Pet Nutrition
By Barbara Fougere, BSCBVMS (HONS) IVAS CERT
Pet nutrition is a vital and important
topic for all concerned pet owners because optimal nutrition
underlies optimal health. The understanding of the nutritional
requirements of dogs and cats is an evolving science. Much,
but not all, is known about what these companion animals
need. The bottom line is that there is no one diet that
suits every pet. Each animal is individual. There are biochemical
differences, differences in genetic make up, environmental
differences, different levels of activity, exposure to pollutants,
toxins, emotional stresses and so on. All these factors
can impact upon your pet's health and nutritional requirements.
There is also much debate about what constitutes
a proper diet for dogs. Some veterinarians recommend home
made diets, raw or cooked, diets based around raw meaty
bones, diets based on organic meats and vegetables, diets
without grains, others suggest natural prepared foods, or
commercial dog foods and many veterinarians recommend premium
quality pet foods. What is the right way? The answer is
simple, there is more than one way to feed a cat or dog!
Many people say that the best way to feed
a companion animal is the natural way. The ancestors of
our dogs would naturally have consumed the whole body of
their prey-bones, flesh, internal organs, gut contents,
skin, hair, feathers, all of which would have provided the
right balance of nutrients to sustain them. In today's society
this is no longer an option for most of us. Meaty bones
are not a substitute for a whole carcass; vegetables are
not the equivalent of gut contents of prey. However they
can be supplemented appropriately to form a balance diet.
Many prepared pet foods provide excellent
nutrition in a safe and convenient form. They are balanced
and complete and simple to feed. The trends in pet foods
today, in response to peoples concerns, wrongly or rightly,
are that more and more natural preservatives systems are
being used. Colourings are being reduced in pet foods or
are not used at all. Ingredients that have both nutritional
value and improved health characteristics are experiencing
more widespread use, examples are probiotics and essential
fatty acids.
I generally advise those owners who like
to feed their pets on prepared foods to look for the best
quality they can afford. Generally better quality ingredients
cost more, but the results are worth it. I also suggest
they provide their dogs with an appropriate raw bone or
alternative two to three times weekly, along with about
20% of the weekly diet, being fresh meat, some fruits and
vegetables for variety.
I have seen many animals suffering from
poor health because of poor quality pet foods or 'natural'
diets based on meat, bones, pasta and vegetables, or some
other home made combination under supplied with minerals,
protein and vitamins or in the wrong ratios. I have also
seen very healthy animals on the same diets! It is amazing
how relatively flexible pets are in being able to adapt
and survive on just about any diet.
My experience as a holistic veterinarian
and one who has had several years experience in the pet
food industry is that many people who choose to feed home
made diets need some help in balancing them. This is a challenge,
and we can learn from all the research that is available
on the nutritional requirements of dogs and cats. Deficiencies
or excesses in the diet can take a long time before they
become apparent. Many people have seen improvements in the
health of their animals through some minor modifications
and addition of particular supplement.
The key to a long healthy and vital life
is to look at health in the whole perspective. Nutritionally
we need to provide the right balance of nutrients, the right
amount of energy in the food (kcal), and make educated feeding
choices. Ultimately the decision is a personal one, based
on experience, personal eating preferences, what you read
(critically-don't believe everything that is written), the
health of your pet and your veterinarian's advice. The health
and well being of your companion animal is dependent not
only on nutrition but the total care you provide-the best
diet, health care, environmental conditions, exercise and
love you can provide.
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