Tips On Purchasing Food Pet Supplies
Online sales of pet supplies will more than triple from $1.1 billion in 2007 to a forecasted $3.4 billion in 2012, according to a Forrester Research Inc. report. In “The State of Retailing Online 2008,” researchers determined that the sale of pet supplies online accounted for 5% of overall U.S. pet supplies retail sales last year, which is a percentage that will continue to grow. Healthy pet food is one of the most important products sold.
Food is one of the most important pet supplies to buy. High quality food can ensure a shiny coat, a proper weight, good energy levels and a longer life, whereas poor quality food can leave a pet listless, bloated, chunky and requiring more frequent medical care. “You don’t have to choose the most expensive food to get what’s best for your pet,” advises Consumer Reports’ health editor, Jamie Hirsh. She advises that pet owners look for food that’s been validated by research from the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and food that is clearly labeled with manufacturer contact information. The pet’s age and special needs should be considered when making a healthy pet food purchasing decision.
According to AAFCO, a label like “Beef For Dogs” or “Lamb For Dogs” indicates that at least 95% of the product’s weight contains the signature meat. Pet supplies with a label like “Chicken and Salmon Dinner” for cats indicate that the named ingredients make up at least 25% of the food’s weight, not including water. Each individual food must make up at least 3%, if named directly. A label that says Gourmet Fillets “With Turkey” for dogs means that at least 3% of the named ingredient is present. Anything labeled “Beef Flavor” or “Chicken Flavor” means that there must be enough of the product to leave the taste of the item but no percentage is mandated. When pets shopping, the more quality ingredients like meat and the fewer unknown “filler” items, the better!
When looking for pet supplies , owners may want to avoid brands that were involved in the major pet food recall in 2007. Brands like Eukanuba, Wegmans, Iams for Cats, Science Diet for Cats, President’s Choice, Compliments and Nutro were all taken off shelves for safety reasons. Consumers can read more at www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17689821.
Make an electric Marijuana pipe out of pet supplies