Pet Nutrition Information
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Pet Nutrition Information for A Dog or Cat
Healthy nutrition is foundational to the overall well-being of your dog or cat. Their state of internal organ health, energy level, skin and coat, as well as behavior, and susceptibility to disease (or lack thereof) can often be attributed directly to aspects of their diet. It’s also possible that specific health issues that your dog is exhibiting may result from food allergies or, simply, overeating. Too, there are supplements for dogs and cats that can alleviate or reduce certain health concerns that we feel you’ll benefit by knowing.
ABC Pet Services is sure you’ll find the articles listed below of interest. Our owner, Anthony Moyer, is also available to offer you pet nutritional advice. Too, Anthony can also help you establish a safe weight loss plan for an overweight dog. Contact us.
Articles: (17)
Fatty Acids for Allergies & Dry Skin in Dogs
For many years, pet owners have given fatty acids to their dogs and cats to change a dull, dry coat into a more glossy one. More recently veterinarians have found that fatty acids play important roles in other areas of skin and coat health such as allergies, the control of inflammation, and the function of other body organs in dogs and cats.
What are fatty acids?
Fatty acids are specific types of polyunsaturated fats.
The two main classes of fatty acids we will be discussing are the omega-3's and the omega-6's. These classifications are based on molecular characteristics. (For you biochemistry buffs out there, check out the text box at the end of this article.) You may also have heard about omega-9 fatty acids. Omega-9's actually decrease the concentrations of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the blood and skin.
Which fatty acids do pets need?
Animals can produce some of the fatty acids they need, but not all of them. Those fatty acids which they can not produce themselves, but must be obtained through their diet, are called 'essential' fatty acids. Interestingly, what is 'essential' for one species of animal is not necessarily essential for another. For example, the fatty acid, arachidonic acid is essential for cats but not for dogs.
In some disease conditions, certain enzymes which convert one fatty acid to another may be deficient, or the animal may not be able to adequately absorb fatty acids from the intestine. In animals with these conditions, some of the 'nonessential' fatty acids actually become 'essential,' that is, required in the diet, and in higher amounts. Deficiencies of fatty acids may also occur with the use of fat-restricted diets in overweight dogs.
Fatty acids in foods are subject to degradation. Overcooking can destroy fatty acids. Improper storage or a suboptimal amount of antioxidants in dry food may result in rancidity and a subsequent deficiency in fatty acids.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids include:
- Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
ALA can be converted into EPA, however, this conversion does not occur in the skin. EPA is the workhorse of the omega-3 fatty acids and is incorporated into the cell membrane.
Omega-6 fatty acids
Omega-6 fatty acids include:
- Linoleic acid (LA)
- Gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
- Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA)
- Arachidonic acid (AA)
LA can be converted into GLA, but not in the skin. However, DGLA can be made from GLA in the skin.
LA is important because it optimizes water permeability in the skin. AA, on the other hand, in increased amounts, is the troublemaker among the fatty acids.
Ratios of fatty acids
Research is being performed to determine the optimal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids that should be consumed. Previously, it was thought that the ratio should be approximately 15:1. Current recommendations are for ratios of 10:1 to 5:1.
Most pet foods contain far more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3's. Some pet food companies have added omega-3 fatty acids to their foods to lower the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. It is important to realize that although the ratios may be a guideline, the actual concentration of EPA in the omega-3's is what is most important.
Sources of fatty acids
Fat may contain fatty acids, but in extremely varying quantities. For example, beef fat will have a very low percentage of fatty acids, whereas, sunflower oil and fish oil will have much larger percentages.
Essential fatty acids are found in different quantities in many plants and cold water fish. Marine oils are good sources of EPA and DPA. The other fatty acids are found in higher quantities in certain plants and grains. Sunflower oil and safflower oil are especially high in LA.
For animals allergic to fish, the seeds of the Salvia hispanica plant provide a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. The seeds of the plant contain their own antioxidants. A Salvia hispanica equine product called Tri-Omega has recently been approved by the FDA for use in horses.
As mentioned previously, most pet foods contain far more omega-6 than omega-3 fatty acids. It has been found that cattle and poultry fed increased omega-3 fatty acids will produce meat and eggs higher in omega-3 fatty acids. In the future, the use of these products in pet food may help to optimize the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in the diet.
How fatty acids function in inflammation
Both AA and EPA can be incorporated into cell membranes. When a cell is damaged, AA is released from the cell membrane and is metabolized by enzymes into substances which increase inflammation and pruritus (itching). EPA is also released when a cell is damaged. It competes with AA for the same metabolic enzymes. EPA results in the production of less inflammatory substances. DHA also results in the production of less inflammatory substances. So DHA and EPA decrease the harmful effects of AA.
DGLA also competes with AA for enzymes. In addition, DGLA causes the release of prostaglandin E1 (PGE), a substance which inhibits the release of AA from the cell membrane.
