Maybe you’re adding a new animal family member to your household or considering changing a pet’s diet. Whatever you’re planning, it’s important to consider every aspect of your four-legged friend’s nutritional needs before visiting a pet food store. Here are a few factors to keep in mind before purchasing pet food.

What You Need to Know Before Visiting a Pet Food Store

1. Age

Dogs’ and cats’ dietary needs can differ significantly depending on their stage of life. Puppies and kittens, for example, need plentiful supplies of nutrients like phosphorus, protein, fat, calcium, and digestible carbohydrates to help them develop healthy muscles, bones, teeth, and organs.

Older animals typically require many of the same nutrients, along with those which support aging organs, in different ratios. Always look for foods formulated for your pets’ life stage.

2. Breed and Size

Certain animal breeds require different nutrients than others, and as a rule, larger pets require more calories. That’s why it’s important to consider both factors when purchasing pet food. It may be a good idea to consult your veterinarian if your pet is a rare breed or has special requirements. They should be able to recommend a healthy mixture of nutrients to look for and offer advice on preventing animal obesity and dietary illnesses like diabetes.

3. Price Per Day

Some types of pet food are more costly than others. For example, a smaller bag of dry food may seem cheaper than a larger one. However, this may not reflect your total cost if you have a larger pet with a healthy appetite. It may be more cost-effective to buy a larger package which will last several weeks or months at a time. For that reason, consider how much it costs to feed your pet or pets each day, rather than focusing on the price of a package of food.

When you’re ready to stock up on top-quality pet food, visit Clifton Feed and Service Center in Bosque County, TX. This pet food store carries an extensive selection of highly nutritious food mixes and treats for a wide range of animal breeds, species, sizes, and ages. Call (254) 675-3416 to place an order, or visit them online for more information on their products.