Checkmate: The Dish on Pet Food

The "Dish" on Pet Food

reprinted from the Winter 2007 MCHS "Animail",
written by Ashley Owen

Companion animals do not have control over what they eat; they also can’t speak to share their preferences and health issues. I was tricked by the marketing geniuses at large-scale pet food manufacturers into thinking that I fed my German Spitz-Pomeranian mix, Bubbles, a nutritious and delicious product. I went about my days with blinders and was always puzzled as to why Bubbles would gaze up at me seeming to say: Mom, is this really what I am supposed to eat? She was trying to tell me that this food wasn’t good for her, but of course, stupid young mom, I didn’t listen to her cues.

I made the switch to natural pet food over a year ago when I learned about the ingredients and possible side effects of processed pet foods. I was shocked and eager to get Bubbles on a better diet. I educated myself on how to identify nutritious foods and where to purchase them. Now, I want to share my knowledge with you in hopes that you will consider natural pet foods so your pets can lead longer, healthier, and happier lives.

Learning about AAFCO All pet food from commercial to natural is regulated by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). AAFCO sets minimum standards of nutrient profiles, which include proteins, fat, minerals, and vitamins. The catch is that these nutrient profiles can be filled with ANY ingredients, which is where the difference lies between nutritious and commercially processed pet food- all the more reason why you need to read the labels. A pet food that claims to be "complete and balanced" may meet the AAFCO standard, but remember that the standard doesn't regulate ingredients.

Ingredients in Processed Pet Foods
The ingredients in commercially processed pet food are considered not suitable for human consumption, not nutritional, and often indigestible. Commercial pet food manufacturers take all the unused meat from human market slaughterhouses and grind the contents in rendering factories. Unused meats include animal parts such as intestines, heads, hides, feathers, and also from animals that fall under the 5Ds (dead, disabled, dying, diseased, and drugged). Manufacturers refer to this as "meat by-product" and use it to fill the minimum protein requirement. Processed pet food can also include strong preservatives that allow for a 2-year shelf life, artificial colors and flavoring, unnecessary sugars, and corn syrup -- none of which are natural, beneficial, or intended for animal consumption.

Health Issues Caused by Processed Pet Foods
Processed pet foods can potentially cause a number of health related problems such as:

Physical Ailments
allergic skin diseases: hot spots and rashes, food intolerance such as vomiting and diarrhea, dull coat, dry and flaking skin, bad breath, tear stains, gum and teeth problems

Medical Issues
obesity, heart disease, bladder inflammation, thyroid/adrenal/pancreatic disorders, bladder and kidney stones, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and urinary tract problems, degenerative arthritis, liver and kidney failure

Mental Health Problems
aggression, abnormal hyperactivity, and irritability, fears and anxiety

It is crucial that we, as caregivers, pay close attention to what we are feeding our animals and how they are reacting to the food. By feeding your pets natural foods, you give them the necessary sustenance and nutrients to prevent against the physical ailments and mental health problems listed above, and also it also may reduce their chances of developing medical issues mentioned above. In addition, their bodies absorb more nutrients which results in less and more compact stool and means that you can reduce feeding portions- this saves money and your time.

Making the Switch -- Learning How to Identify Natural Foods
Rule of thumb for choosing a quality pet food:
Don't base your decision on clever television marketing or a pretty container. Most veterinarians believe corn, wheat, soy, or any modification thereof should NEVER be included in pet food. Some varieties of these ingredients include: ground yellow corn, ground whole wheat, wheat flour, corn gluten and wheat gluten. They are cost effective and highly indigestible ingredients that are included to increase the percentage of protein in the guaranteed analysis. They are often linked to allergies and can place undue stress on kidneys.

READ THE INGREDIENTS ON THE LABEL! The first three ingredients of pet food should contain at least one real protein source such as chicken, beef, venison, turkey, rabbit, lamb, or duck. Look for as few grains as possible. Healthy grains include brown rice, barley, oatmeal and millet. There are also foods that do not contain any grains and may be appropriate for your pet. Make sure the food contains fruit and vegetables and is high in antioxidants. Antioxidants include spinach, carrots, kelp, apples, blueberries, and cranberries. Look for digestive enzymes, which aid in intestinal health and absorption of nutrients. Be concerned about brands that are loaded with preservatives, artificial colors, sugars, and corn syrup. A natural preservative to look for is Vitamin E.

To switch your pet over to natural foods, gradually incorporate the new food into their diet until you only feed the new food. Every animal is different and sometimes it takes time to find the right diet. "In order to find the most appropriate brand for your pet seek the advice of a holistic vet, pet nutritionist, or knowledgeable sales person at a natural pet supplies store -- and of course, do your own research," comments Liora, part-owner of Whole Pet Central in Rockville, which specializes in natural pet foods and supplies. The Montgomery County Humane Society also owns and operates its own natural pet food store located at 601 S. Stonestreet Ave. in Rockville.

Average Cost Difference
Natural Kibble = $1.21 per pound, $36.00 for 30 lb bag
Processed Kibble = $0.71 per pound, $21.30 for 30 lb bag
Natural Canned = $1.54 per can
Processed Canned = $0.97 per can

Processed foods don't fulfill your pet's nutritional needs and could result in numerous behavior, physical, and medical problems. Natural foods are more expensive but better for your pets. My German Spitz-Pomeranian mix, Bubbles, is no longer sad at dinnertime; she is very delighted and enthusiastically eats her food. Bubbles loves her food, and I love her. I want to make sure that she can live the best life possible, that's why I made the switch and feed her natural pet food. The extra expense for a longer, healthier, and happier life is priceless.

