Posted on 09/17/2010 10:04:19 AM PDT by decimon
MANHATTAN -- While natural food is a rising trend among humans, pet owners should be careful before feeding similar types of food to their pets, according to a Kansas State University veterinarian.
All too often pet owners assume that because certain foods, such as fruits and vegetables, are healthy for them, they are also healthy for their pets, said Susan Nelson, K-State assistant professor of clinical services.
"Natural and veggie-based pet foods are based more on market demand from owners, not because they are necessarily better for the pet," she said.
Natural pet food isn’t necessarily unhealthy for pets, and there are good brands on the market. But cats and dogs have specific nutritional needs that some of these foods may not provide, Nelson said.
For instance, a natural dog food may provide antioxidants through fruits and vegetables, but it may be deficient in other nutrients the dog needs. If pet owners opt for natural pet food, it's important to make sure pets still receive a well-balanced diet, she said.
Before buying any pet food that is labeled natural, owners should make sure it comes from a reputable company. Nelson said the Association of American Feed Control Officials, or AAFCO, sets guidelines for the production, labeling and distribution of pet food and sets minimum standards for the nutritional adequacy of diets.
(Excerpt) Read more at k-state.edu ...
This thread is amazing. So many dogs and cats have food sensitivities. I thought our cats were unusual because so many of them are/were allergic to “fish” in the cat food, and soy and grains have been a big problem too. I don’t feel lonely anymore, but it’s definitely *not* nice to know that others are in the same boat.
My German Shorthaired Pointer who died at 15 years old lived on Barbacoa Tacos with refried beans.
Once we brought him a Barbacoa taco and it did NOT have beans in it. He refused to eat it.
The next time we went to the restaurant we told the waitress please be sure to put beans on the taco because the last time when she forgot to put beans on the taco, our dog took the taco and threw it up against the wall....HE WAS TICKED!!
Our beloved 12-year-old dog was recently diagnosed w/oral melanoma. We had the tumor debulked, but there was bone involvement. He did pretty well after the surgery but then ate less and less and was visibly fading and so weak. My husband discovered that he could handle white bread after experimenting with many different forms of nutrition. He now eats two or more loaves per day of the squishy, plastic- wrapped variety, and can take very small bites of human food, so we make an extra portion for him whenever we eat. He’s bouncing around like a puppy! Road trips and food are his faves—initially, he was getting too weak to get into the car or the RV, but he rallied and is able to go everywhere with us!
This is making me rethink canine nutrition.
We also have one cat that LOVES cantaloupe, honeydew and watermelon.
Every time we think we have things figured out, the Creator throws us a curve ball. :)
We feed ours Abady, and also raw vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, green beans), leftover beef, chicken and fish (from our meals), with an occasional can of wild Alaskan salmon.
Please: How do you keep the litter box blocked so that the dog can’t get into it?
¡Que barbaridad!
Hadn’t heard of that brand before. Thanks! Personally I would be cautious of the white rice. There’s probably better sources of the few vitamins and minerals it can provide.
I guess I’m lucky - my kittehs’ food preference is “Yes, please.”
woof
add me please?
Dick VanPatten’s Natural Balance is awesome. My dogs have a gorgeous coat, sparkling eyes, and are lean, mean k9 athlete machines.
Awesome movie.
Dogs are not quite the true carnivores that cats are, but still, a BARF Diet is probably the best for both of them.
Happycat!
I’ve got a dog that won’t knock stuff over unless he thinks he needs to. I can put a dining room chair in the walkway between the dining room and the living room and he won’t go through, even though he can easily get around the chair. Only time he’s done it was when a stranger knocked on the door that he didn’t like.
So anyways the cat box is in the utility room. We just slide a tall laundry basket in the way of the doorway and if the door’s open we and the cats can get in but he won’t go pass it because it’s not that important. Laundry basket isn’t there though and he’s in the utility room eating out of the cat box within 5 minutes.
bird meat, mouse, chipmunk
best thing for cats
either in a can, or let ‘em catch it themselves
since when did you ever see a cat catch a tuna???
>^:^<
Thanks for the ping ;)
Of course that makes cleaning up the yard easier if the dog helps....:O)
Your right it does not affect every dog...My dog loves grapes and chews them to get the juice....only thing she won’t eat is lettuce and celery....if a human eats it she will also...but I don’t give her chocolate, thats only for me...
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