How to Choose Pet Food: Things to Know When Deciding What to Feed Your Pet

At IB Pet, we know that choosing the right food for your furry family member can feel overwhelming—especially with so many options out there. Whether you’re deciding between kibble and wet food, or just trying to better understand your pet’s current diet, here are a few key terms and factors that can help guide your decision.

Limited Ingredient Diets (LID)

If your pet has food sensitivities or allergies, a Limited Ingredient Diet is a great place to start. These recipes typically use a single protein source and fewer overall ingredients to make it easier to identify and avoid potential triggers.

For example, PureVita’s Beef & Red Lentils features only beef as its animal protein—perfect for elimination diets or pets with known sensitivities.

All Life Stages (ALS)

A food labeled “All Life Stages” means it meets the nutritional needs of puppies, adults, and seniors. This can be especially helpful in multi-pet households where feeding different diets isn’t practical.

Still, every pet is unique. A growing puppy may need more calories than a senior dog, so always check the feeding guidelines—typically found on the back of the bag. A simple rule for puppies: find their weight on the chart and double that amount during the growth phase.

Complete & Balanced

This label means the food has all the essential nutrients your pet needs to thrive—nothing more, nothing less. Foods marked "Complete & Balanced" have either passed AAFCO feeding trials or meet their nutrient profiles. If you're feeding one food as your pet’s full-time diet, this is a must-have designation.

Animal Meals vs. By-Products

At IB Pet, we prioritize transparency. We avoid products that use vague terms like "animal by-products," which can include mystery parts from various animals.

Instead, we support foods that list named meat meals, like “chicken meal” or “lamb meal.” These meals are protein-rich and made from clean, specific parts of an animal with the moisture removed—so you know exactly what you’re feeding.

Grain-Free vs. Grain-Inclusive

This is one of the most common questions we hear: “Should my pet be on a grain-free diet?”

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Grain-Free

These recipes skip common grains like wheat, corn, and rice, and instead use carbs like lentils, chickpeas, or potatoes. Many choose this option for pets with allergies or digestive issues. Just remember—grain-free foods can be higher in calories, so portion control is key.

Grain-Inclusive

These diets include whole or ancient grains like brown rice, oatmeal, barley, or quinoa. Grains can provide great fiber, vitamins, and steady energy—especially for pets with no known allergies or sensitivities.

💡IB Pet Tip: If your pet doesn’t have dietary restrictions, rotating between grain-free and grain-inclusive foods can offer variety and more well-rounded nutrition.

Still not sure what’s best for your pet?

Our team at IB Pet is here to help! Whether you're exploring new food options or fine-tuning your current routine, we’ll work with you to find the best fit for your pet’s unique needs.

Stop by one of our stores or message us online—we love helping pets live their best, healthiest lives. 🐶🐱