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Part 3 of a 3 part series on nutrition
For the conclusion of our series on pet
nutrition I would like to discuss the pros
and cons of vet foods (prescription diets)
and breed specific diets.
What are Prescription Diets?
In short, a prescription diet is a pet food
sold by your veterinarian that is usually based on some medically sound concept, such as – low protein for dogs or cats
in the final stages of renal failure.
At one time the quality of these foods were not bad, but
unfortunately, since large corporations such as Colgate-
Palmolive have purchased these companies the quality has
declined significantly. To keep costs down chemical additives,
colours and preservatives have been added to the food as well
as an over-abundance of species inappropriate ingredients like
corn, soy or wheat.
Veterinarian Dr. Shawn Messonnier makes note in his article, “What do vets learn about nutrition” that as a vet student many
of the course materials they received on animal nutrition were
provided by Hills, IAMS, Purina and other well known
manufacturers of pet food.
He goes on to say that although much of the course materials
are based on medically sound ideas and they are unbiased, “the
authors were researchers from Hills (the makers of Science
Diets and Prescription Diets), so they were quick to promote
their own line of pet food”. In addition to this “these pet food
companies provide the diets used in veterinary hospitals” and
vet students/staff were offered perks by these companies in
the form of free products. He also mentions that doctors of
veterinary medicine leave school “biased at best” and “antinatural
and rabid fans of these national brands”.
Doctor Messonnier encourages veterinarians to “strike out on
their own to seek a more balanced approach to diet and
nutrition.” Luckily, we are starting to see an increase in
veterinarians that are doing this – and we have a few really good ones in Calgary.
What should you do if a Vet Diet is recommended to you?
Dr. Messonnier offers a few things to remember: Most vets
(and few pet store employees) have any significant training in
pet nutrition.
Vets often know nothing more about nutrition than the small
amount they are taught in school –usually provided by pet food
companies that do not make “natural diets”. The majority of
pet foods on the market contain animal and plant by-products,
chemical preservatives, additives, and many artificial
ingredients. Look for healthier foods that contain
wholesome meats, veggies, and natural preservatives. RX
diets are usually no better than non-RX diets when it
comes to the quality of the ingredients.
When possible, homemade diets are preferred for animals
with various ailments. If necessary, RX diets (plus a lot of
supplements) may be given to some patients, but are best
for short term use while the animal heals.
What are Breed Specific Diets? Some pet food
companies offer specific diets for a particular breed of dog
or cat. In my experience, these companies do a fantastic job
of identifying the problems that certain breeds of dogs and
cats may experience. For example, one popular breed
specific diet for Boxers recognizes that Boxers are prone to
heart problems and add supplements to help combat them.
However, just like most prescription diets the basis for
these diets are often nutritionally inferior to more natural,
species appropriate diets. They often contain extremely
minimal amounts of the supplements they advertise on the
bag.
In Conclusion: The majority of vet and breed specific
diets I have seen while they may have some medically
sound ideas, the quality of the food may be the nutritional
equivalent of adding a vitamin supplement to your macaroni
and cheese diet (use the label reading guidelines in part one
to see for yourself).
See if your vet can offer you home made diets to prepare
until your pet is back on track. Or, often times you can find
a more natural food option and a supplement that will
perform the same function as your veterinary or breed
specific diet. That way, you are not trading one medical
problem for another. Do your research (because of limited
GOOD research on pet diets, I often research human
studies and use that info with my pets) and if necessary
seek another opinion.
I am eagerly waiting for the day when research on pet food
nutrition will become more factual and unbiased, and we
can have a designation such as “pet food nutritionist” for
professionals that is taught based on fact rather than clever
marketing. Imagine being able to send your pet to a
nutrition specialist for their medical problems, just like we
do for ourselves!
Holly Montgomery – Co-owner/operator of Tail Blazers –
Health Food Store for Pets (Copperfield location).
The info in this article in no way replaces regular veterinary
care and advice given by a qualified veterinarian. Much of
the information referenced in this article in regards to
prescription diets is cited from the article “What do vets
learn about nutrition?” (Animal Wellness Annual 07 Pet
Food Report) written by Dr. Shawn Messonnier – the
author of several books including “The Natural Health Bible
for Dogs and Cats”.
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