Indications for the use of supplemental fatty acids
From that complicated description, we hope you can see that by supplementing with EPA, DHA, and GLA (which the body can easily convert to DGLA) we can lessen inflammation. Fatty acids affect a number of body systems and conditions, as described below.
Allergies and Autoimmune Conditions: Allergies and autoimmune conditions occur because the immune system over-reacts. Certain fatty acids can lessen the harmful effects these diseases can have on the body.
Arthritis: Research is showing that omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA, may be helpful in reducing the inflammation associated with arthritis.
Other Inflammatory Diseases: Other diseases which are accompanied by inflammation such as ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and rheumatoid arthritis may respond to the anti-inflammatory effects of certain fatty acids.
Dull and Dry Hair Coats: Haircoats which are dull, brittle, and dry often respond to supplementation with essential fatty acids, especially LA. It has also been found that in some cases of seborrhea, there is a deficiency of LA in the skin. In these cases, supplements high in LA are useful. The addition of EPA and GLA is also beneficial in that it would help negate the release of AA from cells damaged because of this skin condition.
Yeast Infections: Fatty acids have been shown to slow down the growth of Malassezia pachydermatis, a common yeast infection in dogs and cats, in the laboratory. It is thought these fatty acids may play a beneficial role in the treatment of this yeast infection on the skin and ears in dogs and cats.
Preventing Atopy: Some researchers have suggested that fatty acid supplements may be useful to prevent atopy (allergies to inhaled substances such as pollens and molds) from developing in young animals. The theory is that pregnant atopic mothers have a decreased amount of PGE in their systems. PGE is necessary for the development of a healthy immune system in neonates. If the mothers are deficient in PGE, their offspring may be more likely to develop abnormal immune systems which would make them more prone to atopy themselves. Since GLA, when converted to DGLA, causes the release of PGE, giving GLA to a pregnant female in the last month of pregnancy and during lactation may increase PGE and decrease the incidence of the offspring developing atopy.
Eyes: In addition to their effects on the developing immune system, omega-3 fatty acids are also essential for the proper development of the retina and visual cortex.
Heart Problems: Evidence suggests omega-3 fatty acids may prevent certain cardiac problems as well. Ventricular arrhythmias in dogs have been prevented and high blood pressure has been reduced in dogs supplemented with fatty acids. Animals prone to thromboembolisms may be helped by the anti-clotting effect fatty acids have on platelets.
Cancers: Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to slow the development and metastasis of certain cancers. Omega-6 fatty acids, on the other hand, have been shown to stimulate tumor development.
Plasma Triglycerides and Cholesterol: Fish oils have been shown to decrease levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood. Animals receiving retinoid therapy (synthetic vitamin A derivatives) for various skin problems may develop hyperlipidemia. Fish oils may benefit these patients.
It should be obvious that fatty acids are necessary for the normal function of many systems of the body. It is also obvious that not all fatty acids are equal. Because the different fatty acids have different effects, the choice of a fatty acid supplement needs to be based on the specific condition we are trying to treat.
The sources and uses of fatty acid supplements are shown below.
Choosing a fatty acid supplement
Animals being treated for atopy should have supplements with high amounts of EPA, DHA, GLA, and vitamin E.
Animals with seborrhea and other keratinization disorders will benefit from supplements high in LA. Zinc, folic acid, and other additives may also be helpful. Dry, dull hair coats are also an indication for supplementation with LA.
The polyunsaturated fats in fatty acid supplements increase the need for antioxidants. Fatty acid supplements should be fortified with vitamin E.
There are numerous brands of fatty acid supplements with different quantities of vitamins and minerals, as shown in the table below. You can see that the amount of various fatty acids and additives varies considerably. If one brand of fatty acid supplement is not beneficial, another one may be since the ratio of the various fatty acids differ from brand to brand.
Fatty acids as part of a treatment plan
In some animals, fatty acids alone can decrease pruritus or inflammation to an acceptable level. More often, fatty acids are used in conjunction with other therapies. Fatty acids have a synergistic effect with both antihistamines and glucocorticoids. By using fatty acid supplements, we can often decrease the dose of glucocorticoids by 50% or even eliminate them in animals with allergic pruritus. Anecdotal reports have suggested, that supplementation with biotin will increase the effectiveness of fatty acids. Since fatty acids need to be incorporated into cell membranes, they usually do not have an immediate effect. Often a pet must be on a fatty acid supplement for a month before any positive results can be seen. Many veterinary dermatologists recommend that fatty acids be used for 9-12 weeks before considering discontinuation because of lack of positive results. Most experts advise treating with fatty acid supplements twice daily. Some research has shown that 2-10 times the recommended dose may be necessary to control pruritus in dogs.
Dermatologic conditions in cats such as miliary dermatitis and eosinophilic granuloma respond well to fatty acid supplementation, having success rates of 40% and 66.7% respectively. The success rate in dogs with allergic pruritus appears to be less, most studies reporting around 20%.
Risks and side effects of fatty acid supplementation
There are few side effects of fatty acid supplementation. The most serious, but rare complication, is pancreatitis. This is an inflammation of the pancreas that can cause pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration.
