Diet,
By Angel Mitchell, D.V.M., C.V.A.
Let's talk about diet.
Unfortunately the public and even the veterinary profession has been brainwashed by the pet food companies that feeding dry processed pet food is best for our pets. The truth of the matter is there are no real benefits to feeding dry food and in cats there are very serious health problems related to feeding dry food.
Dry kibble is not hard enough to clean their teeth, it tends to be very high in carbohydrates, and many animals become overweight eating it. Cats eating dry food are much more likely to develop urinary tract problems, diabetes, chronic vomiting (all that vomiting is NOT hairballs), and obesity. Dogs are at less risk to the evils of dry food but many dogs eating kibble are overweight.
So what should we feed our pets? Just as for ourselves unprocessed fresh food is best. I realize that it is impractical for most pet owners to "cook" for their pets so I will discuss other options and how to prepare or purchase fresh food options.
Dogs
If you are going to feed canned or dry food, canned is better because it is less processed. Look for one that is wheat and corn free. Many companies use corn as an inexpensive source of calories. Dogs are not cows - corn is used to fatten livestock and it is doing the same thing to our pets. Look for a food with meat as the first ingredient and no by products. This goes for canned food as well. Read the ingredients - buy canned food that does not have corn, wheat, or byproducts in them. Many breeds, especially retrievers, do best on grain free diet. Many companies now carry a grain free line of food and even though they are more expensive you can feed less and maintain great body condition.
You won't find these foods in the grocery store, but you can find a variety of great foods in our local feed stores, pet stores, healthy grocery stores, and here at Bonnie Brae Veterinary Hospital. We carry Wellness and California Natural. With large breed puppies you want to feed them a large breed puppy formula for the first six months. The extra money you spend on food will save you later with health issues.
Cats
Cats should never be fed dry food if at all possible. Feeding wet food twice daily is a much more natural way for cats to eat. They should not "graze". Their metabolism is designed to eat one or two meals daily. Nibbling all day allows acid base imbalances and this leads to issues such as urinary crystals and cystitis. Cats are not big water drinkers and they tend to stay slightly dehydrated on dry food leading to very concentrated urine which predisposes them to urinary and possibly even kidney disease.
As with dogs, we must read the ingredients in cat food. Buy food without corn, wheat, or byproducts. Cats do very well on grain free diets. They are true carnivores and there is no place in their diets for grain. When fed dry food many cats become addicted to their crucnches and that is due to the carbs. Many feline diseases are caused or exacerbated by dry food. I am not saying they can't have the occasional crunchy treat but their main diet should be grain free, or at least wheat and corn free wet food fed twice daily. Most cats need 1/3 to 1/2 can twice daily.
Home Made or Pre Prepared Raw Food Diets
Making food for your pet is not hard but it is a commitment. There are many companies that sell balanced raw frozen diets and some even ship directly to your door. Some of these companies use organic or hormone free meats. These foods are convenient, healthy and easy, but they are more expensive. I will list some companies at the end of the article. Some feed stores and organic groceries carry frozen pet foods.
If you want to make your own food there are many options.
1. Buy meat which has bone ground in it and add your own mix of veggies. If you would like to add some grains, such as oats or brown rice, it is not necessary but will help keep the cost down for larger breeds. Some very active dogs need some grains to keep their body condition optimal. Cats need taurine to prevent heart problems so a premix listed below is a better option for them. Source for meat with bone ground in are Pawparrazi in Greenville and Blue Ridge Beef (online).
2. There are many dehydrated premixed foods that have veggies with vitamins and minerals added - you just add water to the meat. Some dehydrated products have the meat added as well and all you add is water. Sojos is one brand we carry with options of a veggie/fruit mix to which you add your own meat or a complete diet with either turkey or beef. These diets are less expensive than the frozen diet and you can add your choice of meat. You can manipulate the diet if needed to increase or decrease the protein or even add grains if needed.
3. If you choose to make your own diet from scratch using meat with no bone ground in you need to add a calcium supplement. Ground egg shells work well or calcium tablets. Again using a mixture of veggies and meat. It is advisable to add a multivitamin and omega 3 fatty acids as well. There are many recipes available online which range from simple to complicated.
Frozen Complete Diet
Natures Variety - Available at Little Mountain Farm Supply
BARF (bones and raw food) - Available online & ships to you
Darwin's Naturals - Available online and ships to you
Dehydrated Diets and Premixes
Dogs
Sojos - Bonnie Brae Veterinary Hospital
NRG - Online
Mother Hubbard
Stone Throw Farm - www.stonesthrowfarmcardigancorgis.com
Purrrfect Bark, Columbus NC - Frozen & Dehydrated Foods
Cats
Instincts - Bonnie Brae Veterinary Hospital
Wild Kitty
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