New year, new pet food trends you and your pet might want to try. Staying up-to-date on the latest trends in pet food nutrition keeps your furry friend receiving the best nutrition in the tastiest manner. Whether you plan on trying one or more, these are the latest seven pet food trends you should be discussing with your vet in 2023.
Plant-based Protein
Your sister is vegan, your mom is vegan, your weird neighbor down the road has been vegan and now it looks like pets are going vegan, too! Plant-based protein sources, such as peas and lentils, are becoming increasingly popular in pet food. These protein sources are not only sustainable, but they can also provide essential nutrients for your pet. An easy way to incorporate some plant-based protein into your pet’s is mixing in peas or another pet-safe plant-based protein with their kibble.
Functional Ingredients
Pet food brands are starting to incorporate functional ingredients, such as turmeric and ginger into their recipes. But what does this mean for your pet? These ingredients can provide health benefits, such as aiding in digestion and reducing inflammation which is a huge relief for pets who suffer from digestive issues cause by their breed or their age.
Raw and Freeze-Dried Pet Food
Human-grade raw and freeze-dried pet food comes in a variety of different protein sources. Salmon, chicken, duck, and bison are just a few of the proteins out there now available for pets. Raw and freeze-dried pet food, which is minimally processed and preserves more of the natural nutrients found in ingredients, is gaining popularity among pet owners.
Grain-Free Options
Not necessarily new but gaining traction and popularity among pet owners of both cats and dogs, Grain-free kibbles, wet food, and treats are usually easy to find thanks to its positive impacts on pet health. Grain-free pet food is becoming even more common, as some pet owners believe that grains can cause allergic reactions or other health issues in their pets. However, it’s important to note that not all pets require a grain-free diet, and your veterinarian can provide guidance on whether this is the right choice for your pet. Your vet will be able to
Customized Nutrition
With the rise of personalized nutrition in human food, pet food companies are starting to offer customized nutrition plans for pets. Customized nutrition is great for picky eaters, pets with allergies, or pets with a specific set of dietary restrictions.These plans take into account your pet’s age, breed, weight, and other factors to create a tailored nutrition plan. Typically with customized nutrition you will be making a lot of the pet food and treats at home as these recipes often include unique ingredients.
Limited Ingredient Diets
Speaking of ingredients, Limited ingredient diets, which are formulated with a smaller number of ingredients, are becoming more popular among pet owners. These diets can be beneficial for pets with food allergies or sensitivities. Often times if your vet believes your pet is suffering from allergies, they may ask you to do an elimination diet with your pet. This would mean eliminating certain treats, foods, and ingredients from your pet’s diet to find out if and/or what they may be allergic to. Limited ingredient diets may help relieve allergies or other dietary issues.
Homemade Pet Food
Some pet owners are opting to make their own pet food at home, using fresh, whole ingredients. While this can be a great option for some pets, it’s important to ensure that the homemade diet is nutritionally balanced and meets your pet’s specific needs. Just as with any of the above pet food trends, you should speak to your pet’s vet before making any major dietary changes. Your veterinarian can provide guidance on the best food options for your pet based on their individual needs.
