MARKUS MÜHLE Adult True Nature

Both types of food have clear advantages and disadvantages:

• Dry food: Scores points for easy storage, a long shelf life, high energy density, and usually lower costs. Due to its low moisture content, the food should ideally be soaked, or the animal should be ensured it drinks enough.

• Wet food: Provides plenty of liquid thanks to its high moisture content, which is particularly important for cats (which naturally drink little). It is often tastier, but spoils much faster in the bowl

The shelf life once opened varies greatly depending on the type of food:

Dry food (plain, clean bowl): Up to 24 hours (replace with fresh food daily)

Dry food (soaked): Maximum 2 hours

Wet food (can/pouch): 20 minutes to a maximum of 4 hours (depending on the brand/room temperature)

When looking at the ingredients list, pay attention to the following points:

• Transparent declaration: The ingredients should be precisely named (e.g., "fresh chicken" instead of just "meat and animal derivatives").
• Meat content: A high meat content is good, but the food must be balanced. A pure meat diet does not provide all vitamins and minerals.
• Additives: Avoid food with unnecessary sugar, artificial colors, or artificial flavors

Grain-free pet food contains no wheat, rye, barley, oats, corn, or rice. However, this does not mean that the food is carbohydrate-free. To shape the kibble and provide energy, manufacturers use alternative carbohydrate sources instead, such as:

• Potatoes or sweet potatoes
• Peas, lentils, or chickpeas (legumes)
• Tapioca or amaranth (pseudocereals)

Avoiding grain offers benefits, especially in specific cases:

• Diagnosed intolerances: If an animal is proven to be sensitive to grain proteins or gluten.
• Elimination diets: For the systematic investigation of food allergies.
• Species-appropriate cat feeding: Since cats are obligate carnivores, their food should naturally contain a very low proportion of carbohydrates and grain

Whether it's a bag, can, or fresh bag – unopened food requires an environment that is cool, dry, and dark:

• Temperature: Optimal temperatures are constant between 10 °C and 20 °C. Avoid places directly next to the heater, washing machine, or in direct sunlight.
• Avoid temperature fluctuations: If possible, do not store food in poorly insulated sheds. Strong temperature changes lead to condensation in the package, which allows invisible mold (mycotoxins) to grow extremely quickly.
• No contact with the floor: Do not place heavy food bags directly on the bare stone floor in the basement, but store them on an elevated surface (e.g., a pallet or shelf) to prevent the absorption of moisture from the floor.