This page upated 3/24/07 Get your own FREE Website at



			The "Dish" on Pet Food reprinted from the Winter 2007 MCHS "Animail", written by Ashley Owen
	Companion animals do not have control over what they eat; they also can’t speak to share their preferences and health issues. I was tricked by the marketing geniuses at large-scale pet food manufacturers into thinking that I fed my German Spitz-Pomeranian mix, Bubbles, a nutritious and delicious product. I went about my days with blinders and was always puzzled as to why Bubbles would gaze up at me seeming to say: Mom, is this really what I am supposed to eat? She was trying to tell me that this food wasn’t good for her, but of course, stupid young mom, I didn’t listen to her cues. I made the switch to natural pet food over a year ago when I learned about the ingredients and possible side effects of processed pet foods. I was shocked and eager to get Bubbles on a better diet. I educated myself on how to identify nutritious foods and where to purchase them. Now, I want to share my knowledge with you in hopes that you will consider natural pet foods so your pets can lead longer, healthier, and happier lives. Learning about AAFCO All pet food from commercial to natural is regulated by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). AAFCO sets minimum standards of nutrient profiles, which include proteins, fat, minerals, and vitamins. The catch is that these nutrient profiles can be filled with ANY ingredients, which is where the difference lies between nutritious and commercially processed pet food- all the more reason why you need to read the labels. A pet food that claims to be "complete and balanced" may meet the AAFCO standard, but remember that the standard doesn't regulate ingredients. Ingredients in Processed Pet Foods The ingredients in *commercially processed pet food* are considered not suitable for human consumption, not nutritional, and often indigestible. Commercial pet food manufacturers take all the unused meat from human market slaughterhouses and grind the contents in rendering factories. Unused meats include animal parts such as intestines, heads, hides, feathers, and also from animals that fall under the 5Ds (dead, disabled, dying, diseased, and drugged). Manufacturers refer to this as "meat by-product" and use it to fill the minimum protein requirement. Processed pet food can also include strong preservatives that allow for a 2-year shelf life, artificial colors and flavoring, unnecessary sugars, and corn syrup -- none of which are natural, beneficial, or intended for animal consumption. Health Issues Caused by Processed Pet Foods Processed pet foods can potentially cause a number of health related problems such as: Physical Ailments allergic skin diseases: hot spots and rashes, food intolerance such as vomiting and diarrhea, dull coat, dry and flaking skin, bad breath, tear stains, gum and teeth problems Medical Issues obesity, heart disease, bladder inflammation, thyroid/adrenal/pancreatic disorders, bladder and kidney stones, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and urinary tract problems, degenerative arthritis, liver and kidney failure Mental Health Problems aggression, abnormal hyperactivity, and irritability, fears and anxiety It is crucial that we, as caregivers, pay close attention to what we are feeding our animals and how they are reacting to the food. By feeding your pets natural foods, you give them the necessary sustenance and nutrients to prevent against the physical ailments and mental health problems listed above, and also it also may reduce their chances of developing medical issues mentioned above. In addition, their bodies absorb more nutrients which results in less and more compact stool and means that you can reduce feeding portions- this saves money and your time. Making the Switch -- Learning How to Identify Natural Foods Rule of thumb for choosing a quality pet food: Don't base your decision on clever television marketing or a pretty container. Most veterinarians believe corn, wheat, soy, or any modification thereof should NEVER be included in pet food. Some varieties of these ingredients include: ground yellow corn, ground whole wheat, wheat flour, corn gluten and wheat gluten. They are cost effective and highly indigestible ingredients that are included to increase the percentage of protein in the guaranteed analysis. They are often linked to allergies and can place undue stress on kidneys. READ THE INGREDIENTS ON THE LABEL! The first three ingredients of pet food should contain at least one real protein source such as chicken, beef, venison, turkey, rabbit, lamb, or duck. Look for as few grains as possible. Healthy grains include brown rice, barley, oatmeal and millet. There are also foods that do not contain any grains and may be appropriate for your pet. Make sure the food contains fruit and vegetables and is high in antioxidants. Antioxidants include spinach, carrots, kelp, apples, blueberries, and cranberries. Look for digestive enzymes, which aid in intestinal health and absorption of nutrients. Be concerned about brands that are loaded with preservatives, artificial colors, sugars, and corn syrup. A natural preservative to look for is Vitamin E. To switch your pet over to natural foods, gradually incorporate the new food into their diet until you only feed the new food. Every animal is different and sometimes it takes time to find the right diet. "In order to find the most appropriate brand for your pet seek the advice of a holistic vet, pet nutritionist, or knowledgeable sales person at a natural pet supplies store -- and of course, do your own research," comments Liora, part-owner of Whole Pet Central in Rockville, which specializes in natural pet foods and supplies. The Montgomery County Humane Society also owns and operates its own natural pet food store located at 601 S. Stonestreet Ave. in Rockville. Average Cost Difference Natural Kibble = $1.21 per pound, $36.00 for 30 lb bag Processed Kibble = $0.71 per pound, $21.30 for 30 lb bag Natural Canned = $1.54 per can Processed Canned = $0.97 per can Processed foods don't fulfill your pet's nutritional needs and could result in numerous behavior, physical, and medical problems. Natural foods are more expensive but better for your pets. My German Spitz-Pomeranian mix, Bubbles, is no longer sad at dinnertime; she is very delighted and enthusiastically eats her food. Bubbles loves her food, and I love her. I want to make sure that she can live the best life possible, that's why I made the switch and feed her natural pet food. The extra expense for a longer, healthier, and happier life is priceless. This page upated 3/24/07 Get your own FREE Website at