Life Stages: Dogs and Cats
Pets’ nutritional needs change over time as they go through their life stages, from gestation through adulthood. AAFCO has defined two Nutrient Profiles: Growth and Reproduction (from conception through active skeletal growth) Adult Maintenance (adulthood) Products claiming be “complete” diets must meet one or both of these Nutrition Profiles. While there are products claiming to …
Heavy Metals In Dry Pet Food
There is growing awareness and concern about the levels of heavy metals and other contaminants in pet food: CNN has reported “alarming risk of heavy metals and other contaminants” in dry kibble based on independent laboratory testing.1 Clean Label Project reports high levels of heavy metals and other contaminants in 100% of the dry kibble tested.2 Wall Street Journal reports increases in chronic disease in pets that are attributed to heavy metals in ultra processed kibble.3 Two European articles present risks for …
Other Contaminants in Pet Food
While there are certain heavy metals that are widely recognized as contaminants in pet food, there are other less known contaminants that pose equal threat to pet health (link here). CNN, Clean Label Project, Wall Street Journal, and others report alarming levels of multiple contaminants in dry kibble, and significant increases in chronic disease …
Protein, Fat & Carbs-Their Relationship
People often think of protein as being synonymous with energy, without understanding the role that fats and carbohydrates play in the pet’s diet. There is a common misperception that “all carbs are bad” or that “less fat is always better”. But in fact, carbohydrates and fats are the first nutrients to be converted into energy. …
Health Issues Addressed By Food
Common Health Issues Attributed to Diet: Diet is the foundation for health. It is no wonder that occurrences of many health issues have skyrocketed since the introduction of highly processed commercial pet foods. While claiming to have all essential nutrients (as defined by AAFCO) highly processed foods are lacking in antioxidants, microflora and other natural …
AAFCO Feeding Trials
How Are Pet Foods Tested? When you see a pet food labeled as “complete” it means the company has followed at least one of the AAFCO-approved methods to ensure nutritional adequacy. Only one, the AAFCO Feeding Trial, actually tests the finished food in live animals. The other methods use database analyses or laboratory testing to …
Taurine: Clearing Up The Confusion
Taurine is a vital nutrient for cats and an important one for dogs. Taurine is naturally abundant in meat-based diets that are not over processed. What Is Taurine? Why Does It Matter? Taurine is an amino acid derived from meat-based proteins (see Understanding Nutritional Balance). Taurine is crucial for normal heart function, eye health, reproduction, …
Questions Pet Owners Are Told To Ask
Questions Pet Owners Are Told to Ask Below are some of the top questions that pet owners and veterinarians are told to ask manufacturers. But do these questions really ask what the pet owner needs to know? Below are the actual questions and responses provided by reputable manufacturers. Do you employ a full-time veterinary nutritionist …
The Evolution of Pet Food
The Evolution of Pet Food This article summarizes the history of pet food to date and the future of pet food as we become more aware of the relationship between diet and health for our pets. History: Late 1800’s: First commercial pet food offered pet owners the opportunity to purchase pre-made food called a “raw …
