Anyone who’s ever owned a pet knows that they like to eat-a lot. It’s common knowledge that pets will eat almost anything-sticks, furniture, string and even your favorite pair of shoes. So it should come as no surprise that as a pet owner, you’ll be responsible for your dog or cat’s healthy eating habits. However, not all pet food is created equally, and there are differences in quality. What many pet parents overlook is that your pet’s overall well being depends on the quality of the food he eats.

Next time you shop for pet food, take a closer look at some of the labels. You’ll notice that some foods are labeled “premium.” Premium pet foods have higher standards when choosing the quality of ingredients, formula and nutritional value. Premium foods use higher quality sources of protein, which means your pet will get more nutritional value and eat less food, resulting in less waste for you to clean up. Because premium foods pack more nutrition into each bite, you won’t have to buy as much, and you’ll save more money than you would by buying economy brand kibble.

When evaluating premium pet food, you’ll want to compare the levels of protein, fiber and fat each brand offers. One of the most important things to look for in a premium food is its source of protein. Some brands provide the bulk of their protein content from plant matter, so you’ll want to make sure that the food you select gets its protein from meat, poultry and fish.

All manufacturers have different standards regarding the freshness and quality of their ingredients. Do your own research to find the healthiest, most nutrient-packed food for your pet. Check with your veterinarian for recommendations. You may be surprised that premium foods may actually be less expensive and healthier for your pet.