A few weeks ago we posted about how much to feed your pet. This video from Veterinary News Network has some great information on selecting the right food for your pet. Check out the American College of Veterinary Nutrition website at www.acvn.org for additional information.
Grain Free?
There seem to be as many fad diets for pets as there are for people. Recently many clients have been telling me that they have switched to a 'grain free' diet. There really doesn't seem to be any decent research that says grain free diets are better for dogs. Dogs are omnivores, meaning they are built to eat both meats and grains (unlike cats). Corn is rarely responsible for food allergies in dogs. The "grain free" label seems to be more marketing than science.
One Food Fits All?
I have also been hearing from clients that pet food stores are recommending 'all life stages' foods. This concerns me because we know that puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs and large breeds need different diets than small breeds. To suggest that there is a single dog food on the market that can meet the needs of a Chihuahua puppy and an elderly Great Dane is just not right. Again, marketing over science.
Ask Your Veterinarian About Diets
Our techs and doctors discuss diet with all our clients when they are in for their pet's physical exam. Please contact us for information if you are thinking of changing your pet's diet, especially if you want a medical opinion on that food that the pet store is recommending.