Since fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats, they do add calories. If a pet is on large doses of fatty acids, a pet food lower in calories, and fewer treats, may need to be given to prevent weight gain. Some pets may develop diarrhea from fatty acid supplements. Often, starting supplementation at a low dose and gradually working up to the therapeutic dose can help alleviate this problem. It has also been suggested that diets low in fat may increase the effectiveness of fatty acid supplements.
Because fatty acid supplements contain large amounts of fish oils, some pets develop a 'fishy' breath.
The long-term or high-dose effects of fatty acid supplements have not been determined.
Conclusion
Fatty acids have been shown to be important in the health of skin, coat, and other body systems. The various fatty acids have different actions and the choice of supplement needs to be based on the effect desired. For dry skin and dull hair coats, supplements high in LA are recommended. For allergies and inflammations, supplements high in EPA, DHA, and GLA are most effective. In the treatment of atopy and other allergies, fatty acid supplements have been shown to be synergistic with antihistamines and glucocorticoids, enabling the dose of glucocorticoids to be decreased. Therapeutic trials with fatty acid supplements should last 9-12 weeks.
To make the best use of fatty acid supplements, additional research needs to be performed to determine the optimal dosage, ratios, dietary modifications, concurrent therapies and long-term effects.
Food Allergies
The entire process of a pet being sensitized to a particular agent in food and the complicated antibody response that occurs in the intestinal tract in pets with food allergies are not very well understood. Despite our lack of understanding of the actual disease process, there are many things that we do know including the symptoms, how to diagnose food allergies, and also how to treat them. Food allergies affect both dogs and cats. Unlike atopy, there is no strong link between specific breeds and food allergies. Food allergies affect both males and females and neutered and intact animals equally. They can show up as early as five months and as late as 12 years of age, though the vast majority of cases occur between 2 and 6 years. Many animals with food allergies also have concurrent inhalant or contact allergies. Food allergy or intolerance? There is a distinction that needs to be made between food allergies and food intolerances. Food allergies are true allergies and show the characteristic symptoms of itching and skin problems associated with canine and feline allergies. Food intolerances can result in diarrhea or vomiting and do not create a typical allergic response. Food intolerances in pets would be similar to people that get diarrhea or an upset stomach from eating spicy or fried foods. Fortunately, both food intolerances and allergies can be eliminated with a diet free from offending agents. Common food culprits Several studies have shown that some ingredients are more likely to cause food allergies than others. In order of the most common offenders in dogs are beef, dairy products, chicken, wheat, chicken eggs, corn, and soy. As you may have noticed, the most common offenders are the most common ingredients in dog foods. This correlation is not a coincidence. While some proteins might be slightly more antigenic than others, many proteins are similar in form and the incidence of allergic reactions are probably associated with the amount of exposure. For example, pet foods have historically been made up of beef, chicken, corn, and wheat. In an effort to combat food allergies, several companies produced a diet made of lamb and rice. There was nothing special about lamb and rice diets except those two ingredients were normally not present in pet foods. Animals had not eaten lamb or rice before, and therefore, had not developed an allergy to it yet. If the main ingredients in pet food become lamb and rice, then it would stand to reason that the most common problem foods could become lamb and rice. The determinant of whether a food is likely to cause a food allergy or not is based on the structure and size of the glycoprotein in the food. In addition, many lamb and rice-based foods contain many other ingredients, and if the animal has a food allergy to any of them, this lamb and rice food will do nothing to treat the food allergy. In addition, while many people criticized and blamed preservatives and flavorings as a source of food allergies, studies have shown that they are not the causes, and while we may not have justifiable health concerns about preservatives, food allergies is not one of them.
