When it comes to premium pet food, it’s all about the ingredients, both the quality and the type. The importance of high quality meat proteins and wholesome complex carbohydrates like those found in whole grains are well documented and generally acknowledged. There are, however, lots of other items listed on premium and super premium pet food ingredient panels.  Here’s a summary of some of them and why they are important to your pet’s well being.

            Beet Pulp or Beet Fiber. This fiber is showing up in many premium foods. It’s a fermentable fiber. And, that means that it aids intestinal health by supporting beneficial bacteria. The result is good digestion for your pet. The beets used are sugar beets, and the fiber is what is left after they are processed to make sugar for human food. Fiber also helps move food efficiently through the digestive system.

            Tomato Pomace. An ingredient derived from tomatoes, contains concentrated Lycopene, considered one of today’s premier antioxidants. Tomato pomace is also an amino acid and fiber source. In cat foods it can help reduce urine pH, and this is thought to lessen crystal formation in cats that have urinary tract problems.

            Yucca Schidigera. Long known for its anti-inflammatory properties, this desert plant derivative is showing up in pet foods in small quantities because of something else it does. Yucca helps reduce stool odor.  It accomplishes this feat by supporting important intestinal microbes and digestive absorption.

            Taurine. This amino acid has been added to cat foods for many years. It is a protein building block that is found in meat and that cats must get through their food because their bodies cannot make it. Today it is also added to many premium dog foods, too. The reason for this newest supplementation is that taurine has been found to support heart health in both dogs and cats.

            L-Carnitine. Carnitine is a nutrient that helps the body convert fatty acids into energy. It’s added to pet foods to help burn fat while maintaining muscle. It’s also thought to be beneficial to heart health.

            The addition of these, and other special nutrients and supplements, can aid your pet’s health and vitality. So, if you’re thinking of improving your pet’s food, consider one of the truly premium foods that contain these and other high quality ingredients. The trained professionals at your neighborhood Feeders Supply stores can answer your questions about how to select a food that’s right for your pet.