Busting Common Myths About Dog Food
Be aware of myths about ingredients used in pet food.We are committed to providing factual information about pet food and treats to help consumers make informed decisions when purchasing food for their dog or cat. When we see false claims that could cause pet lovers to worry needlessly about their pet food choices, it’s our responsibility to set the record straight.
Whether it’s weeding through the prescription diets offered or just understanding the difference between raw food and dry food, separating fact from fiction will help your pet enjoy a happy and healthy life.
Many pet parents make decisions about pet foods based not on facts, but on the many common myths and misconceptions that prevail. As a responsible pet parent, it is important to understand the science behind the food and nutritional requirement of your furry friends.
Dogs Can Eat:
- Peanut butter
- Cheese: in limited quantities
- Unsalted pop corn
- Plain bread
- Oat meal
- Honey: in limited quantities
Dogs Can Not Eat:
- Raisins
- Chocolate
- Coffee/tea
- Xylitol (present in chocolate & some sweets)
- Alcohol
- Raw yeast dough
Myth – All human food is bad for dogs
Fact- Not all human food is bad for dogs. There are certain food that are dangerous for dogs, but there are some foods that actually offer needed nutrition in your dog’s diet. This is why homemade dog food is becoming the new trend. Dog food that is non-toxic to dogs is usually healthy for them. When foods are very nutrient-dense (such as vegetables and fruits) and cooked in a healthy way (such as stewed or fried), they can be great for your dog.
Myth – Grains do not cause food allergies
Fact- The truth is that not all grain products are healthy for your dog. Recent FDA reports show that grain-free foods can cause heart disease in dogs, but there is some skepticism about how this study was conducted. The truth is that many grain-based ingredients can be nutritious in small amounts and cooked at lower temperatures than processed pellets. If so, it serves as a very healthy supplement to your dog’s diet. The only thing to remember is that grains should not make up most of your pet’s diet, but a little is generally safe for most dogs.
Myth- Dogs should not be fed raw eggs
Fact- While feeding raw eggs can be a problem for dogs with compromised immune systems, most healthy dogs can eat raw eggs without a problem. A dog’s digestive tract is much shorter than a human’s, which has a higher resistance to bacteria such as salmonella. Additionally, there is concern among some that the avidin found in raw egg whites destroys the biotin found in your dog’s body. However, there is no reason to worry because the egg yolk provides enough biotin to replace the lost biotin. In fact, egg yolk has one of the highest amounts of biotin of any food in existence.That said, it’s still better to feed your dog boiled eggs than raw. This is because the boiling process itself (heat treatment) does not take away nutrition from the egg and even increases the digestibility of the eggs.
Myth – Raw food gives dogs salmonella
Fact- Dogs with healthy immune systems can eat raw food without getting sick because they have a shorter and more acidic digestive tract. Their bodies break down the components of raw food faster and shorten the time that raw food is in the body. This is especially true for raw dog food that is either commercially produced or produced for human consumption, such as dehydrated foods. In these cases, raw dog food provides a safety measure to prevent the spread of diseases such as salmonella in dogs. This means that there is a real risk of dogs getting salmonella from eating raw food. Thus it is advised to procure the supply mindfully.
Myth-Dogs can’t process milk
Fact- This does not apply to all dog populations. Just like humans, some dogs can be lactose intolerant while others are not. This means that some dogs are able to consume and process dairy products. Additionally, not all dairy products have the same levels of lactose, so some dairy products are easier to digest even for dogs with signs of lactose intolerance. But the higher the lactose content in the product, the harder it is for dogs to digest. It is usually okay to feed low lactose foods and sometimes even mild lactose foods. Cheese, for example, is often a great natural treat for a dog.
Myth – Prescription food is the only option
Facts- Dogs with specific nutritional needs are often recommended prescription diets by veterinarians, but recently we’ve been uncovering some truths about these prescription foods. These expensive pet foods are not always necessary. While well-known prescription dog foods provide tailor-made nutrition for your dog, this “tailoring” can also be found in some over-the-counter foods and at a much lower cost. All a pet owner needs to do is do some research to find out what causes specific food allergies in a dog with a sensitive stomach and how to feed dogs with certain medical conditions. Homemade dog food that is fed alongside a commercial diet can also be very helpful.
Myth – Dog foods marketed as “complete” and “balanced” are good for every dog
Fact – It is very important for every dog owner to understand dog food and its labels. When dog foods are advertised as “complete” and “balanced,” it means they are nutritionally balanced for their target market.
Myth-All Bones are good for dogs
Fact- Bones can be incredibly beneficial for dogs. However, boiled bones are not and will never do more good than harm.