The symptoms of food allergies are similar to those of most allergies seen in dogs and cats. The primary symptom is itchy skin. Symptoms may also include chronic or recurrent ear infections, hair loss, excessive scratching, hot spots, and skin infections that respond to antibiotics but reoccur after antibiotics are discontinued. There is evidence that dogs with food allergies may sometimes have an increased incidence of bowel movements. One study showed that non-allergic dogs have around 1.5 bowel movements per day where some dogs with food allergies may have 3 or more per day. It is difficult to distinguish an animal suffering from food allergies from an animal suffering from atopy or other allergies based on physical signs. However, there are a few signs that always make me suspect food allergies. One of these, is a dog with recurrent ear problems, particularly yeast infections. Another, is a very young dog with moderate or severe skin problems. A third tip off, is if a dog suffers from allergies year-round or if the symptoms begin in the winter. And the final clue, is a dog that has very itchy skin but does not respond to antihistamines or steroid treatment. Diagnosis The diagnosis for food allergies is very straightforward. But due to the fact that many other problems can cause similar symptoms and that many times animals are suffering from more problems than just food allergies, it is very important that all other problems are properly identified and treated prior to undergoing diagnosis for food allergies. Atopy, flea bite allergies, intestinal parasite hypersensitivities, sarcoptic mange, and yeast or bacterial infections can all cause similar symptoms as food allergies. Once all other causes have been ruled out or treated, then it is time to perform a food trial. Elimination diets and provocative testing: A food trial consists of feeding an animal a novel food source of protein and carbohydrate for 12 weeks. A novel food source would be a protein and carbohydrate that the animal had never eaten before. An example would be rabbit and rice, or venison and potato, or duck and rutabagas. These are homemade diets but there are several commercial diets available on the market. Special Foods produced by Hill's and Purina, and a food named Excel are used by many dermatologists. Regardless of the diet used, it must be the only thing the animal eats for 12 weeks. This means no treats; absolutely nothing but the special food and water. Young growing pets have special dietary needs and a homemade diet that only contains one protein and one carbohydrate with no multivitamin or fatty acid may not be suitable even for only twelve weeks. For puppies undergoing a food trial, a balanced commercial diet like the ones listed above is recommended. Veterinarians used to recommend that a pet only needed to be placed on a special diet for 3 weeks, but new studies show that in dogs, only 26% of those with food allergies responded by day 21. However, the vast majority of pets responded by 12 weeks. Therefore, it is very important to keep the pet on the diet for the entire 12 weeks. If the dog shows a marked reduction or elimination of the symptoms, then the animal is placed back on the original food. This is called 'provocative testing' and is essential to confirm the diagnosis. If the symptoms return after going back on the original diet, the diagnosis of a food allergy is confirmed. If there has been no change in symptoms but a food allergy is still strongly suspected, then another food trial using a different novel food source could be tried. We must reiterate that placing a dog on a commercial lamb and rice formula dog food is not an acceptable way to diagnose or treat food allergies. Lamb and rice are no longer considered novel food sources and most commercial lamb and rice diets also contain wheat, egg, corn, or other ingredients that can be the cause of the food allergy. Despite the implication by dog food companies to the contrary, these foods do not prevent food allergies nor are they considered adequate for diagnosis. While these diets may provide adequate nutrition, they are not a substitute for a true, novel protein source diet. Blood Testing: Many owners and veterinarians attempt to look to other tests to diagnose food allergies. Blood tests such as the RAST test or the ELISA test can be performed to screen for food allergies. In addition, intradermal skin testing could also be performed. Despite the fact that these tests are routinely performed and used as a diagnostic aid, there is no evidence that blood tests are accurate for the diagnosis of food allergies. Veterinary dermatologists insist that there is no merit in these tests whatsoever in the diagnosis of food allergies. The only way to accurately diagnose food allergies is with a food trial as detailed above. While the intradermal skin testing is excellent for diagnosing atopy (inhalant allergies) it is ineffective for food allergies. While the ELISA and to a lesser extent the RAST test can be used to help in the diagnosis of atopy, they have no benefit in diagnosing food allergies. In our review of all the current books and articles on veterinary dermatology and allergies, we could not find a single dermatologist that endorsed anything other than the food trial as an effective diagnostic aid. If you want to diagnose and treat food allergies you must do a food trial. Treatment Once we determine a positive diagnosis, then the treatment is very straightforward. The owner of the animal has two choices. They can choose to feed the animal a special commercially prepared diet or a homemade diet. If the owner chooses to feed the homemade diet, then they can periodically challenge the pet with new ingredients and determine which ingredients are causing the food allergy. For example, if the animal's symptoms subsided on a diet of rabbit and potatoes, then the owner could add beef to the diet for two weeks. If the animal showed no symptoms, then they could then add chicken for two weeks. If the animal began to show symptoms, then it could be assumed that chicken was one of the things the pet was allergic to. The chicken could be withdrawn and after the symptoms cleared up, a different ingredient could be added and so on until all of the offending ingredients were identified. A diet could then be formulated that was free of the offending food sources. If homemade diets are used, it is essential that they be balanced, with correct amount of ingredients, vitamins, and minerals. |
Food allergies account for about 10% of all the allergies seen in dogs and cats. It is the third most common cause after flea bite allergies and atopy (inhalant allergies). With the advent of lamb and rice diets many people feel that they are preventing or treating food allergies. The fact is that nothing could be farther from the truth. 
Symptoms
Treatment of AllergiesThis article will help you better understand allergy treatment in pets. Treatment options for atopy, food allergies, and contact dermatitis will be discussed. About 90% of allergic pets can be effectively controlled with the following treatments. Some dogs might only require a fatty acid supplement or a simple change in diet to keep their allergies under control, whereas, some animals may need to incorporate several or all of the following treatments to be effective. I will give treatment options for all three allergy types. Remember that many animals may have allergies to more than one allergen and may also have both food and atopic allergies. Atopy Atopy or (inhalant allergy) is by far the most common cause of allergies in dogs. Many of these pets suffer from intense itching and usually have a seasonal pattern initially, but it may turn into a year-round problem. Other animals may show only mild signs, and treatments for dry skin, skin infections, or fleas may solve most of the problem. Avoidance This can be a very important part of managing atopy. While it may be impossible to completely eliminate all of the offending agents, many can be reduced with minimal effort on the part of the owner. For avoidance therapy to have any benefit, the offending agents must be identified through intradermal skin testing. Avoidance is rarely a complete treatment in itself, but is used in conjunction with other treatments.
