Hey there, fellow pet lover! If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve glanced at your dog’s kibble or your cat’s dinner and thought, “Wait… what is this stuff, really?” You’re not alone many of us want to give our pets the best, but pet food can be a bit of a mystery. With all the cute packaging and buzzwords like “natural” or “wholesome,” it’s tough to tell what’s truly good for your pet and what’s just clever marketing. So let’s cut through the noise together and talk honestly about pet food. I’ll walk you through the top 5 warning signs that the food you’re feeding your furry friend might be low-quality. But don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom. I’ll also show you how to spot high-quality options and make upgrades that your pet (and their belly) will thank you for. Let’s dive in!
1. Your Pet Food Quality Starts With the Ingredient List and Not in a Good Way
You know how we check labels at the grocery store for ourselves? Well, our pets deserve the same attention. The first ingredient listed on pet food is the most abundant, so if that ingredient is something vague like “meat by-product” or “animal digest,” that’s a big red flag. Low-quality pet food often relies on these mystery meats, which can include anything from organs to tissues to, well, parts we’d really rather not imagine. And when the label doesn’t say which animal it came from (beef, chicken, lamb, etc.), it’s even sketchier. Also, watch out for foods that are loaded with fillers like corn, wheat, soy, or rice bran. These are cheap ingredients that don’t offer much nutritional value but help bulk up the food so it looks like you’re getting more for your money.
How to upgrade: Look for pet foods where a named meat (like “chicken” or “salmon”) is listed as the first ingredient. Better yet, opt for recipes that include whole meats and specific organs like “beef liver” or “chicken heart”. These pack a nutritional punch and are easier for your pet to digest.
2, There’s a Laundry List of Additives, Dyes, and Preservatives
Flip over that bag or can of pet food and take a good look at the ingredients beyond just the protein source. Do you see things like “BHA,” “BHT,” or “ethoxyquin”? These are artificial preservatives that are banned in many countries because of links to health issues, but they’re still allowed in some pet foods. Artificial dyes like “Red 40,” “Yellow 5,” or “Blue 2” might make the food look more appealing to you, but trust me, your dog doesn’t care if their kibble is brown or red. These colors have no nutritional value and could actually cause allergic reactions or hyperactivity in some pets. Low-quality pet foods also tend to use flavor enhancers and sweeteners to make the food more palatable since the base ingredients aren’t all that tasty to begin with.
How to upgrade: Choose pet foods that use natural preservatives like tocopherols (vitamin E) or rosemary extract. The fewer ingredients you can’t pronounce, the better. You want your pet’s food to be as close to real, whole food as possible, without unnecessary chemical extras.
3. Your Pet’s Coat and Skin Aren’t Looking Their Best
Let’s talk about something where you can see your pet’s skin and coat. If their fur is looking dull, flaky, or greasy or if they’re itching, licking, or shedding excessively, it might be a sign that their food isn’t giving them the nutrients they need. Quality pet food plays a huge role in maintaining healthy skin and a shiny coat. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, for instance, are essential for that gorgeous glossy look. When your pet isn’t getting enough of these good fats (or if they’re getting poor-quality sources), it shows. Also, too many fillers or artificial ingredients in food can cause allergic reactions, which often pop up as skin issues. These issues are kind of like how some people break out when they eat junk food.
How to upgrade: Choose a food that includes fish oil, flaxseed, or other sources of omega fatty acids. You might even want to consider rotating in foods that are specifically formulated for skin and coat health. Bonus: You’ll be snuggling a much softer, happier pet.
4. Your Pet’s Poop Is…Well, Not Great
Let’s get real here, poop says a lot about what’s going on inside your pet’s body. If your dog is leaving behind large, mushy piles, or your cat is having smelly, frequent litter box incidents, that could mean their body isn’t digesting their food properly. Low-quality pet food is often made with hard-to-digest ingredients, which means your pet isn’t absorbing all the nutrients and what goes in must come out. More fillers in the food equals more waste. It also means your pet may not be getting enough protein, fiber, or moisture. Gassy pets, frequent upset stomachs, or even chronic diarrhea and constipation can all be signs that their food isn’t working for them.
