Pet Nutrition

You now have an additional mouth to feed, however being of the 4 legged variety, it’s dietary needs are different than what you are used to. What kind of food intake do they need? What are the particulars of their nutritional intake? What does this pet food label exactly say? We are here to help you through this quandary, and get you better informed to make those food decisions for your family’s new addition.

Food labels

Food labels are a legal document and used to communicate to pet owners. This document is regulated by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AA,FCO).
What’s in the label
It’s a long, very long list of items, and frankly can be quite confusing. It includes ingredients, analysis, and nutrition facts. Yes, confusing, so we’re going to help out.

Ingredients

This list includes items in descending order by their weight. Generally listed first are vitamins, meals, and grains as they weigh less. These items tend to be followed by the higher content items such as beef, lamb, and chicken. Ingredients help to provide nutrients, an example would be Lamb, as it provides nutrients that include fats and vitamins.

Guaranteed Analysis

This part of the label will inform you of the min/max levels of nutrients included like fiber, protein, and fat. However this will not tell you exact numbers/levels. Levels in the food varies, thus making it difficult to accurately compare the nutrition information here.

"AAFCO Statement"

This organization works to set the nutritional standards here in the United States for the pet food you purchase. It is a legally required statement that ensures testing method utilized for determining nutritional abundance. Provided within this statement is whether or not the necessary nutrition is present for a particular stage of pet growth such as growing, adult, and so forth. A food label that states it supports all life stages can be dangerous, as it is likely to contain levels that exceed what’s needed for particular stages of life. It could include more protein needed for a younger stage rather than a more mature age level, so beware.

We hope you find this information helpful when it comes to finding your pet food. Always remember you can schedule an appointment to discuss with us the nutritional needs of your pet and the best way to achieve the needed nutrients or them.

Fruits to Feed Your Dog This Summer

  THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Photo: Source

Love sharing food with your pet?  Certain summer fruits can be good for dogs!  Here are a few good fruit choices to feed to your pet!

Good Fruit Choices:

• Bananas – Bananas are a great source of amino acids, electrolytes, minerals, and Vitamins B6 and C.  However, bananas also have a moderately high sugar content.  They are a better choice for working and athletic dogs that burn high amounts of energy.
• Avocados – Although the pit of an avocado contains persin, which is toxic to pets, the avocado flesh is actually safe to eat.
• Blueberries – Blueberries contain antioxidants, fiber and phytochemicals that can boost your dog’s health! 
• Strawberries – Strawberries are high in fiber and vitamin C.  They also contain an enzyme that can help whiten your dog’s teeth.  Just be careful and feed them in moderation – strawberries can be high in sugar.
• Apples – Apples are full of fiber and vitamins.  However, you don’t want to give your dog a whole apple.  Slice it up first instead!
• Cantaloupe – Cantaloupe have beta-carotene which can be good for your pet’s vision.  Studies show that beta-carotene may even help prevent or reduce the growth of cataracts.
• Watermelon – On hot days, the high fluid content in watermelon can help ward off dehydration!

While these fruits are great choices for your pet, other fruits can make your pet feel sick.  Be sure to avoid feeding your dog grapes, raisins, holly berries, cherries, juniper berries, baneberries, poke berries, and mistletoe berries.  These fruits can upset your dog’s stomach. 

For more summer fruits that are good for your pet, check out this article.  You can also contact Bregman Vet Group if you have any questions about what foods are good for your pets.

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What Does “Organic” Pet Food Really Mean?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons

While organic food can be healthier for your pet, the term actually refers to how the food is processed.  The USDA has strict standards that manufacturers must comply with in order to bear this label.  These are just a few of the many standards a food product needs to meet in order to be labelled as USDA certified organic.

USDA’s National Organic Program Standards:

• No fertilizers and pesticides
• No irradiation
• Outdoor access for livestock
• No antibiotics
• No growth hormones
• No animal byproducts used as food for animals

Many pet foods market themselves as organic without bearing the USDA label.  If you want to make sure that your pet food is meeting these standards, the USDA label is the only valid certification.  All of the ingredients in food products that are labeled “100% organic” must comply with the USDA’s standards, while 95% of ingredients must comply in those labeled “organic.”  Foods that are labeled as “made with organic ingredients” must contain at least 70% organic ingredients. 

While pet food is not necessarily healthier because it is labeled as organic, it will contain fewer suspect ingredients.  Many pet owners feel that this is a better option for their pet.  Just make sure that you read the label to make sure that you are getting a good nutritional value!

Learn more about USDA organic standards here.  You can also contact our office for more information on the types of pet food your furry friend should be eating.

Pet Food Shopping: How Do You Decide Which Is Best?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP

www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Photo Source: Wikipedia

It is easy to become overwhelmed when shopping for pet food.  There are so many different brands and food options available.  How do you know which one will be best for your pet?  

Here are some tips on what you should look for when deciding on a healthy diet for your pet:

• AAFCO Certification - The Association of American Feed Control Officials certifies foods that meet their strict standards.

• Review Ingredients - Ingredients are listed in order of abundance.  Keep your pet's nutritional needs in mind. For example, cat owners should avoid foods high in carbohydrates.

• Ignore Vague Food Labels - Many products offer vague claims like gourmet, premium, super or ultra premium, or natural.  However, there is no nutritional standard that products have to meet to make this claim.  Foods marked with these labels are not necessarily better than those without them.

• Animal By-Products - Although animal by-products are not bad or unhealthy for your pet, many owners choose to avoid products with this ingredient.  By-product meal is created from various sources.  Avoiding this ingredient can be done at your discretion.

You can learn more about how to choose the best food for your pet on the ASPCA website.  If you still aren't sure what diet is best for your cat or dog, contact our office!  We are happy to help pet owners find the right foods for their pet.