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FAQs: Dog Arthritis SupplementsHow do glucosamine and chondroitin in joint supplements work? How long can I keep my dog on a joint supplement? Do joint care supplements for dogs have any side effects? Can I give my dog joint supplements containing glucosamine or chondroitin along with painkillers or other drugs? How are joint supplements for dogs different from those for humans? What is perna mussel? What is creatine? What is MSM? |
Starting Your Pet on a New Food
Intestinal Bacteria Play An Important Role Normal bacteria in the intestine help your dog or cat digest food. A sudden change in food can result in changes to the number and type of bacteria and their ability to help digest food. These changes can lead to intestinal upset. Therefore, your pet must be switched to a new food slowly. A Gradual Change is Best Switching to a new food should be done gradually over the course of 7-10 days. For example, make a mixture that contains 25% of the new food and 75% of the old food and feed that for three days. Then make it 50-50 for three more days, then 75% new food and 25% old food for three more days. If your pet seems comfortable with this progression, you can start feeding 100% new food.
If at any time your dog or cat starts vomiting, has loose stools, or appears constipated, slow the rate at which you are switching the food. And as always, if problems continue to occur, consult your veterinarian. |
When feeding your pet a new food, introduce it slowly. If you feed too much too soon, your pet could suffer from stomach upset, vomiting, excess gas, constipation, or diarrhea.
4 Surefire Strategies Ensure Bath-Time Success
The proper shampoo, correct tools, and effective restraint make bath time more enjoyable, and less hectic, for you and your pet. Now, you're ready to groom. |
Has your pet ever slipped away from you at bath time? Did she shake off next to the sofa and rub the suds out on a good rug before you caught her? If so, the following tips will help ensure she not only stays put during the next bath, but also that you both have a more pleasant experience.
Pet Food Labels - What You Need to Know
Today's pet food labels are packed with valuable information to help you determine the quality of your pet's food - if you know how to read them. In addition to providing information about the amount and quality of protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, and other nutrients included in the food, the label also alerts you to any unwanted preservatives and provides general feeding guidelines. The label can also help you when you're considering the price of the food. Using information on the label, you can calculate the price per pound or the price per day. And be sure to check the ingredients - they will tell the real story. Guaranteed Analysis The Guaranteed Analysis shown on the information panel of a pet food package tells you how much crude protein, crude fat, fiber, and other vital nutrients are included in your pet's food. It does not, however, provide information about ingredient digestibility. Digestibility, expressed as a percent, is a measure of the amount of food retained in the body after it has been eaten. For example, if a dog eats 8 oz. of food, and produces 3 oz. of stool, the food's digestibility is 63% (the difference between the weight of food eaten and the weight of stool produced, divided by the weight of the food). The digestibility of protein and fat can vary widely depending on their sources. Converting dry matter basis Dry matter in a pet food - the amount of ingredients remaining once the food's moisture has been factored out - can be converted/calculated using the information contained in the guaranteed analysis. Canned foods can have up to 80% moisture, whereas some dry foods have as little as 6%. Converting dry matter basis is important for two reasons. First, pet food is priced by the pound - food that is 80% water contains only 20% food, making the amount of actual food your pet consumes small and more expensive. Second, determining dry matter can help you compare crude protein and fat between brands and between canned and dry foods. Guaranteed Analysis listings on pet food labels typically describe the food as it is (moisture included), not on a dry matter basis. Converting to a dry matter basis on different brands of food will let you compare their nutritional benefits accurately. Fortunately, the conversion is rather simple.
