Definition

1. Noun:
   • Commercially prepared food for domesticated animals kept as companions: "Pet food" specifically refers to nutritionally balanced products manufactured and sold to feed pets such as dogs, cats, birds, or fish. It is distinct from human food or feed for livestock.

Usage

• "Pet food" is a mass noun (uncountable) when referring to the substance in general. It can become countable when referring to types or brands (e.g., "different pet foods").
• It is commonly used with determiners like , , , or possessive pronouns (e.g., ).
• Typical collocations include: , , , , .

Examples

• Noun:
  • I need to stop at the store to buy more pet food for my cat.
  • The quality of pet food has improved significantly over the years.
  • She carefully read the ingredients on the pet food label.

Advanced Usage

• "Specialty pet food": Refers to food formulated for specific dietary needs, such as for weight management, allergies, or senior pets.
  • My veterinarian recommended a specialty pet food for my dog's sensitive stomach.

Variants and Related Words

• Pet treat (n): A snack or reward given to a pet, distinct from its main meals.
  • I give my dog a pet treat after our walk.
• Animal feed (n): A broader term for food given to domesticated animals, including livestock and poultry. This is not synonymous with "pet food," which is specifically for companion animals.
• Kibble (n): A common term for dry, pellet-shaped pet food, especially for dogs and cats.
  • The bag of kibble was nearly empty.

Synonyms

• Animal food (though this is a broader, less precise term)
• Pet nourishment (more formal)

Related Phrases

• Pet food container (n): A storage bin for keeping pet food fresh.
  • Remember to seal the pet food container tightly.
• Pet food recall (n): An official withdrawal of pet food from the market due to safety concerns.
  • The pet food recall worried many pet owners.

Noun

1. food prepared for animal pets