Pet Nutrition 101 – What Every Pet Owner Should Know

-Diana S. Bokhari

Chances are that if you are reading a health magazine, you are interested in staying healthy and maintaining well-being. Our companion animals have very similar nutritional needs as we do, beginning with wholesome foods that will support their bodies’ daily requirements for protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. As for humans, these are vital to maintain a healthy immune system, and to keep all organs functioning at their optimum best. Nutrition also plays a key role in your animal’s behavior and can either cause or alleviate irritability, nostalgia, and aggression. Unfortunately, today’s pet food industry is not always accurate in what it deems “nutritionally balanced,” and it is up to pet owners to educate themselves in order to make a healthy choice.

Because there are no official laws, in either Canada or the US, that require quality control for pet foods, this industry is self regulating. In Food Pets Die For (NewSage Press, page 85), Ann Martin writes; “The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a national organization of federal and state officials that regulate label text, ingredient definitions, and product names. Its canine and feline “nutrient profiles” are primarily nutrient minimums with maximums stated… The AAFCO has no enforcement authority. This organization does not undertake any analytical testing on pet food nor does it determine the sources of the protein, fiber, or fats, used in the product. It does provide an extensive list of “ingredient definitions,” which gives a wide leeway for the pet food industry to use the cheapest ingredients available.” This lack of regulation opens the door for the multi-billion dollar industry to cut costs at every angle by compromising the quality of the ingredients used. It is therefore wise to learn how to interpret pet food labels, and which questions to ask manufacturers.

UNDERSTANDING PET FOOD LABELS

Protein is the building block of all cells and must be pet foods’ primary ingredient. It is of utmost importance for maintaining proper balance of hormones, muscles, bones, skin, and blood components to name a few. Because protein is so vital to dogs (omnivores) and cats (carnivores), it should be derived from a healthy animal source. Because there are no regulations over what can and cannot go into pet food, a host of frightening components may make their way into your pet’s food bowl. The number one ingredient to avoid is meat meal. Mystery meat meal can contain anything from recalled and condemned meats (along with their packaging), to roadkill, slaughterhouse offal, zoo animals, and euthanized dogs and cats with their flea collars and ID tags in tact. Look for foods that specify the exact meat source such as lamb, chicken or fish meal and avoid those that list by-products. Seek out foods that are guaranteed as human grade, this will ensure you that the ingredients used are fit for human consumption.

Carbohydrates are glucose molecules that provide energy to all living cells enabling them to maintain metabolism, reproduce and survive. Quality carbohydrates would include whole grains such as brown rice, whole oats and quinoa. Choose these over processed flours as whole grains have greater nutritional value. Dogs require more carbohydrates than cats do. Because cats utilize protein for energy, cat owners must be even more careful in choosing their food. Beware of a practice called splitting; a manufacturer could list grains, most often corn, in its various forms as corn, corn gluten meal, ground corn, etc. This is done because if corn would be listed on its own, it would exceed the listed protein, and would therefore have to be indicated as the primary ingredient.

Essential Fatty Acids are needed for the body to support its every function beginning with cellular reproduction to sustaining brain function and the nervous system. Although EFAs are added to pet foods, most are cheaply derived, heated and are most likely rancid by the time they reach your pet. Supplement your pet’s diet with first cold pressed, organic vegetable oils like Safflower (omega 6), Soybean (omega 3), and fish oils. On average, a 50 lb. dog would need one teaspoon of vegetable oil per day.

Preservatives are necessary to keep packaged food from going rancid. Commercial pet foods need to prolong the shelf life of their products, and may therefore add strong chemical preservatives to accomplish this. The three most common chemicals used are BHT (butylated hydroxtoluene), BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), and Ethoxyquin. All three of these have been proven highly toxic. They are detrimental to kidneys and liver, and cause brain deficiency, allergies, hair loss, and behavior imbalances. Question manufacturers if they add these to their pet foods, and if they do not, ask if they test the raw materials they use when they arrive at their plant. There are no laws requiring them to list any of these ingredients, so pet owners must do their own research. Opt for foods that use natural antioxidants like vitamins E and C as preservatives; they may cost a little more, but are well worth the price.

Homemade diet is best! Deciding to cook for their pets at home is an alternative that more pet owners are opting for. It is wise to prepare your pet’s food as you would your own, not just feed him leftover table scraps (see list of reading material for recipes). A raw diet also comes highly recommended by many holistic veterinarians and breeders nationwide. It is believed that a raw diet is the closest to what dogs and cats would eat in the wild, and is therefore more compatible with their body systems. Once meats are cooked, vital enzymes are destroyed causing a dog’s or cat’s digestive system to work harder while prohibiting nutrients from being efficiently absorbed. Although many people are concerned with parasites and bacteria found in raw meat, it is important to remember that dogs and cats do not possess the same digestive system that we do. If the meat given is USDA inspected fresh human grade, dangerous bacteria would be rarely encountered. For extra precaution, you may disinfect it further with grapefruit seed extract, vinegar or lemon juice, and consider adding a small amount of garlic for further protection and nutritional benefits. Never feed raw fish as it does contain parasites that need to be destroyed by cooking. Ready-made raw food diets are available on the market. Make sure that they meet HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point – food handling) requirements, are nutritionally complete, and do not contain by-products, chemicals, fillers, charcoal, or other inactive ingredients. These are simple guidelines towards a happier, healthier pet!

Recommended Books

Food Pets Die For: Shocking Facts About Pet Food

Ann Martin, SagePress, 1997

Protect Your Pet: More Shocking Facts

Ann Martin, SagePress, 2001

Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats

Rodale Press, 1995

Earl Mindell’s Nutrition and Health for Dogs

Prima Publishing, 1998