What You Need to Know About Your Pet's Food
by Dr. Larry Siegler
Your Companion’s Diet
Nutrition is the foundation of good health for people and the same is true for
our animal companions. Diet is the most important component of your pet’s health
care. The best diet for your dog or cat is not unlike the best diet for you – it
consists of a variety of whole foods enhanced with vitamins and minerals, enzymes
and supplements, when necessary, to promote optimal health, prevent disease or to
address health issues.
Our animal companions are natural hunters and carnivores - just look at their
ancestry. The dog at your feet (or on your sofa) has evolved from the wolf, and
his digestive system is virtually the same despite thousands of years of domestication.
They have very short intestinal tracts geared to the consumption and digestion of
raw foods. The cat on your lap is a true or “obligate” carnivore (meat only diet)
and is specially designed by nature to hunt small rodents and birds. Her digestive
tract, as well, is intended to assimilate raw meat best.
Commercially prepared kibble has become the standard diet for most pets in our
culture. It is relatively cheap and quite convenient. Knowledgeable guardians and
many veterinarians, however, are becoming increasingly aware of the true nutritional
needs of companion animals and are taking a proactive approach to nutrition by placing
more importance on getting the highest quality ingredients and carefully controlled
preparation than on cost and convenience. For most dogs and cats, a home-prepared
raw food diet is best. This is not always feasible, however, so at Only Natural
Pet Store we do our best to offer the healthiest options available for all lifestyles
and feeding choices. Whatever food you choose to offer your pet, putting some thought
into your decision now can produce big rewards over his or her lifetime and very
probably help him or her avoid serious and costly illnesses caused by poor nutrition
and feeding practices.
Freshness
When trying to determine the best diet for your companion, there are two things
to keep in mind: The fresher, the better, and rotation is optimal. First let’s discuss
freshness.
Fresh food is teeming with life. It contains natural enzymes, probiotics, antioxidants,
vitamins and minerals in their most natural state, making them more digestible and
more easily assimilated. Heat is the number one enemy of nutrients in food. The
fresher the food, the more bioavailable the nutrients in that food will be. This
means that the antioxidants in the fruits and vegetables listed in the ingredients
will be far more likely to be intact and digestible in raw food than in dry kibble
or canned food, which are processed at high temperatures. This is also true for
natural enzymes, probiotics, amino acids and vitamins and minerals in your pet's
food.
The less heat-processed the food, the more likely it is that the nutrients will
be preserved in their natural state by the time you feed it to your companion, and
the more digestible those nutrients will be. So even if dry kibble is a part of
your companion’s diet, adding fresher foods like fresh or frozen raw food & bones,
or fresh cooked meat, healthy table scraps, freeze-dried or dehydrated foods, and
even canned food can enhance the quality of his or her overall diet.
The Freshness Scale:
1. Home prepared diet (preferably raw)
2. Frozen raw food diets
3. Freeze-dried & dehydrated foods
4. Canned foods
5. Dry kibble
We’ll talk more about each type of food later on in the article.
Rotation
In addition to freshness, variety is important in your companion’s diet. A more
diverse diet is far more likely to provide complete nutrition than a “formulated”
diet fed over and over again. While all pet foods on the market meet the AAFCO (Association
of American Feed Control Officials) standards for “nutrition” for dogs and cats,
that does not mean that any one of them are the ideal food for the life of your
companion.
A good meal is a pleasurable experience for you, and the same should be true for
your companion. However, even a good meal served over and over can become tiresome.
You wouldn’t eat corn flakes at every meal for years at a time, so why ask your
companion to eat cereal - the SAME cereal, for every meal, every day, for months
or years at a time? It is detrimental to both your health and your companion’s to
eat the same thing for months or years at every meal. Consuming the same food repeatedly
over long periods of time can contribute to the development of food sensitivities
and allergies.
