Q. I’m looking for a top-quality food for my pet. What ingredients should I look for on the label?
A. A healthy food for your dog or cat offers your pet true nutrition. At Hound & Gatos we believe true nutrition begins with a balanced diet similar to what they would eat in nature: a meaty diet without grains. The first ingredient on all of our labels is real animal protein such as beef, chicken or salmon. No by-products, fillers or artificial preservatives are ever added. We also steer clear of ingredients that could cause adverse reactions in your pet such as peas, chickpeas, lentils or white potatoes.
Q. Why is a high animal protein diet healthy for my pet?
A. At Hound & Gatos, we believe our four-legged friends thrive on diets that reflect what their ancestors ate in the wild. You’ve never seen dogs and cats grazing in a pasture!
Q. Are Hound & Gatos recipes truly grain free?
A. Yes– with the exception of two kibble varieties that are made with ancient grains. At Hound & Gatos, we believe that dogs and cats were meant to thrive on a high-meat, low-carbohydrate diet. The majority of our recipes are prepared without grains of any kind, which makes them great for pets with food allergies or digestive sensitivities. Our complete and balanced foods contain only a few key ingredients. And we never use high-glycemic ingredients that aren’t good for pets, like white potatoes or excessive starchy grains.
Q. Why do you use natural agar-agar as a thickening agent?
A. Because there is evidence that other thickeners commonly found in pet foods may not be as healthy for your pet. Carrageenan has been linked to gastrointestinal inflammation and digestive issues. Guar gum has some healthy benefits, but it’s derived from a bean. Beans are difficult for cats to digest. Xanthan gum is derived from corn, wheat, dairy or soy. These nutrients can trigger allergies in sensitive pets.