Commercial Diets

There are many reasons why pet owners choose a commercially prepared diet. The three main advantages of these diets are convenience, cost, and consistency. Owners can purchase, for a reasonable price, a large quantity of food that makes mealtime for their pet as easy as serving portioned amounts on a plate. And voila! Your dog is fed! While this seems like the easiest way to ensure your pet is getting a complete and balanced diet, owners should do their research before purchasing the right food for their dog. Consider the following questions:

Are the preservatives and additives in commercially prepared dog foods safe?

Natural preservatives like vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin E, and tocopherols are perfectly safe for your pet. Avoid foods that contain BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin, and propylene glycol. These condoms have been linked to cancer, anemia, and gastric bloating. Additives, including artificial colors such as azo dyes and sodium nitrite, should also be avoided. They have been linked to kidney disease. Safe additives include antioxidants, fatty acids, and flavonoids.

What does “Nutritionally Balanced and Complete” mean?

Many pet food companies will place these flags on their packaging to entice pet owners to buy their brand. The reality of this statement is that pet food companies can advertise this claim as long as their foods meet the minimum nutritional requirements based on AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards. A reputable brand will not have to make these claims on their packages, they already have satisfied customers and professional veterinary support.

Home Diets

The allure of natural diets is becoming increasingly popular with pet owners. Today’s owners are more conscious of improving their pets’ quality of life through proper nutrition. What better way to do this than to know exactly what your pet eats. Dogs have specific nutritional requirements at different stages of their lives. Preparing meals for your pet is a little more complicated than just giving him leftovers!

Here is a balanced generic. formula for a healthy adult dog (18 kg) meeting AAFCO standards:

• cooked carbohydrate such as rice, potato or pasta – 240 grams
• cooked meat such as poultry, fish or lean beef- 120 grams
• fat such as chicken/beef fat, vegetable or fish oil- 10 grams
• fiber as vegetables or supplements- 30 grams
• dicalcium phosphate which can be found in supplement form or bone meal: 4 grams
• Potassium Chloride which is readily available as a salt substitute in grocery stores: 1 gram
• human adult vitamin and mineral tablet: 9 g/tablet, 1 tablet/day

Cook meat and carbs. Grind fiber, dicalcium phosphate, potassium chloride and vitamin-mineral. Mix grinds with fat source. Mix all ingredients and serve immediately or refrigerate.

You should always consult a veterinarian before starting your pet on a homemade diet. Certain pets have health considerations that must be taken into account when determining whether a homemade diet is appropriate for that pet. If your vet isn’t knowledgeable about homemade diets, find a vet who is! Holistic medicine vets exist and are willing to provide you with guidance and prescriptions.