Pet Food Safety Measures to Avoid Health Complications

Image of cat and dog eating.

Foods with inadequate nutrition, stored improperly or not handled safely can present problems for you and your pet. Making the right choices for the right pet will give your pet the best chance at optimum wellness.

You'll have peace of mind and know your pet will receive the best health value possible. Remember, your pets are individuals and have independent needs. Your veterinarian will make recommendations during your visits to keep your pet's energy, health and well being at its best.

Purchasing Foods
When you purchase food keep in mind the nutritional values that are delivered with each serving. You'll want to consider whether or not your dog, cat, ferret, bird, horse, turtle, or iguana, for example, needs more protein, fat, vitamins, minerals or carbohydrates - or less. Select foods that meet your pet's independent levels of activity. Multiple pets of the same kind in the same home will have varied nutritional needs and activity levels. Remembering that your pets are individuals will help you provide for their own needs.

Food Storage
Foods must be stored properly to provide the highest measure of safety and nutritional value for your pets. Look for containers that close tightly with a air-tight seal. Store food containers for all pets in a cool, dry area out of the reach of children.

Always read the manufacturer's recommendations for storing pet foods. Pay attention to expiration dates and shelf-life provisions. Be aware of food storage and safety practices at the store your family visits to purchase your pet's food. And, make sure your animal friends will not be able to chew through the containers or get to their food between feedings. This can require immediate medical attention or create life-altering medical problems.

Angela Tague advises in Dog Food Storage Safety that pet owners, "Examine the dry (pet) food before serving it to your pet. If it has clumps, appears moist, moldy or has a foul odor, throw it away and do not feed it" to your pet. It's always wise to check wet canned food items to be sure the food texture and color are consistent. Note the food containers and any damage present. Food containers that show damage should not be used because the food integrity could be compromised. Foods that seem to appear moldy, smelly, or have bugs or larvae present in the containers must not be used.

Handling Pet Foods
Remember your pet's food is probably prepared under different guidelines and conditions than that prepared for your family. Always supervise small children, infants, seniors and those with compromised immune systems for safe handling procedures. The Center for Disease Control identified 79 cases in 21 states that occurred from contaminated dog and cat food. The cases primarily involved young children who developed the symptoms of Salmonella. The CDC suggests monitoring those in contact with food preparation and handling for family pets to ensure safety precautions are used. Safe handling includes frequent and thorough hand washing before and after scooping, pouring, measuring or handing out food items to pets including: meals of wet or dry foods, snacks and treats.

Meal Sizes
Before bringing a new pet home always check with your veterinarian for feeding recommendations. You'll know what to have and how to serve it to best provide for your new animal's well being. Be aware of your pet's activity levels and let your vet know about changes. They can suggest nutritional supplements and a feeding program to continue to provide your pet with the maximum amount of nutrients needed for optimum well being.

Using food safety habits in your family with keep your dearly loved animal members happy, safe and performing their best.

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Monday:

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Tuesday:

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Wednesday:

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Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "They came highly recommended by my aunt and she was right. Very kind, gentle with my old fella and compassionate about our situation. Very helpful and fairly priced"
    James Woodruff
  • "Great place to take your pets. Dr. Karl is fantastic! I highly recommend Free Home Animal Hospital"
    Carol Wade
  • "Freehome Animal Hospital is the B-E-S-T! They are so professional and friendly. The hospital is super clean and Dr. Karl is a stellar veterinarian. I can't say enough about this animal hospital. I am very picky about my dog and wouldn't take her anywhere else. I travel 30 minutes to go to this vet."
    Laura Cegala
  • "We brought our precious Golden Doodle to Free Home when she had a mysterious illness of being lethargic and was not eating. The doctor and the entire team where fantastic - they provided a tremendous amount of love and caring for our Bella as well as compassion for me with my worries. Although the cause was out of the ordinary, they were able to identify the problem and within days, our little girl was back to herself.

    The price was fair, the service fantastic and the outcome perfect. We will not go anywhere else now even though we live in Alpharetta and this is out of our way."
    Mark Goodman
  • "This is the best animal clinic I have ever taken my dog to. I love the staff and vet. They truly loves animals! Reasonable prices too."
    Mallory Smith