More recently, some veterinarians specializing in feline medicine have stated that
inflammatory bowel disease may develop, in part, because of food sensitivities caused
by feeding one diet for over a year or two at a time. Feeding cats, who are obligate
carnivores, a grain-based diet has also been shown to contribute to the incidence
of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), also known as Feline Urological Syndrome
or FUS. The resulting dehydration over a long period of time pets a great deal of
stress on the kidneys and lining of the urinary tract.
We recommend varying your companion’s diet regularly. If feeding a raw diet, you
do not need to “transition” from one type of food to the next. Animals eating kibble,
however, should be transitioned gradually over a week or two from one to the other.
Cats should not eat dry kibble as a main portion of their diet.
Optimizing Freshness and Rotation
While the ideal diet would be a continual rotation of fresh, raw foods, most guardians
do not have the time and resources to carefully formulate and make their pet’s food.
So if you can’t meet the ideal, just get as close as you can with what you can afford.
The next best thing would be to feed raw food as at least 50% of the diet. You can
feed one meal a day raw or mix raw in with processed foods. Here are some ways to
increase the freshness of your pet’s diet:1. Home prepared food can't be beat
for freshness. This is especially valuable for animals with health issues such as
allergies or immune disorders. Following a recipe is crucial so that proper vitamin
and mineral supplementation is achieved. Particular attention must be paid to the
ratio of calcium and phosphorus when preparing pet foods at home. Basic recipes
can be found in
Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats, which
also includes recipes for a variety of health issues.
The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care also has basic recipes and information
to support home prepared meals. For further information on feeding raw food, the
book
Raw
Meaty Bones contains good information.
2. Frozen raw foods generally come either in a formula of raw meat, grains, and
fresh vegetables designed to provide complete nutrition, or as pure raw meat designed
to be added as a supplement to other types of food. For more information about transitioning
to and feeding a raw diet, please see our article
All About Raw Food.
3. Only Natural Pet Store offers vegetable and/or grain-based mixes by
Sojo's and
Honest Kitchen - Preference that are designed to be added to raw or cooked
meat. You simply rehydrate the mixture and add the meat. The
Honest Kitchen Verve Formula can be used this way as well.
4. Adding freeze-dried or dehydrated foods is another way to enhance the freshness
and variety in your companion’s diet. The
Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Diets for dogs and cats and the
Nature's Variety Prairie Freeze-Dried Diets are convenient and easy to
feed. Again, this can be for one meal a day or every other day. Alternatively, top
dressing dry kibble with freeze-dried food adds more bioavailable nutrients, amino
acids and enzymes that kibble lacks.
5. If you include dry kibble in the diet, rotate the kibble you use every month
or every other month (gradually transition over a week or more). Mix a variety of
different high quality canned foods into the diet as a meal or mixed with kibble.
If possible, mix raw meat and, for dogs, lightly steamed vegetables and fresh fruits
into their food. And YES – you CAN feed your dog or cat healthy people food. If
you are cooking a nice meal of pot roast and vegetables for the family, save a portion
for your companion – it’s a great way to add variety and fresher food into his or
her diet. Always remember, however, that to prevent weight gain you must use proportionately
less of the kibble when adding canned, freeze-dried, or dehydrated food, raw meat,
or people food.
Keep in mind that the less complicated you make your pet’s diet plan, the more likely
you are to stick with it. If it is easiest for you to just reach into the freezer
and take out an already prepared and balanced meal, consider stocking up on a frozen
raw food formula. If using a premix like Sojo's with raw meat sounds workable, by
all means try it. Or try feeding your dog raw turkey necks or chicken necks, backs
or wings for breakfast 2-3 times per week. You can buy them at the grocery store
or from our raw food section. If you can’t manage the raw food, but cooking a little
extra at each meal is easy for you, then add a bit of your breakfast or dinner to
your pet’s diet. Make it easy and your companion will reap the benefits through
a healthier and more interesting diet.
