Here are some tips on what to look for when choosing a commercial food for your pet:

* Check labels for USDA approval. Pet foods may not claim such approval unless they are fit for human consumption.

∑ Meat should be the most prevalent ingredient for dogs and cats. Vegetables and whole grains also provide valuable nutrition, but they should be present in smaller amounts. Corn and wheat, however, are best avoided, as they may cause allergies. In addition, you should aim to buy single source protein and single source carbohydrates, for example, beef with potato, rather than have beef, chicken and lamb all in the one food.

The magazine Whole Dog Journal does an annual round up of the best foods in the dry and canned categories. It is a must for the pet owner who would like the convenience of a commerical dog food, but are looking for a high-quality, hypoallergenic diet.

* Preservatives should be natural just like the rest of the ingredients. Vitamin E is a commonly used natural preservative.

* Avoid foods that use meat from animals that have received hormone or antibiotic treatment. They can cause hormonal problems and antibiotic resistance in our pets.

* Steer clear of artificial colors and sweeteners. Beneful, for example, has two sources of sweetener. Remember that artificial sweeteners can kill dogs.

* Avoid pet foods that contain soy. Although soy is safe for human consumption, it has been linked to thyroid problems in dogs. It can also decrease absorption of important vitamins and minerals.

Pets have been eating natural foods for centuries. It wasn’t until commercial pet food was invented that they began to have drastically different diets from humans.

Feeding our pets natural packaged foods allows us a certain amount of convenience while giving them the nutrition they need, and avoiding the chemicals they do not.

If you are still concerned, then by all means cook for your dog. There are great recipes and suggestions, and provided you supplement the single source protein, carb and veggie meal (for example, chicken and rice with carrots) with a good quality dog vitamin such as the inexpensive age-specific ones from Dr. Fosters and Smith, (like the senior vitamins) your dog will be getting a healthy diet without it costing the earth and without you ever having to worry about tainted food ever again.