Now let us compare this dry pet food to canned pet food with 80% moisture (and 20% dry matter). The canned food label shows 5% protein. Dividing the 5% protein by 20% dry matter results in 25% protein on a dry matter basis. This specific comparison shows that the canned food has more protein per pound on a dry matter basis than the dry food. You can perform similar comparisons for fat, fiber, and so on. Ingredient list Because all pet foods must list their ingredients in order of weight, the ingredient list is one of the best ways to determine a food's quality. Once you understand the ingredients, you can choose a food that is highly digestible and free of unwanted products. As a consumer, you should consider all the ingredients (even the ingredients at the end of the list) as well as the type of preservatives being used - natural or artificial. The AAFCO standards The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) develops guidelines (standards) for the production, labeling, and sale of animal foods. AAFCO has developed two standards specifically for pet foods. Pet foods meeting AAFCO's requirements will include one of two statements on their label. The first standard states that the food is "formulated to meet AAFCO's nutrient requirement." This means the food was laboratory tested and was found to have the recommended amounts of protein, fat, fiber, and so on. The second standard states something such as "animal-feeding tests using AAFCO's procedures substantiate that this product provides complete and balanced nutrition." Pet food labels may include this standard only if a food was shown to provide adequate nutrition after feeding trials to a controlled population of animals for six months. However, AAFCO allows pet food manufacturers to place this statement on every food with equal or greater nutrient concentrations in a specific "family" of food, even if only one product in the "family" met this standard. So, be aware - even if a pet food carries the AAFCO food trial statement on its label, you can not be sure that the specific product was actually tested in a food trial. While AAFCO statements on a pet food label may be open to interpretation, they definitely demonstrate the manufacturer's commitment to creating a quality pet food. Feeding instructions Feeding instructions or feeding guidelines are included on most every pet food package, and provide the recommended amount to be fed based on growth level and weight. Feeding guidelines should be regarded as recommendations only since every animal has unique daily requirements based on activity level, metabolism, breed, age, ambient environmental temperature, and stress factors. Start with these recommendations, then adjust the quantity fed based on your unique pet's appetite. If you're unsure about how much to feed your pet, contact your veterinarian for advice. |
Information presented on pet food packaging can be very helpful in determining which food is best for your pet. When choosing a pet food, be sure to read the entire package, and carefully consider the guaranteed analysis, dry matter basis, and ingredients. Just a few minutes spent comparing, analyzing, and selecting a quality pet food can help to ensure a happy, healthy pet for many years to come.
A dry pet food with 10% moisture logically contains 90% dry matter. Look at the label and check the protein level. Say, for example, that the protein level reads 20%. To get the dry matter basis, divide the 20% protein by the 90% dry matter. This calculation yields a protein value of 22% on a dry matter basis.
Understanding Healthy Pet Foods
The "Old Shoe" diet clearly illustrates the need for ingredients actually useful to a pet's body. A dog could conceivably eat old shoes, used oil, and coal, but this unwholesome, unhealthy, unsavory (and potentially lethal) diet would provide few usable, digestible nutrients. The dog's digestive system would take virtually nothing from the food, then eliminate essentially the same amount that went in. Thankfully, today's pet owners have a selection of pet food much more appealing - and infinitely more nutritious - than old shoes. Today's wide variety of pet foods typically fall into three major categories:
Healthy ingredients make healthy foods Healthy foods provide the nutrition your pet needs to thrive - not just survive. Their wholesome ingredients can make a definite difference in your pet's health. Top-quality sources of protein (with no meat by-products), carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, as well as natural colors, natural flavors, and natural preservatives give your pet abundant nutrition for optimal health. Healthy pet foods typically contain:
Benefits beyond healthy nutrition Since healthy pet food ingredients are packed with nutrients, your pet will get proper nutrition from a smaller quantity of food at every meal. Your bag of healthy food will last longer, so you won't spend as much on food as you first think. Plus, nutrient-dense, quality ingredients mean that your pet's body will take the maximum amount of nutrition from the food during digestion, and yield less waste as a result. |
Years ago, a major pet food manufacturer, in order to illustrate the importance of using quality, highly digestible ingredients in pet food, created an unconventional diet - the "Old Shoe" diet. This "unique" formulation provided 10% crude protein, 6.5% crude fat, and 2.4% fiber - acceptable levels until you consider that the primary ingredients were four pairs of old leather work shoes, one gallon of used crankcase oil, one pail of crushed coal, and 68 pounds of water. 
Starting Your Pet on a New Food
Intestinal Bacteria Play An Important Role Normal bacteria in the intestine help your dog or cat digest food. A sudden change in food can result in changes to the number and type of bacteria and their ability to help digest food. These changes can lead to intestinal upset. Therefore, your pet must be switched to a new food slowly. A Gradual Change is Best Switching to a new food should be done gradually over the course of 7-10 days. For example, make a mixture that contains 25% of the new food and 75% of the old food and feed that for three days. Then make it 50-50 for three more days, then 75% new food and 25% old food for three more days. If your pet seems comfortable with this progression, you can start feeding 100% new food.
If at any time your dog or cat starts vomiting, has loose stools, or appears constipated, slow the rate at which you are switching the food. And as always, if problems continue to occur, consult your veterinarian. |
Choosing the Best Food for your Dog
Factors to address before selecting a dog food
Consider Your Dog's Preferences Keep in mind that no one food is best for every dog. Dogs are individuals, just like people. Some dogs prefer dry food, some canned. Some dogs prefer chicken, some prefer lamb. You could feed a brand of very well-formulated food to a group of dogs and find that most of them do great on it, some do marginally well, and a few actually get sick from it. Luckily, today's market offers many well-formulated dog foods for dogs at all life stages, and it's fine to try several to determine which one works best for your dog. Look Closely at Ingredients When you're shopping for a healthy food for your dog, the ingredient list on the back of the bag is a good place to start. By law, pet food labels must list their ingredients in order by weight. Look for dog foods with meat, fish, or eggs listed as the first ingredient. These are very digestible, and if they are listed as the first ingredient, you can assume the food offers a good-quality protein source, and includes several valuable, usable amino acids. If you are switching to a new food, be sure to allow ample time for your dog to adjust to it. Categories of Pet Foods When searching for your dog's next food, keep in mind that pet food is now available in three major categories: "grocery store" foods, premium foods, and healthy foods.