Here is an overview of the different types of foods available to feed your pet:
Frozen Raw Foods
More and more guardians and veterinarians alike are discovering the health benefits
of a raw food diet. Many health issues such as chronic allergies and inflammatory
bowel disease can completely clear up on a raw food diet. Many other chronic and
degenerative diseases may be reduced or prevented by feeding a biologically appropriate
raw diet. As interest grows, so does the availability of a wider variety of pre-formulated,
frozen diets for dogs and cats. Only Natural Pet Store offers some excellent
Frozen Raw Diets. For more information about the benefits of feeding
a raw diet, please see our article
All About Raw Food.
Freeze-Dried Diets
Another new trend in pet foods is the availability of freeze-dried or “cold processed”
diets. Since heat is the number one enemy of nutrients in food, freeze drying is
a far superior way to preserve the nutrition and biological nature of fresh foods.
The natural enzymes, amino acids, and probiotics remain intact. The addition of
grains is unnecessary in the processing of the food, so those looking for a grain-free
diet can include freeze-dried foods in their companion’s rotation.
Freeze-dried food can be fed alone or top dressed on raw or dry food. Freeze dried
food is an excellent way to supplement a dry, kibble diet or offer some variety
in the rotation of your companion’s diet. It can also be used as a highly nutritious
treat, and is an excellent food for puppies and kittens as it can be well re-hydrated
and even run through a blender to make it easy for them to eat. Because it is very
light weight, it is excellent for camping and traveling. One pound of freeze dried
food will typically re-hydrate to the equivalent of about 10-12 5.5 oz. cans of
food. See our
Freeze-Dried Dog and Cat Food selections.
Dehydrated Diets
Dehydrating is the oldest form of food preservation. The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated
food is made from the highest quality human, table grade ingredients. The chicken
is free-range and fed a biologically appropriate diet (no meat meals or animal by-products).
The salmon is wild caught from the North Pacific.
Dehydration suspends the activity of enzymes in the food until the food is re-hydrated.
Dehydrated food loses only 3 to 5% of the nutrients in the original ingredients
because the temperatures used are much lower than those used for canning or for
extruding kibble, where the loss can be as much as 60 to 80%. See our
Dehydrated Dog and Cat Food sections.
Canned Food & Meats
Canned food is a good option for those needing the convenience of processed foods
but who are trying to eliminate grains from their pet's diet. It is especially important
for cats to be on a meat protein based diet with minimal grains as discussed previously.
In addition, too much carbohydrate content in your pet's diet can contribute greatly
to the problems of obesity, cardiovascular disease, acidosis, arthritis and immune
problems.
Canned food is also a great way to supplement kibble for added variety and nutrition.
It can also be used to increase the appeal of healthier diets and raw foods for
those animals that are “addicted” to their dry kibble and are having a hard time
accepting real food. Many dry foods and regular canned foods have flavor enhancers,
sweeteners and sodium in them that dogs and cats become accustomed to, causing them
to reject real food or healthier canned varieties. Give your companion plenty of
time and repeat exposures to healthier foods and they will usually make the transition.
Use as much variety in your companion’s canned food diet as they will accept. Cats
especially, can be finicky. Sometimes crushing or sprinkling their favorite treat
over the food can help lure them in for a taste, and they will then eat the food.
Do not feed your companion a food that contains ingredients you would not eat yourself.
The canned foods sold at Only Natural Pet Store use human grade, whole food ingredients.
Organic foods offer the best of the canned options as they do not contain pesticide
residues and other toxins that your companion then has to eliminate through her
liver and kidneys. This is especially important for animals with a compromised immune
system.
Wysong’s Only Meat canned foods are an excellent supplement to dry kibble
and as an occasional meal. They include organ meats that provide essential amino
acids and contain no fillers, no grains, no synthetic vitamins or minerals or artificial
anything.
Canine Caviar Canned Canine and Feline Diets are another all meat
option, and
Tiki Cat & Tiki Dog canned foods contain natural fish.
