Commercial pet foods: I. Characteristics and developments of 'premium' foods for dogs and cats

摘要

The composition and special characteristics of different types of pet food currently retailed are described; they include dried, moist, and semi-moist food, ranges of foods for specific dietary requirements (light, maintenance, growth) or differentstages of life (young, old, pregnant) as well as foods prescribed by veterinarians for the correction or prevention of various disease conditions. So-called "premium" foods that contain better quality ingredients and are more expensive are claimed to besuitable for animals in all conditions. The effects of advertising and owner choice are discussed, and palatability and digestibility trials explained.