Formulated to provide optimum health benefits for pets, these foods often use whole, fresh fruits and vegetables, real meat as the primary protein source, and carbohydrate-rich whole grains like brown rice and barley. They should not contain artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors. They will almost always be fortified with additional vitamins and minerals, and will use the best natural sources for fatty acids to help build healthy skin and a beautiful coat. Because healthy foods use high quality ingredients, you should expect to pay a little more than you would for other types of pet food. Remember, though, with healthy foods you can generally feed less since healthy foods are more nutrient-dense than other types of food. Check your dog's health after a month After you've done all you can to make sure a food is healthy and beneficial, take a look at your dog after feeding the food for at least a month. Bright eyes, a shiny coat, and a healthy energy level will let you know you've chosen a good source for your dog's nutrition. If you need assistance selecting a food for your dog, seek veterinary/professional advice. |
Choosing a dog food in today's extensive pet food market can prove challenging. With the vast array of choices in today's pet food market, how can you tell which food is best?
FAQs: Multi-Vitamins for Dogs
What are the functions of vitamins? Are there different types of vitamins? Fat-soluble vitamins include: Water-soluble vitamins include:
The following charts show some functions of vitamins and what can happen to your pet if deficiencies occur:
Should I supplement my adult dog's diet? What if my dog is super active?
A large percentage of older dogs suffer from arthritis. We recommend a daily supplement containing glucosamine and chondroitin, for dogs suffering from arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other bone or joint problems. If your dog is not eating a complete balanced diet, then a vitamin/mineral supplement is recommended to prevent any deficiencies. What traits should I look for in a quality vitamin? Our advice to you is to check the label before giving any vitamin/mineral supplement to your pet and look for the following qualities:
In addition, look at the ingredient list of multi-vitamin supplements to see from which sources the vitamins and minerals are coming. For example:
Not all vitamin supplements contain these quality ingredients. And, remember that whatever your particular pet's species or age, the right supplementation will help him live the best quality life possible. Can I give my pet too many vitamins? The possibility of vitamin toxicity with the fat-soluble vitamins, especially vitamin A and D, which are stored in the body, can occur with severe oversupplementation. Toxicities do not occur when you give your pet the recommended amount of high-quality, commercially prepared vitamin/mineral supplements. However, if you give a variety of supplements, each containing vitamin A or D, oversupplementation is more likely. Supplements must be chosen with care and large numbers of different supplements should not be used together unless prescribed by a veterinarian. |
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Vitamins can improve the quality of your pet's life. They help regulate body processes, protect the body from environmental toxins, and break down nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats so the body can utilize them. Vitamins work with minerals and enzymes for digestion, reproduction, muscle and bone growth, and maintenance of healthy skin and haircoat. All multi-vitamins for pets are not created equal. 
Fit & Trim: One Way to Longevity for Your Dog
Plump Pups
Bred for fat? How you can help
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Obesity may be the number one health problem for domestic pets. And obesity leads to inactivity which leads to more obesity and health conditions like heart and liver disease, diabetes, arthritis and an increased surgical/anesthesia risk. Studies of our pets have shown that a quarter to a third of all American pets could stand to lose weight. As veterinary professionals, even we have trouble keeping a pet with a propensity to overweight as healthy as we can.
When is a Dog Considered to be Fat?
To perform the rating, we first feel the pet's ribs. We should be able to quite easily feel the ribs. There should be a slight amount of fat over them, but each rib should be distinct. If you can see the ribs, the pet is too thin. If you can not feel them at all, the pet is very overweight. Second, check the area near the base of the tail. There should be a slight fat covering over this area and it should feel smooth. If the bones protrude, the pet is too thin; if you can not feel any bones at all, the pet is very overweight. Third, feel other bony prominences on the pet's body such as the spine, shoulders, and hips. Again, you should be able to feel a small amount of fat over these areas. If these bones are easily felt or visible, the dog is too thin. If you can not feel the bones beneath the layer of fat, the animal is obviously overweight. Fourth, look at your pet from above. The animal should have a definite waist behind the ribs. If the waist is extreme, or again, bony prominences are visible, the animal is too thin. If there is no waist, or worse yet, the area between the ribs and hips is wider than the hips or ribs, the dog is grossly overweight. Fifth, look at the pet from the side. Dogs and cats should have an abdominal tuck, i.e., the area behind the ribs should be smaller in diameter than the chest. This can vary a lot between breeds. Irish Setters and Greyhounds, for instance, appear to have a much more distinct abdominal tuck, since they are so deep-chested. An animal who is too thin will have a very severe abdominal tuck. Overweight animals will have no abdominal tuck. If you feel your dog is overweight, consult your veterinarian to determine if there are any other medical problems before starting the animal on a weight reduction program. Your veterinarian can also suggest various diets, how fast your pet should lose weight, etc. |
Veterinarians often use a 9 point scoring system to evaluate the body condition of pets. A point value of 1 means the dog is extremely thin to the point of emaciation. A score of 9 means the pet is grossly overweight. And like Goldilocks and the three bears, a score of 5 is 'just right.' To determine body score, there are several specific areas of the dog we look at. Remember, these are guidelines. A Greyhound with a score of 5 is still going to be thinner than a Bulldog with the same score.