See our
Canned Dog Food and
Canned Cat Food sections.
Know your Kibble
If you choose to feed kibble as part of your companion’s diet, we hope you will
consider the source carefully. Become a label reader - the ingredients are not always
what you might think. Many consumers are not aware that the pet food industry is
an extension of the human food and agriculture industries. Pet food provides a market
for slaughterhouse offal, grains considered "unfit for human consumption," and similar
waste products to be turned into profit. This waste can include intestines, udders,
esophagi, and possibly diseased and cancerous animal parts.
In evaluating a dog or cat food there
are a variety of points we look for including the quality of the protein source,
the amount of grain by-products, and any artificial ingredients such as preservatives,
colors, or flavors among other things. The ingredient listings are regulated by
the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). The ingredients listed
on dog and cat food labels must be listed in order of predominance by weight. When
determining the main ingredients in a food it is helpful to look for the source
of fat or oil in the food – the ingredients listed before the fat or oil source
make up the majority of the food (including the fat or oil), those ingredients listed
after the fat or oil are present in much smaller amounts. Generally, a good quality
food will list at least one specified whole-meat and/or meat meal such as
chicken meal, turkey meal, beef meal, etc - but avoid any products containing
meat meal of an unspecified source or any meals containing by-products. In addition
a high quality kibble will list one or more sources of WHOLE, unprocessed grains
in the main ingredients.
The term "meal" means that the meat or other animal materials are not used fresh,
but have been heated at extremely high temperatures. The fat rises to the top and
is skimmed off. The remaining solids are then pressed to remove the residual liquid
to create either chicken meal, turkey meal, beef meal, OR "meat meal" “meat and
by-product meal,” “poultry meal,” etc. In a lesser quality food, meat and poultry
meals, by-product meals, and meat-and-bone meal are common ingredients, which indicates
the use of less desirable animal products such as slaughterhouse offal.
One of the main meat sources in the prescription foods sold by many veterinarians
is “Chicken by-product meal,” which translates to: chicken feet, chicken entrails
and other parts of the chicken unfit for human consumption. While the processing
of meats and by-products for pet foods can destroy a great deal of the nutrients
in the food, it does not necessarily destroy the hormones used to fatten livestock
or increase milk production, or drugs such as antibiotics or the barbiturates used
to euthanize animals. This is why foods that use human-grade meat sources are the
best choice.
Grain sources must be considered, as well. Along with “meat and bone meals,” grains
such as corn and wheat are usually among the first ingredients listed on both dry
dog and cat food labels. Most dry foods use grain products for a large portion of
the protein content, but not all protein sources are as readily digested and utilized.
Cats especially are obligate or “true” carnivores and should derive their protein
from meat, not grains. And as with the “meat” sources used in these foods, the grains
are frequently not whole grain but the by-products of milling and processing grains
for other uses.
The dry foods and kibble sold at Only Natural Pet Store use human-grade, wholesome
ingredients. For dry dog food options,
click here. For dry cat food,
click here. While we recommend feeding raw food a minimum of 3-5
times a week, and providing the freshest food you can, high quality dry foods can
be included in your companion’s balanced diet. When feeding dry kibble, be sure
to supplement with
digestive enzymes and
essential fatty acids (like salmon oil), and consider nutrition
enhancers such as a high quality
multivitamin & mineral supplement,
Sold Gold's Sea Meal,
Wysong’s Add-Life,
Udo's Choice Pet Essentials, or
Missing Link. Top dress with people food such as leftover meats and
vegetables. (Don’t forget to reduce the serving of kibble in proportion to
the table scraps. Overfeeding is a common problem for many companion animals and
compounds their risk for poor health and disease.)
