Changes

The variety of products on the market is enormous. While each producer will have their own recipes, there are pet food safety standards and regulations that everyone must comply with (See sections [[Regulation of the Pet Food Industry - Nutrition|Regulation of the Pet Food Industry]] and [[How Pet Food is Made - Nutrition|How Pet Food Is Made]]).  

The variety of products on the market is enormous. While each producer will have their own recipes, there are pet food safety standards and regulations that everyone must comply with (See sections [[Regulation of the Pet Food Industry - Nutrition|Regulation of the Pet Food Industry]] and [[How Pet Food is Made - Nutrition|How Pet Food Is Made]]).  

Safe cooking methods and strict quality and food safety standards for raw and finished products ensure that manufactured pet-food is free from microbial contaminants such as ''[[Salmonella]]''.   

Safe cooking methods and strict quality and food safety standards for raw and finished products ensure that manufactured pet food is free from microbial contaminants such as ''[[Salmonella]]''.   

Manufactured pet-foods always have a [[Feeding Guides - Nutrition|feeding guide]] to help the owner ensure the pet is fed the correct amount of calories for its life-stage and lifestyle. Feeding guides are based on recognised scientific standards that take into account the nutritional profile of the product to estimate energy density and hence the correct amount to feed on a daily basis.

Manufactured pet foods always have a [[Feeding Guides - Nutrition|feeding guide]]/instructions to help the owner ensure the animals are fed the correct amount of calories for its life-stage and lifestyle. Feeding guides (instructions) are based on recognised scientific standards that take into account the nutritional profile of the product to estimate energy density and hence the correct amount to feed on a daily basis.

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!align="left" width="20%"|Convenience for owner

!align="left" width="20%"|Convenience for owner

!align="left" width="40%"|• Off shelf, no additional preparation time needed<br>• Product readily packed<br>• Various offers with wide price range  

!align="left" width="40%"|• Off shelf, no additional preparation time needed<br>• Product readily packed<br>• Various offers/formulations with wide price range  

!align="left" width="40%"|• More packaging waste for small volume, portion size products<br>• Less interaction in the preparation process <br>• Orientation between brands difficult for owner

!align="left" width="40%"|• More packaging waste for small volume, portion size products<br>• Less involvement in the preparation process <br>• Differentiation between brands difficult for owner

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!align="left" width="20%"|Dietary variability

!align="left" width="20%"|Dietary variability

!align="left" width="40%"|• Wide range of brands and format allows varied diet adapted to the preference of the pets

!align="left" width="40%"|• Wide range of brands and format allows varied diet adapted to the preference of the animal

!align="left" width="40%"|• In case of dietary sensitivity (allergies) difficult to identify root cause.

!align="left" width="40%"|• In case of dietary hypersensitivity (i.e. allergies) difficult to identify root cause.

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!align="left" width="20%"|Nutrient composition

!align="left" width="20%"|Nutrient composition

!align="left" width="40%"|• Complete and balanced formulas ensure the pet is receiving all the nutrients required<br>• Manufacturer is responsible to validate nutritional quality<br>• Improved digestibility  

!align="left" width="40%"|• Complete and balanced formulas ensure animals are fed all required nutrients <br>• Manufacturer is responsible to validate nutritional quality<br>• Improved digestibility  

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