Many dog and cat owners have started looking at making their own pet foods in a bid to save money and provide healthier and more organic meals for their beloved four-legged friends. Some commercial pet foods on the market can be quite unhealthy, as is true for human foods too. As we’ve started to think more about the foods we put in our own bodies, so too have we started to look at what goes in our pets’ bodies.

Nevertheless, creating your own pet food can be quite time-consuming, as it can be quite tricky to get the essential balance of all the nutrients that your pet needs into one dish. Dr Jules Benson, vice president of veterinary services for pet insurance carrier Petplan, says that: “There is a science behind what your pet needs. These diets should be developed for your pet individually.”

Homemade foods aren’t always the best or safest solution for your pet, and the wrong diet can cause serious health problems for your pet. Other families simply don’t have the time to be able to buy and assemble the right ingredients in order to produce premium pet food. Instead, you can buy quality pet foods at your local pet shop or even online. Look for products that have been specifically recommended by vets and which have proven health benefits for your pet. If you’re not sure which brands or particular products are right for your pet, then discuss them with your vet, who will be able to advise.