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Myths about proper diets for our dogs and cats seem
always to be with us. Some of these myths may have a
grain of truth, but this truth is often greatly exaggerated
or misapplied. Other myths are nurtured by misinformation
and mistrust.
A current myth that could be threatening to our pets'
health involves raw meat diets for dogs and cats. The
proponents of this belief question the wholesomeness
and nutritional value of commercial pet foods. But,
in fact, there is no scientific substantiation for raw
meat diets.
The truth is that good quality pet foods are backed
by years of feline and canine nutrition studies. They
are the result of scientific studies by researchers
in veterinary colleges and animal nutritionists at reputable
pet food manufacturers. Ralston Purina Company, for
example, began its pet nutrition studies over 70 years
ago. This work continues as researchers launch new studies
to learn even more about the relationship of diet to
our pets' health.
In our own diets, meat is combined with vegetables,
fruits, breads and other foods to give us the balanced
nutrition we need. If we were to eat one particular
food consistently, chances are we would become malnourished
or develop health problems. No single food or food group
can provide all the nutrients we need in proper proportions.
Manufacturers of good quality pet foods have incorporated
all the nutrients a dog or cat needs during a particular
lifestage into nutritionally complete and balanced diets.
Although meat is a source of protein, it has very low
levels of calcium, a mineral our pets require for proper
bone and tooth development. Calcium also plays an important
role in blood clotting, muscle contraction and transmission
of nerve impulses.
It's important to remember that nutrients do not work
alone, and calcium is no exception. Mineral nutrients
are interrelated. Calcium and phosphorus have a scientifically
established relationship in the formation of bones and
teeth, provided a proper balance is maintained. This
balance is usually not present in meat. If large quantities
of raw meat are fed over time, skeletal problems may
develop.
We tend to think of liver as being a "healthy" meat.
Served with other foods, it is a beneficial part of
many human diets. Liver has a high level of vitamin
A, a fat-soluble vitamin that is stored by the body.
When liver is fed to pets in large quantities over a
period of time, vitamin A toxicity can result. This
can lead to improper bone development, lameness and
bone decalcification.
Raw meat carries the threat of bacteria and parasites.
Salmonella is a bacterial organism that can cause a
variety of disease in humans and animals. The risk of
salmonellosis is always present when pets are fed raw
meat diets. Certain species of tapeworm can be found
in raw meat and passed on to a pet who ingests the meat.
High quality commercial pet foods are carefully processed
to protect against salmonella or internal parasite infection.
It's true that cats and dogs consume a certain amount
of muscle meat when they eat wild animals for survival.
However, they also consume the bones, intestinal contents
and internal organs which come closer to providing a
complete and balanced diet.
Attempting to supplement a raw meat diet with vitamins
and minerals is risky for your pet's health. Certain
vitamins and minerals react with one another. Unless
they are present in the proper amounts a pet may suffer
malnutrition.
A final thought
When a myth involving pet nutrition is suddenly exploited,
we should ask ourselves: "What scientific research supports
this statement?" "Have veterinary colleges done research
to validate it?" "Do respected researchers in the fields
of canine and feline nutrition support it?" "They said"
or "I heard that" do not provide the substantiation
we need when confronted with myths involving the nutrition
and well-being of our special companions.
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Reprinted with permission by Ralston Purina Canada
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