How to upgrade: Look for foods with easily digestible ingredients like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, or brown rice. If your pet has sensitivities, you might want to try a limited ingredient diet or grain-free formula (though check with your vet first!). A switch to better-quality food often leads to smaller, firmer, less frequent stools, which makes your life easier too.
5. Your Pet Seems… Kinda Meh
No one knows your pet better than anyone. If they’re not acting like their usual playful, energetic self or if they’re sleeping more, moving slower, or just not seeming excited about meals anymore it could be the food. Low-quality food doesn’t provide the vitamins, minerals, and energy your pet needs to feel their best every day. It’s like if you were living on instant noodles and soda sure, you’d survive, but would you thrive? Some pets may even seem “fine” on a poor diet, but that doesn’t mean it’s doing them any favors long-term. Chronic nutritional deficiencies can lead to things like weakened immunity, joint pain, and dental issues.
How to upgrade: Make the switch to a food with real, whole ingredients, balanced nutrition, and fewer empty calories. You might notice a difference in your pet’s energy levels, playfulness, and even their attitude. And don’t be afraid to add some variety, rotate in different proteins or try safe whole food toppers like cooked veggies, eggs, or bone broth.
Bonus Tips: What to Look for in High-Quality Pet Food
So now that you know the warning signs of bad pet food, let’s talk about what makes the good stuff really shine. Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you pick a winner next time you’re browsing the pet food aisle or shopping online:
- Named meat as the first ingredient: Look for “chicken,” “beef,” “turkey,” etc. not just “meat.”
- Whole food ingredients: Bonus points for fruits, veggies, and legumes you recognize.
- Healthy fats: Like salmon oil, chicken fat, or flaxseed great for coat and skin.
- No by-products or unnamed meals: “Chicken meal” is okay; “animal meal” is not.
- Grain-free (if necessary): Good for pets with allergies or sensitivities, but not always needed.
- Transparent brand practices: Does the company tell you where they source ingredients? That’s a great sign.
- AAFCO statement: Look for food that meets AAFCO standards for “complete and balanced” nutrition.
Don’t Stress, Just Start Small
Look, no one expects you to become a pet nutritionist overnight, and it’s totally okay if you’ve been feeding a lower-quality brand up until now. We all want what’s best for our pets, and the fact that you’re here reading this means you care and that’s the most important thing. Start by checking what you’re currently feeding your pet and compare it to what we’ve talked about. Maybe just try a better brand for your next bag or can. Perhaps you can try adding some fresh food toppers. You can even visit your vet and ask if a food upgrade is right for your pet’s breed, age, or health conditions. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. Small changes can lead to big improvements in your pet’s health and happiness.
A Little Love Goes a Long Way
Feeding your pet better food is one of the simplest ways to show them love. It supports everything from their digestion to their coat to their energy levels and can even help them live longer. And isn’t that what we all want? Our pets give us so much joy, comfort, and goofy tail-wagging excitement. They deserve food that fuels their best lives, not something that just fills their bellies. So let’s commit to doing better one bowl at a time. And hey, while you’re upgrading your pet’s dinner, don’t forget to treat yourself too. (Shameless plug coming up) You can snack guilt-free with something like farmer jon’s popcorn.
With independently owned locations in Los Angeles, Ventura, Dallas, Houston, Austin and Nashville, Scoop Masters pet waste removal helps dog owners enjoy their yard again. Since 1988, we’ve been enforcing the “no flies” zone in backyards, patios and dog runs by keeping them dog poop free. We also offer a sanitizing service to help get rid of the smell on rocks, concrete and artificial turf. Contact us for a free quote. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter/X. If your dog can poop it, we can scoop it! ™