients used in animal feed play a vital role in their overall health. Opt for formulas containing high-quality proteins like meat or fish. Avoid recipes containing by-products, low-quality grains and fillers. When choosing kibble for your pet, read the label carefully to avoid artificial additives and preservatives. These substances can have harmful effects on your pet's long-term health.
KALŪ kibbles are formulated without the use of colorings, artificial flavors, chemical preservatives or controversial substances.

analysis chart for KALŪ fish and lobster formula containing ratios of different nutrientsRead Guaranteed Reviews of Pet Formulas

Unfortunately, animal foods do not have a nutritional table like we are used to seeing on our packaging. On the other hand, a simpler way to compare foods and ensure that the content suits your pet's needs is to consult the guaranteed analyzes and ingredients. Food safety is paramount when it comes to feeding your pet. Choose a trusted brand that follows strict quality control protocols and conducts testing to ensure the kibble is safe and healthy. You can find our analyzes under each formula on our website.

The ideal amount of protein in animal feed

The optimal crude protein level for small dogs is at least 25%. It rises to a minimum threshold of 24% for medium-sized dogs and 23% for large-sized dogs. For cats, this rate increases to around 26 to 40% according to the AFCOO.
A protein deficiency can in particular cause muscle loss in the animal and weaken its immune system. Quantity is important of course, but so is quality. Animal protein is more digestible than other forms and therefore provides better assimilation. The proteins contained in our KALŪ food are around 80% to 90% from animal sources depending on the formula.
To go a little further, comparing the protein percentages of different companies without a reference value does not at all allow you to know in which there is actually more protein. To achieve this, you can calculate the RPC (Protein-to-Calorie Ratio) to get the exact ratio of protein to calories for each formula. ( % protein / energy density of the food x 1000 )

The rates of KALŪ formulas:

Fish and lobster formula (dog) 91.5g of protein per 1000kcal
Chicken, sweet potato and apple formula (dog) 97.9g of protein per 1000kcal
Chicken and herring formula (cat) 96.7g of protein per 1000kcal

Fats in pet formulas

Fat is one of the main sources of energy but be careful, too much fat in food can lead to excess weight, itself associated with various health problems in animals. Animal food specialists recommend not exceeding a threshold of 20% . Essential fatty acids from fish and flaxseed, for example, are good sources of omega 3 . Omega 6 is also important and is found in vegetable oils such as sunflower oil or in animal fats.

Minerals and fiber needed in pets

Here are the AAFCO recommendations for some essential minerals:

  • Calcium: between 1.2% and 1.8%
  • Phosphorus: between 1.0% and 1.6%
  • Sodium: minimum intake of 0.3% without maximum
AFCOO recommends a dietary fiber level of approximately 1 to 8% in the diet of dogs and cats.

Discover our formulas for dogs and cats, made in Canada using local ingredients.

In short, choosing kibble for your dog or cat is a crucial decision for its long-term health and well-being. By considering important elements such as your pet's specific nutritional needs, high-quality ingredients, absence of artificial additives and optimal nutrient levels, you can make an informed decision. At KALŪ, we strive to provide premium quality kibble that meets the nutritional needs of your pets for a healthy and fulfilling life.