Introduction

Like their owners, pets eat to get essential nutrients to grow, live and reproduce. Animals use the protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals in food to get the nutrients they need to stay healthy and active. Although different species have different nutritional requirements, all companion animals need a balanced diet to thrive.

For many pet retailers, pet food makes up a significant proportion of total sales and net profitability. Most stores carry more than one line of food and many independents differentiate themselves by offering premium and super-premium formulations. Employees must be able to answer questions about pet nutrition and help customers select from available brands.

Learning Objectives

This chapter provides a basic overview of pet food labeling requirements, food ingredients and nutrition, and hot topics; information is intentionally generic. Your distributor or manufacturer rep is the best source of information on the pros and cons of each food formulation, and what distinguishes the brands you carry from those customers can buy elsewhere.

After completing this module, you should be able to:

• Read pet food labels and identify the different types of ingredients.
• Demonstrate understanding of the major nutrients and basic nutrition.
• Explain how pet life stage, size and activity levels affect nutritional requirements.
• Answer customer questions about the best food for their pets and hot topics in pet nutrition.

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