Why do veterinarians and veterinary technicians recommend, and feed their own pets, veterinary exclusive formulas?
Actually, we choose these formulas because of the people who make them. The things we are looking for in a food company are high quality ingredients, tight quality controls, and formulations backed by extensive research and solid science. We look for a long established company that has developed unmatched expertise in their field. We also appreciate a company that gives us scientific and medical support by providing access to research and specialists for consultation about our patients if needed.
Companies like that are rare, but they are great allies in providing outstanding care for our patients, your pets.
The Meat-First Myth
Meat – first foods There is a perception that “meat-first” foods are better, but in fact, as you now know, a food listing meat as the first ingredient may well not be a ‘’meat-first’’ food in reality.
Because dogs are omnivores and not carnivores, they need a balanced diet of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and vitamins from a variety of sources including meats, vegetables and grains.
Meat-first superiority is just another myth.
The By-Product Myth
By-products used in the production of high quality pet foods are nutrient-rich organ meats, blood, connective tissue, mechanically de-boned meat, chicken fat and animal lard, caviar (fish eggs), tongue, bone marrow, etc. They provide great nutrition when incorporated in a balanced formula.
The myth that by-products are "bad ingredients" is completely unfounded.
The Corn Myth
One of the most common pet food myths is that corn is a “bad” ingredient. In reality, corn is a great nutritional package. It is a source of highly digestible protein, and provides fibers essential to digestive health. It’s also an excellent source of B complex vitamins, vitamin E and vitamin A, as well minerals including zinc and manganese.
So don't believe the myth; corn is not a filler, and does not "go straight through" your pet's digestive system.
What about raw food?
Feeding raw food puts your pet and yourself at risk for food-born illness such as salmonella and intestinal parasites, and is also likely to be unbalanced and unhealthy in the long run. Even worse, feeding bones can cause deadly intestinal obstructions and/or perforations.
We do not recommend feeding any dog raw food in any circumstances.
What about grain-free?
Grain-free foods have been linked to heart disease in dogs. This issue is currently under investigation, so for the time being, we recommend that you avoid grain-free foods for your dog.
Obesity
Obesity is a major concern with a growing number of our companion animals. Nutrition plays a major role in the management of this epidemic as does exercise. Many tools are at our disposal including prescription weight reducing diets. Lifestyle and diet programs that can be set up with your veterinary team such as the "SlimFit" program. There are also toys that encourage activity in your pet while they are eating.