About Puppy & Kitten Food
While most manufacturers of pet food market a particular product for growing animals,
we do not think this to be necessarily in your companion’s best interest. If you’ve
read this far you have some understanding that a raw diet is the best diet for dogs
and cats. The same is true for puppies and kittens. Their dietary needs are fully
met by a high-quality diet of all raw food or the best possible combination of fresh
foods and processed foods you can provide supplemented with raw or cooked meat and
vegetables. Many puppy and kitten foods encourage the over-feeding of young animals
which can lead to a host of chronic health issues later in life. Puppies and kittens
should not be round and roly-poly as they are often depicted in photos, they should
be appropriately trim just like adult dogs and cats. Growing too fast can predispose
an animal to joint problems as well.
Prescription Diets
Many veterinarians are recommending prescription diets on a more regular basis.
While it is a great way for veterinarians and especially the pet food industry to
make more money, it is a very poor way to feed most companion animals. These diets
are typically highly processed and contain highly questionable ingredients. The
most popular brand of these foods uses grains as a principle protein source and
includes “chicken by-product meal,” which translates to: chicken feet, chicken entrails
and other parts of the chicken unfit for human consumption. In addition they often
contain the preservatives BHA and BHT – common ingredients in floor cleaners and
paint products which, according to the manufacturer’s Material Safety Data Sheet,
may be harmful if ingested, inhaled or absorbed through skin contact, and is a skin
and eye irritant. Would you knowingly feed that to your companion?
These diets may help certain symptoms simply by providing a change, but they do
not address the underlying causes. The best diet for any animal is a biologically
appropriate diet. For dogs and cats that means fresh raw meat is the ideal. Diet
is the foundation of good health. For many health issues in companion animals, a
change in diet to real food can make all the difference in the world.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight
One of the most commonly asked questions in our veterinary practice is “how much
should I feed my companion?” The answer is always the same – only you can determine
that through time and experience. Every pet has a different metabolism, lifestyle
and caloric need. Indoor cats will usually expend less energy than cats with access
to the outdoors. A 50 lb. not-so-active Basset probably needs less than a hard working
50 lb. Australian Shepherd. Feeding guidelines on food labels are just that – guidelines.
You have to watch your pet carefully and adjust their portion size appropriately.
If you have a hard time seeing the weight of your companion until he or she is “fat,”
use a scale a couple times a month. Stand on a bathroom scale to determine your
own weight, (you can do this when no one is looking – your pet won’t tell anyone),
then pick up your pet and calculate their weight by subtracting yours. (Obviously
this is easier with small dogs and cats). You should be able to feel your dog’s
ribs, and they should not have a lot of “cushion.” Their abdomen should be hourglass
shaped – they should have a waist. If their stomach protrudes on either side and
they “waddle” when they walk, it’s time for a diet. Another sign of an overweight
dog is extra fat around the base of the tail.
Overweight pets are at increased risk of developing orthopedic problems, cardiovascular
disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, liver disease. Obesity also can affect an
animal’s mental health and they can become lethargic and less enthusiastic about
life. So keep this in mind when you reach for the treat jar for the tenth time and
adjust dinner accordingly. For more information about keeping your animal companion
fit and healthy please see
Weight Management for Dogs and Cats.
Consider Supplements
Nothing can replace a wholesome well-balanced diet when it comes to promoting
good health for your pet. Proper supplementation however, can make a great diet
even healthier. In addition, common problems such as arthritis and "aging changes"
such as poor coat and decreased activity don't always improve when diet alone is
improved. By identifying specific problems and providing additional nutritional
support through supplementation, many such conditions can be helped. Only Natural
Pet Store offers a wide range of food supplements for dogs and cats. If you are
unsure of which supplements are best for your companion, please call our Customer
Care team for suggestions and guidance.
Please see
Daily Supplements for Healthy Companions for more information.
Recommended Resources:
The Dog Food Project -
www.dogfoodproject.com
The FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine -
http://www.fda.gov/cvm/petlabel.htm
Books:
Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats
The Nature of Animal Healing
The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care