Raw bone marrow is a great source of stimulation, brushing, and nutrition for the dog. As long as you don’t give the ones that break easily (chicken bones) and can hurt your dog, raw dog bones can be a great thing to give your dog occasionally. Cooked bones for dogs, on the other hand, are bad – they crumble easily, a splinter can cause tears in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines, and can also cause choking.
Myth-Lamb is a hypoallergenic protein source
Fact- Lamb is often used in sensitive dog foods, but there is nothing about lamb that makes it hypoallergenic or why dogs would never be allergic to it. The reason lamb is used as the main ingredient in sensitive stomach food, as well as many hypoallergenic dog foods, is that it was once a less common source of protein than beef or chicken, for example. The fact that lamb was rare made it a “unique” protein and it seemed that lamb would be less likely to cause allergic reactions. However, studies have shown that lamb causes allergies in some dogs, although to a lesser extent than beef or pork.
Myth-All Vets are a good source of nutritional advice
Fact – While your vet should always be your first port of call for any question regarding your dog’s health or nutrition, your research shouldn’t stop there. Veterinarians understand the specific nutritional needs of dogs (such as reduced salt intake in dogs with heart disease), but not all vets are experienced in complete dog nutrition. Just as not all doctors are nutritionists, most veterinarians are not specifically trained in dog nutrition. They receive a good and well-rounded education in animal nutrition as part of their degree; however, most do not stay current with the latest research. When it comes to vet advice, it’s best to take it from those who follow an evidence-based approach, which means they’ll not only give you their opinion on why something is good or bad, but also dig up the facts and scientific evidence. to prove that what they say is actually correct and backed by clinical trials.
Myth – Garlic – good, bad, good, bad, good for dogs
Fact- Garlic is one of the foods that all dog owners fear like fire. It can be toxic to dogs, but garlic must be fed in large amounts (based on your dog’s body weight) to cause toxicity. Recently, however, some homeopathic websites have mentioned the “health benefits” of giving small amounts of garlic to dogs. They claim that when given in small proportions, garlic can be very beneficial to your dog’s health.
- Myth: Feeding dry pet food will “de-hydrate” your pet.
Fact: Dry pet food is one of many healthy, nutritious pet food options available. As we know pets need plenty of fresh drinking water, and pet food companies include hydration guidelines in feeding guidelines on pet food packages. Ensuring your pet is properly hydrated helps keep its body systems functioning normally and better able to absorb and digest the nutrients provided in pet food.
In addition, most commercial pet food recipes — wet, dry, fresh, limited-ingredient or raw-infused — are formulated to be “complete and balanced,” meaning they provide total nutrition for the life stage of your pets – more than 40 different nutrients in all. Each of these recipes include protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, and certain amino acids.
- Myth: Carbohydrates are bad for pets.
Fact: Carbohydrates are beneficial to dogs and cats. Carbohydrates often get a bad rap, but carbohydrates actually provide your pet with quick energy that can help spare protein for use in supporting other bodily functions. Carbohydrates also can be a good source of fiber, which promotes gut health and motility. Certain sources of carbohydrates (such as corn) also provide essential nutrients such as protein, fat, fiber and vitamins.
- Myth: Using unhealthy by-products in pet food is a cheap way for pet food companies to keep production costs low.
Fact: By-products are nutrient-rich ingredients. By-products are the animal- and plant-based ingredients produced during the processing of human food and provide key nutrients that your dog or cat requires. Some animal-based by-products may not seem appealing to us, but they are safe, nutrient-dense and flavorful for pets. However, if you choose to purchase pet food that does not contain animal-based by-products, there are many options on the shelf.
- Myth: Commercial pet food causes allergies and seizures.
Fact: Just like people, some pets are predisposed to food allergies, or develop an allergy later in life. Less than 10% of pets are diagnosed with a food allergy. If you think that your pet is suffering from a food allergy, it is critical to take your pet to a veterinarian, who can help identify the environmental factor that may be bothering your pet. If your pet does have a food allergy, there are commercial pet foods available designed to help support pets with severe allergies to certain proteins and other food ingredients.
- Myth: Commercial pet food is the cause of rising prevalence of pet obesity.
Fact: Weight gain is the result of too many calories consumed and too few calories burned — no matter the food. It’s easy for pets to consume more calories than they need, just as people can. Pet owners need to closely monitor pets’ food intake and provide them with sufficient exercise. For this reason, pet food packages include feeding guidelines to help pet owners and their veterinarians determine the appropriate amount of food to give a cat or dog based on life-stage, activity level and other factors.
Myth: Home-cooked foods are healthier for my pet than pre-packaged products
Truth: Home-cooked foods allow more control of ingredients and can be customized as per your pet’s specific taste. But most homecooked food recipes are not formulated by a qualified veterinary nutritionist and may be deficient in multiple essential nutrients, making them much less nutritious than prepackaged pet foods. Even when the recipe is nutritionally balanced, there is no evidence that the average animal receives better nutrition from a home-cooked food than a pre-packaged food. Pre-packaged pet foods offer the best nutrition with convenience and affordability for a lot of pet parents.
