VPN Plus+ ExclusiveFood is love—So why is nutrition a problem area for veterinarians?September 29, 2020By Brennen McKenzie, MA, MSc, VMD, cVMAAs a child, I was a big fan of the Peanuts cartoons. One of my favorite characters was Snoopy, a suave, bipedal beagle who wrote novels and engaged in breathtaking aerial combat with his nemesis, the Red Baron. Though Snoopy was unlike most other beagles I have known, he had one characteristic in common to others of his breed, and indeed most dogs. When suppertime arrived, all other activities were forgotten, and he often launched into an exuberant, joyful, food-induced dance. Every feeding was a celebration for Snoopy, not only of food but of the bond between dog and owner. Few subjects generate the same intensity of emotion in pet owners as the question of what to feed our animal companions. Feeding our pets is the quintessential act of caring and love. And based on how most dogs and cats act at feeding time, it certainly seems like a highlight of the relationship for them. There is also a deep sense in most pet owners that choosing a pet food has tremendous significance for the health and well-being of their pets. Everyone wants to give their pets the "best" food that will keep them active and happy and prevent illness …
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CBD company enters holistic pet food marketOctober 21, 2019Animal health and wellness CBD company Better Choice has joined the world of holistic pet food with the acquisition of Halo, Purely for Pets.
Blue Buffalo expands manufacturing capacity with new facilityJune 20, 2019Pet food company Blue Buffalo has opened a new manufacturing plant in Richmond, Ind., to increase the U.S. and Canadian production of its natural health food product lines.
Old Mother Hubbard, Loop to create reusable pet food packagingJune 13, 2019Old Mother Hubbard is offering dog owners an additional way to reduce pet food packaging with its new partnership with Loop. The all-natural dog treats company will work with Loop to design and create reusable containers for its treats, allowing owners to get a replenished shipment without wasted packaging. "WellPet was the first U.S.-based pet food company with a recycling program for wellness pet food packaging, which is recycled into everything from lawn chairs to playground equipment," says Greg Kean, vice-president of innovation and product development at WellPet, maker of Old Mother Hubbard all-natural dog treats. "Our brand Old Mother Hubbard, which has 90 years' experience in baking authentic, small batch, all-natural dog treats from time honored recipes, will be one of the first pet food brands to collaborate with Loop. "We are doing this through a refillable treats jar so pet parents can embrace the fun of snack time and delight their pets in a more sustainable way. Our partnership with Loop reinforces the fact that our customers share our commitment to making the world around us greener." Loop provides commonly used products in customized, brand-specific packaging that is delivered in a reusable shipping tote. When the product …
Homemade cat food diets low on nutrientsMay 8, 2019Most homemade cat food recipes are unlikely to provide essential nutrients and some may even contain potentially toxic ingredients. Those are the results of a study by researchers at the University of California (UC), Davis who looked at 114 recipes from online sources and books written by non-veterinarians and veterinarians. While recipes authored by veterinarians had fewer deficiencies, the study found they were still lacking nutrients. Of the all the recipes studied, 40 percent did not provide feeding instructions and the rest lacked detail or were unclear. "Only 94 recipes provided enough information for computer nutritional analysis and of those, none of them provided all the essential nutrients to meet the National Research Council's (NRC's) recommended allowances for adult cats," says lead author, Jennifer Larsen, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine veterinary nutritionist. In addition, the study found many of the homemade cat food was lacking concentrations of three or more nutrients, with some missing up to 19 essential nutrients. Further, many recipes provided less than 50 percent of the recommend allowances of several essential nutrients, including choline, iron, zinc, thiamin, vitamin E, and manganese. The study revealed seven percent of the recipes included ingredients that are potentially toxic …
Study finds only low levels of methylmercury in dog foodApril 25, 2019A study by the University of California (UC), Davis on levels of methylmercury in samplings of commercial dog food has found low concentrations in the majority of the tested brands. Only three of the 24 types of dog food tested positive for low concentrations of total mercury, and only one contained detectable methylmercury. "The concentrations detected are unlikely to pose a risk to healthy adult dogs," says lead author, Rae Sires, a nutrition resident at UC, Davis's Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. "These results should be reassuring to dog owners." Other studies have measured total mercury in dog food, but this is the first time testing for methylmercury has been done. As methylmercury is present in aquatic species, researchers evaluated dog food containing fish, as well as fish-free foods. They found two of the three positive samples among the non-fish diets, which suggests common sources of mercury in pet foods. "We need more data to determine where the total mercury detected in dog foods is coming from, but our study doesn't support avoiding fish or salmon-based diets," Sires says.
Is banning "artificial" ingredients based on fear or science?March 1, 2019Since the late 1980s, individuals and organizations have been trying to warn the public about a deadly chemical known as dihydrogen monoxide (DHMO). Though widely used in the home and in commercial settings, including the health-care industry, this substance has been shown to cause severe lung damage and even death when inhaled in small quantities. Hundreds of thousands of people die annually from this cause.1 DHMO also can produce electrolyte disturbances and potentially fatal neurologic symptoms when taken orally, and it can cause severe burns and even explosions when heated.2 A number of surveys have found high levels of support for banning DHMO, and elected officials in several countries have explored taking such action, although DHMO remains ubiquitous.3,4 Given the obvious dangers of this chemical, why do public health agencies not take action to restrict it? It is possible that funding and political influence from industry impede regulatory action. However, it is more likely that governments have chosen not to ban DHMO because it is essential for life. Most people are surprised to learn this until they recognize the nontechnical name for this chemical—water. Is "chemical" a dirty word? The campaign against DHMO has been used as a humorous …
Mars Petcare named WSAVA diamond partnerJanuary 24, 2019Mars Petcare has entered into a partnership with the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA).
Petco banning artificial ingredients in the food it sellsNovember 13, 2018Petco will become the first major pet food retailer to stop selling food and treats containing artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives for dogs and cats starting in January.
Two food companies issue recalls following customer complaints of vitamin D toxicityNovember 12, 2018Missouri-based pet food companies Natural Life Pet Products and Nutrisca are recalling certain dry dog foods following three complaints from pet owners about vitamin D toxicity.
