Cat Food Donations: What is Best? Food or Gift Card

A friend of mine volunteers at our local animal shelter and told me that the animal all have stomach upset from the potluck food that is donated.  I was taken back by what she said and asked why the shelter did not send out a newsletter or post on their entrance what brand and type of food that they needed. Clearly, food consistency is greatly needed or animals will have stomach upset.

My friend responded by saying that they simply could not ask people to buy specific food, that they were grateful for all foods that were donated.  I disagreed and made a point by saying that people will give you whatever you ask for, the last thing animal lovers want is to make the pets sick. 

Do you agree? 

If you are someone who donates food to your local animal shelter then I would recommend that you call the shelter to find out what they need.  Ask if there is a specific brand or type of food that is needed.  Do not accept the reply "any food will be appreciated" because any food will make animals sick.  If you cannot get the shelter to tell you what they need like "Purina Cat Chow" then shop for a gift card from Amazon, Walmart or Pet Smart.  

Donate the gift card to your local shelter so they can buy exactly what they need.