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Pet Food Nutrition and Fad Diets

Over the last decade the number of new and pop-up food brands has exploded making it hard for pet owners to know which diet is best.

Well-produced advertisements show foods that look like human food but commercially available for pets. Some of these foods boast being fit for people, fresh and also grain-free and claim have ‘natural, fresh ingredients.

This couldn’t possibly be bad, right? 

Wrong – some of these new diets lack appropriate nutrients, contain bad gut bacteria and have been linked to heart disease.

Here are the facts:

  • If the food package doesn’t show it was AAFCO certified, it has not gone through testing to show it is nutritionally balanced and may NOT meet minimum nutritional requirements

    AAFCO is the veterinary association that sets minimum nutritional guidelines for pet food. Similar to the USDA for people
  • If the food does not contain grain, it may be linked to cardiac disease. Check out the link on grain-free foods and the FDA warning https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/outbreaks-and-advisories/fda-investigation-potential-link-between-certain-diets-and-canine-dilated-cardiomyopathy
  • Different breed sized dogs require different kibble sizes and growth formulations when developing as a puppy. All life stage foods are generally not appropriate for a growing pet
  • Some brands (examples include Hills, Royal Canin, Purina) spend millions of dollars annually on researching and testing their foods and products. These food brands are reputable and the nutritional information and claims have been confirmed
  • Raw and frozen diets are more prone to bacteria
    E.coli
    Klebsiella
    Salmonella and more
  • They also don’t always contain adequate vitamin and minerals to meet nutritional needs
  • Just because a brand looks slick on a TV advertisement or your companion animal likes it, does not mean it is a good diet

Most pet owners just want to feed their pets the very best. With so many choices, it can become quite confusing.

Be safe and look for the following:

  • AACO certification on packaging. This diet has been tested and meets minimum nutritional requirements
AAFCO Certification found on reputable foods
AAFCO Certification found on reputable foods
  • Avoid raw, frozen or fresh foods. These foods are more likely to have bacterial contaminants
raw dog food
  • Make sure the kibble size is right for your pet size. Make sure the life stage fits your dog or cat. Kittens and puppies should get kitten or puppy food until they reach their full body size or close.

    There is more variation with dogs as smaller breeds stop the majority of their growth at 6 months whereas a giant breed may not stop growth until over 14 months
  • Talk to your family veterinarian! Their advice should help guide you to the right diet options

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