High-quality pre-packaged pet foods have been tested over decades to provide adequate and balanced nutrition for dogs and cats. Except for some pets with multiple or severe health concerns, there is a pre-packaged food that is appropriate for every pet, and nutritional deficiency diseases are rare in pets who are fed good quality pre-packaged products.
In 2013, a study looking at 200 homeprepared diets for dogs found that over 95% were deficient in one or more essential nutrients. The nutritional adequacy of recipes for 67 home-prepared diets for dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease has been evaluated, and assumptions were needed for the preparation of every recipe. Lack of clear instructions likely increases variability and potentially impacts the nutritional profile of the prepared diet. Combined with problems of nutritional adequacy, this may result in substantial harm to pets when homeprepared diets are used on a long-term basis In general, many home-prepared diets are costly, more time-consuming to prepare, and less convenient than are pre-packaged diets, and many home-prepared diets have major nutritional imbalances.
Myth: Feeding my pet raw food will help with proper nutrients
Truth: Despite anecdotal reports from pet parents and even some veterinarians, there is currently no evidence that raw foods offer any benefits over cooked ones. Pets who eat contaminated raw foods have been demonstrated to shed viable pathologic organisms in their feces, and contaminate the area where they shed.
In addition to food safety concerns, nearly all home-prepared raw diets and many commercially available raw products are deficient in essential nutrients. It is also common for commercial raw products to be very high in fat, which may become a health hazard. Putting your pet on a raw food diet comes with risks to both the pet and the people living in the household, says Alison Meindl, DVM, a veterinarian and professor at Colorado State University. Some of the risks of a raw diet include:
Bacterial infection – Compared to cooked diets, raw diets are more likely to be contaminated with bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which can make your dog seriously ill. But even if your dog doesn’t get sick, he could shed bacteria into your household, which could then get picked up by another pet or human.”These infectious organisms can be very dangerous to immune compromised people living in the household with the dog,” Meindl says. This can include elderly people, young children, and people on immuno suppressive medication such as chemotherapy.
Nutritional deficiency– “Many raw diets are also not nutritionally balanced and healthy. Unless formulated by an expert in veterinary nutrition, these diets can lead to malnutrition and health problems,” McKenzie says.
Injury from bones – Bones are often a part of raw diets, but they may not be safe for dogs. Dogs can break their teeth while chewing on bones and shards of bone can pierce their intestines or cause blockages Larsen says. In some cases, these injuries can be life-threatening.
The FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) conducted a study to screen 196 samples of commercially available raw dog and cat food. Of the 196 raw pet food samples analyzed, 15 were positive for Salmonella and 32 were positive for L. monocytogenes.
Myth: Grain-free diets are superior to pet foods containing grains
Truth: Whole grains, rather than fillers, contribute to valuable nutrients including protein,vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and fibre to foods while helping to keep the fat and calories lower as compared to other animal products. Even refined grains such as white rice and corn can have beneficial health implications depending on the type of food and the pet. Dogs and cats can efficiently digest and use nutrients from grains. Allergies to grains (and even to animal proteins such as chicken, beef, and dairy) are actually very uncommon in dogs and cats. It is becoming more common in the saturated pet food market for manufacturers to perpetuate myths to sell products and increase market share.
Grain-free foods are often an example of this strategy. Many such products merely substitute highly refined starches such as those from potatoes or tapioca in place of grains. These ingredients often provide fewer nutrients and less fibre than whole grains while costing more at the same time. Whole grains provide an important nutritional resource for your dog, including B-group vitamins, iron, magnesium, selenium, carbohydrates for energy, and fibre to aid in digestion.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has opened an investigation into the development of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs who are fed grain-free diets. They have found that with the 1100+ dogs studied, 90% of the products fed were labeled as grain-free diets.
Your veterinarian should be consulted regarding the best dietary choices for your pet, “Take your Pet to the Vet” an initiative by Royal Canin to create awareness about preventative care of pets and make an informed choice
Dogs are carnivores and need a meat-based diet
Although cats are obligate carnivores, meaning that they need meat in order to survive, dogs are omnivorous. This means that dogs require a diet that includes both animal meat and plant products, such as vegetables, grains, and fruit. A dog that is eating an exclusively meat-based diet will develop nutritional deficiencies associated with inadequate plant matter intake.
Compiled & Shared by- Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)
Image-Courtesy-Google
Reference-On Request.
Disclaimer: This content, is intended to provide only general information to the readers. It is not a replacement for a qualified medical opinion. For more details, always consult a Pet specialist or your Vet.doctor.
