If your pet is like most companion animals, he or she looks forward to mealtime. Although our patients may hold very different views and preferences regarding a wide range of topics, most of them share a common love of food and treats. While filling Fido and Fluffy’s bowls isn’t particularly difficult, choosing what to put in them can be challenging. This article provides some nutritional advice from a local Southeast Denver, CO veterinarian.
Which Ingredients Should Be Avoided?
These days, a lot of human and pet food varieties are highly processed and may include a number of additives, preservatives, and fillers. Not only could these ingredients be subpar, but some of them could be downright harmful to your pet.
The following are some things you should make sure are not in your pet’s food:
Corn Syrup / High Fructose Corn Syrup: This ingredient is included in practically everything these days. Unfortunately, it has been connected to a number of human health issues, such as diabetes, fatty liver disease, and heart disease. Although it’s not toxic to Fido, it’s very sweet and generally not good for him to consume.
Artificial Preservatives: Among the most popular of these are ethoxyquin, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). A surprising number of treats and both wet and dry pet foods contain these ingredients, so be sure to read the labels carefully.
Artificial Food Coloring: Dyes will not improve your pet’s health in any way. They are typically only included to improve the final product’s appearance. In particular, Red 40, Yellow #5, and Yellow #6 are especially alarming, as they are all known to contain a carcinogen called benzidine.
Rendered Fat: Although the term “fat” may sound relatively harmless, this type is typically created by combining and boiling the leftover parts of animals that have been processed for meat. Unfortunately, there’s a chance that some of these animals were sick or diseased.
Propylene Glycol: Propylene glycol is frequently used in dog and cat treats as a food stabilizer. When used in excess, it can have negative effects. In addition, this ingredient has been outlawed in Europe, which is reason enough for alarm on its own.
Thickening Agents: Thickening agents may not rank among the most harmful foods, but they aren’t particularly great either. Guar, xanthum, cassia gums, and carrageenan are a few of the most common ones. Further research is still required. They do offer some minor advantages, such texture and stability. Nonetheless, some studies suggest that they might cause cancer, so it’s better to steer clear of them.
Choosing The Right Food
First, we would advise you to consult your Denver, CO veterinarian. Of course, there are certain general guidelines that we may discuss, but it’s important to remember that each pet is unique. What we recommend will depend on a number of factors, such as your pet’s age, health, lifestyle, and any underlying medical concerns he or she may have. A young St. Bernard will require different food than an elderly Chihuahua, while an underweight Pomeranian will require quite different nutrition than a chubby Lab.
Apart from that, stick with brands that have been approved by the non-profit Association of American Feed Control Officials. The AFFCO monitors pet food ingredients, production procedures, and quality standards. They ensure that pet food contains the right nutrients and meets the quality requirements required to support your pet’s health. When it comes to pet food, their endorsement is considered the gold standard.
The following six categories comprise the AFFCO’s classification of nutrition or ingredients in pet food.
- Water: While fresh water is essential for your pet, it’s also a common ingredient in many food products. The amount of moisture in the food your pet eats can have an impact. Natural foods for cats include mice, birds, and other creatures. Additionally, Fluffy consumes her prey uncooked, therefore a significant portion of her diet will be made up of water.
- Carbohydrates (including fiber): Dogs get energy from carbohydrates in the form of glucose, which is crucial. However, cats don’t require any carbohydrates in their meals. Fluffy will still obtain some fiber and carbohydrates from her prey in the wild, though. That being stated, a dog or cat’s diet shouldn’t be centered around carbohydrates.
- Vitamins: Many of your pet’s organs and bodily systems are supported by vitamins, and certain vitamins have distinct functions. We won’t go into all of them, but let’s just say that adding the appropriate vitamins in the right quantities is essential. Too little or too much could be harmful. Your Denver, CO vet can provide more specific guidance.
- Minerals: Minerals are also crucial to your pet’s health. Specifically, iron, zinc, copper, and magnesium are essential minerals for both cats and dogs.
- Fat: Fat lowers inflammation, gives Fido energy, and maintains the health of his skin and coat. It is also necessary for the synthesis of hormones, aids in the absorption of nutrients, and serves as insulation and protection. Many potential sources of fat, including fish oils, flaxseed, and linoleic acid, may be often included in pet meals. Pets also need certain types of fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6 acids.
- Protein: Pets’ cartilage, tendons, ligaments, skin, fur, claws, muscles, and even blood cells are all dependent on protein. Its breakdown produces important amino acids, which are vital to the survival and well-being of your pet.
Interpreting Pet Food Labels
Familiarizing yourself with how to read pet food labels is one of the best things you can do. However, this can become a little complicated. Many brands present their products as healthier than they actually are by using very clever marketing strategies.
Foods that have received AAFCO approval have a few special details on their packaging:
- Brand and product name
- The food’s intended animal (dog, cat, etc.)
- Statement about quality
- Full list of ingredients
- Analysis: This is significant since it provides the percentage of the previously mentioned nutrients. The ingredients must be listed in measured units and in a specific order, with some having a maximum percentage and others having minimums.
- Nutrition Adequacy Statement, which “indicates that the food is complete and balanced for a particular life stage, such as growth, reproduction, adult maintenance or a combination of these, or intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only.”
- The manufacturer or distributor’s name and address
Things can get a little confusing when it comes to the ingredient list, mostly because of labeling regulations. For example, an ingredient must comprise at least 95% of the food if it’s included in the name of the product. There are workarounds for that, though. A product labeled as “flavor” only needs to include roughly 3 percent of that ingredient.
Make sure to get precise feeding recommendations for Fido and Fluffy from your Denver, CO veterinarian. This includes advice on feeding schedules and portion sizes, among other things.
Schedule A Nutritional Consultation With Our Denver, CO Pet Clinic
Do you have questions or concerns about your pet’s nutritional needs? Not sure what to feed your pet, how often or how much? Get in touch with us, your trusted Denver, CO vet at any time. We’re here to help!