Stool Eating: How Can I Break My Dog From This Nasty Habit?
Although there are many theories why dogs sometimes eat their own stool or that of other animals, what's important is how you can help break your dog from this unappealing and potentially unhealthy habit. Start early - as a pup - since feces is a source of germs and parasites, and dogs not curbed of this habit as a puppy will have a harder time stopping later in life. If Your Dog Eats His Own Stool . . .
If your Dog Eats Other Dogs' Stool . . .
If your Dog Eats From the Cat's Litter Box . . .
As vile as you may view this behavior, our veterinarians emphasize you should never punish your dog for stool eating. To curb the habit, try the recommendations listed above, and if your dog continues, consult with your veterinarian. |
Any owner who catches their dog eating stool is sure to be disgusted at least, wondering what could bring their family pet to resort to such a nasty habit. Yes, it's gross to humans. No, it doesn't mean your dog is abnormal.
Why Do Dogs Eat Feces?
Another theory is that coprophagy (stool eating) is a trait passed down through the ages. Dogs' cousins, wolves and coyotes, may often eat feces if food is in short supply. Feces from herbivores (plant eaters) contain many vital B vitamins. Some researchers suggest that wolves (and some dogs) may eat feces to replenish their vitamin supply. Dogs who eat their feces usually do not have a dietary deficiency. Some medical problems, however, can contribute to coprophagy including severe disorders of the pancreas (pancreatic insufficiency) or intestine, severe malnutrition from massive parasitic infestations, or starvation. These cases are rare. In some instances, coprophagy may be a behavior learned from watching other animals. It may also become a habit in the course of play and puppies having to try out the taste of everything. |
Some dogs, especially those in kennel situations, may eat feces because they are anxious or stressed. One researcher suggests that dogs who have been punished by their owners for defecating inappropriately start to think any defecation is wrong, so they try to eliminate the evidence.
Eating GrassQ: Why do dogs eat grass? Many times, dogs will vomit after eating grass. Did they eat grass to make them vomit? Or did they vomit because they ate grass? It is a mystery, but it seems that some dogs may eat vegetation when they have an upset stomach. The third reason - they just like it. Some dogs have certain species of grass or plant material that they will search out and eat. We know a beagle who can pick raspberries faster than his owner. In any case, grass eating is basically a normal behavior, and is not of concern unless your dog does it excessively.
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Dogs commonly eat grass, and there are several explanations that have been offered for this behavior. One, wild canids (e.g., wolves and fox) eat
Lawn Burn: The Cause & The Cure
Identifying Lawn Burn Before you start implementing changes to correct lawn burn, you need to make sure that your dog is actually the culprit. Several lawn diseases will look like lawn burn, with the small, characteristic brown patches. First, make sure that the brown spots are in areas where your dog urinates. Most dogs will have an area in the yard that they choose to use as the 'bathroom.' Secondly, make sure that the grass in the brown spots is still firmly attached. Grab a handful and give it a steady pull. If the grass is firmly rooted, then it points to lawn burn. If the whole bunch of grass pulls up, roots and all, then you may be dealing with a grub problem. And thirdly, make sure that your dog is the problem. If your neighbor's dog is coming into your yard and creating the problem it will not do any good to treat your own dog. The Cause of Lawn Burn Lawn burn is caused by the nitrogen in dog urine. Because dog urine is very high in nitrogen, when the dog urinates, it is similar to pouring liquid fertilizer on the lawn. A little fertilizer is good for the grass, but an excess causes nitrogen burn. The prevention of lawn burn deals with trying to reduce the amount of nitrogen coming into contact with the grass. Contributing Factors There are several contributing factors that increase the likelihood of developing lawn burn.
Solving the Problem Successfully treating and preventing lawn burn often requires a multi-step approach.
Brown spots created by lawn burn are not a medical threat to your dog, however, they can be unsightly and potentially expensive to repair. By understanding the cause of these spots, and then making a few changes, you should be able to give your dog full range of the yard and still enjoy a trouble-free lawn. |
Lawn burn is a common problem that results when the urine of your dog burns the grass in your lawn. If you have ever had to deal with this problem, you know how frustrating it is and how difficult it can be to prevent. There are many home remedies to correct this problem, but most of them are ineffective and a few of them actually make the situation worse. This article will describe the cause and contributing factors of lawn burn and give recommendations for preventing this problem in your own yard.
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