One of the most common questions pet parents ask is, "What's the best food to feed by pet?"

But, there's no one right answer; it truly depends on the nutritional needs of each animal. That's why it's crucial to learn some general information about pet nutrition to help you make healthy choices for your four-legged family member.

Yes, a lot goes into deciding what to put in your furry friend’s food bowl. So to make things easier, we’ve outlined some important points for you to consider.

Making Dietary Decisions For Your Dog Or Cat

For starters, you have to decide whether to feed your dog or cat a kibble, wet food, cooked, or raw diet. This should be based on his or her health, as well as your budget and lifestyle.

It’s also important to know which kinds of wholesome foods and supplements you can give your pet. A dietary boost can help get your pal into tip-top shape, depending on his or her nutrition needs.

But in addition to learning what you should feed your pet, it's essential to know what not to do. There are some common feeding mistakes pet parents make without meaning to, but the fact is, it can hurt their companion in the long run.

For instance, many people show their pets love through treats, but too many of them can lead to obesity, which is linked to a host of health issues and diseases. (That doesn't mean the goodies have to stop, though -- there are plenty of healthy homemade treats you can swap out for the high-calorie ones!)

There are also certain ingredients pet parents should avoid in store-bought dog and cat foods, including food dyes, preservatives, and excess sugar. Even though they're commercially available (and even common), it doesn't mean they're good for your companion!

And of course, it's all about balance; treats are okay on occasion, and providing your pal a nice variety of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients is an absolute must.

Your Pet Depends On You!

Our pets depend on us to care for them, since they can't make these decisions for themselves. From preparing their meals to making sure their emotional and physical needs are met, it's our job to keep them as happy and healthy as possible.

You don’t have to be an expert to be a wonderful pet parent. However, you do have to have a little background knowledge about how to care for your companion -- and that includes getting expert guidance from veterinarians and nutritionists you trust.

But while their help is crucial, at the end of the day, the decisions you make for your four-legged friend are ultimately up to you. So, listen to the advice of trusted professionals, do some research, and use your best judgment. After all, no one knows your pet quite as well as you!