Many people often ask why the price of the same dog food or cat food can vary so much between brands; or why different series within the same brand also show quality differences. Here, the editor will explain in detail the nutritional components and raw materials in dog and cat food. What exactly causes the high price of natural food? And what reasons affect the lifespan of dogs?

Dogs accustomed to commercial food will actually disdain natural food

　　1. Definition of Natural Food and Commercial Food
　　To understand the difference between natural food and ordinary food, we must first know what they actually mean. What are the definitions of natural food and commercial food?
　　1. Definition of Natural Food
　　(1) Natural Food Definition
　　Natural food refers to foreign-produced pet food that has undergone thorough inspection. Their ingredient selection contains no by-products or additives, and the meat comes from uncontaminated, free-range farms.
　　(2) Natural Food Ingredients
　　Dog food without the use of palatants, preservatives, additives, or other harmful substances. Natural food is preserved with Vitamin E, contains no elements harmful to cats or dogs, and long-term use results in shinier fur and better stool quality.
　　(3) Benefits of Natural Food
　　Organic natural food has higher standards and must come from organic farms. The meat quality and ingredient composition differ significantly. In summary, natural food ingredients come from wild animals and plants and contain no food additives.
　　2. Definition of Commercial Food
　　(1) Commercial Food Definition
　　The materials mainly consist of 4D ingredients and by-products. The 4D ingredients are an abbreviation for four types of animal states: Dead, Diseased, Dying, and Disabled. By-products refer to their internal organs, skins, and furs.
　　(2) Commercial Food Ingredients
　　Although the materials in commercial food are not attractive to dogs, a large amount of palatants is added, so generally commercial food smells better, and most dogs love to eat it.
　　(3) Harms of Commercial Food
　　Dogs fed with 4D and by-product-made dog food initially show good health and very normal development, but later, compared to dogs fed purely natural food, their aging process is more than 20% faster and lifespan is reduced by 27%.
　　Editor's note: The illness rate for dogs eating commercial food is higher than for those eating natural food; they are more prone to immune disorders and degenerative diseases. This is supported by data and is not a sales pitch for natural food!

Choosing pet food requires consideration of both price and pet health

　　2. Advantages and Disadvantages of Natural Food and Commercial Food
　　1. Commercial Food Has Low Price
　　Commercial food is cheaper than natural food. It is a commonly found lower-priced dog and cat food that contains additives and preservatives.
　　Editor's reminder: Many dogs prefer commercial food over natural food because of added palatants that make it tastier; this is why pets often disdain natural food after owners purchase it.
　　2. Source of Food Ingredients
　　Natural Food: Comes from organic farming systems or wild natural products; the meat is uncontaminated.
　　Commercial Food: Made from feed-fed livestock and processed products; low-end commercial food may even use animal carcasses.
　　3. Differences in Additives
　　Natural Food: Prohibits the use of chemically synthesized pesticides, fertilizers, hormones, antibiotics, food additives, usage of genetic engineering technology, its products, and derivatives.
　　Commercial Food: Production is more intensive; cat food adds a large amount of grains and synthetic flavorings to improve taste.
　　3. Food Value Goals
　　Natural Food: Aims for high protein, low fat, and comprehensive nutrition.
　　Commercial Food: Focuses on product functionality and palatability.
　　4. Price Differences
　　Natural Food: Slightly more expensive, with effects evident through long-term consumption.
　　Commercial Food: Mid to low-end food, generally cheaper in price.
　3. Reasons to Choose Natural Food for Pets
　　1. High Nutrition and Easy Absorption
　　Natural food is processed from fresh ingredients using scientific methods, preserving the nutrients and trace elements to the greatest extent, making it easier for pets to absorb.
　　2. Organic Food is Safer
　　Natural food comes from an organic agriculture production system; raw materials prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, hormones, antibiotics, food additives, etc. No preservatives or edible essences are added during processing, ensuring safer consumption for cats.
　　3. Greener and Healthier
　　Natural food advocates maintaining the product's natural ingredients—fresh and uncontaminated, containing more trace elements and vitamins. Long-term consumption of natural food can improve cats' immunity, enhance physical fitness, and extend lifespan.
　　4. Higher Health Value
　　Some people think natural food is expensive and hesitate to buy it for pets, believing cheaper dog and cat food is sufficient. This view is incorrect. Pets eating natural food are healthier, have a lower chance of illness, and compared to high medical costs, natural food is much more cost-effective.
　　5. Commercial Food Has Lower Nutrition
　　Pets eating commercial food consume a lot because the protein and fat contents are insufficient. Natural food has adequate protein and fat, so cats get full with less. Eating the same weight of natural and commercial food, natural food lasts longer.