Higher priced pet food worth it? Consumer Reports weighs in.

February 4, 12:03 PMDC Dogs ExaminerMichelle Critchell

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Consumer Reports does more than tell you which dishwasher works best.  They also have compared pet foods to let you know if the higher priced foods are worth the cost.

Consumer Reports advises consumers about what to look for on pet food labels; plus, fancy claims consumers can ignore in the March 2009 issue.

When it comes to buying pet food, higher cost doesn't always mean higher quality, according to the March 2009 issue of Consumer Reports. A higher price could indicate better ingredients and better quality control, but it could also mean prettier packaging,and more marketing.

"And despite food safety concerns that resulted from a recall of pet food tainted with melamine in 2007, Consumer Reports urges caution for consumers who are considering making their own pet food, a growing trend," according to the Press Release.

39% of U.S. households have dogs (74.8 million owned dogs), according to the Humane Society of the U.S.  That's a lot of kibble.

The bottom line, says Consumer Reports: It's more important to look for the overall nutrient profile than it is to shop by price or even individual ingredients.

"As a pet owner, your main goal is to ensure that your animal is active and healthy," says Jamie Hirsh, associate health editor at Consumer Reports. 

Hirsh advises pet owners to look for labels stating that the food's nutritional adequacy was validated by animal-feeding tests based on protocols from the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), a regulatory group. 

Consumers should also take into consideration a pet's age and special needs.  Always tell your veterinarian what you are feeding your pet.

See the March 2009 issue of Consumer Reports for details.

Please read: Lots of Pet Food Ingredients Come From China!

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