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Dog food and new news is alway a topic of interest here at dancingdogblog, and I came across this article in February’s edition of PetAge magazine “Nutrition Myths Busted” on how the AVMA separates canine nutrition fact from fiction. I’m certain this will be a useful reference as the discussion moves forward. Here are the conclusions of researchers who spent 14 years following the progress of 48 pairs of Labrador Retriever littermates. Tell me if you feel adrift:
l. Myth: Dogs should only eat meat. Fact: Dogs as they have evolved today need a proportion of grains, vegetables and fruits to fulfil dietary needs. Granted they say only a small amount of oatmeal, pasta, or rice, etc. should be part of the diet.
2. Myth: Raw eggs should never be fed to dogs. Fact: Eggs served on occasion, raw or boiled, are a good source of protein. Salmonella is not something dogs are as susceptible to as humans.
3. Myth: No dairy for dogs. Fact: Cottage cheese and yogurt are high in calcium, low in lactose. Some dogs are lactose intolerant, not all.
4. Myth: Fat is bad for dogs. Fact: Fat is converted by dogs bodies into energy. Low saturated fats like Omega 6 and 3 are needed in order to absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K.
5. Myth: Dogs are unable to digest grains. Fact: Partially true. While uncooked grains don’t do a dog’s body good, starch grains when cooked can be digested. Rice is a better option than wheat or corn!
6. Myth: “All commercial dog foods are bad. Fact: Research has shown that commercial dog foods are more able to meet dogs’ nutritional needs.”
7. Myth: A diet must suit a dog’s age and breed. “Fact: In most cases the same diet can be used throughout a dog’s lifetime. However puppies need more food than seniors and older dogs may need nutritional supplements.”
There are many on-going arguments about what we should be feeding our dogs and I just had a conversation about corn with a blogger friend of mine. I have been known to point out what I believe to be failings of dog food companies, based on science and not emotions. Well, emotions are there, but so is the science. Unfortunately this is a one-way conversation as people at these companies are legally enjoined from engaging in a conversation on this topic – or so I’ve been told.
I do have bones to pick on a couple of these points, especially the one that is an incomplete thought. The article had a quote from Mike Grant, nutritional science director of SeniorPetProducts.com that noted it is just as important to know what to feed and in what amount.
What I want to know is, what do you think? Did you believe any of the myths described here? How are you handling all the back and forth about what’s best to feed your dog? Have you made recent changes to your feeding regimen based on new information, or have you chosen what you think is best and plan on sticking with it?
{ 28 comments… read them below or add one }
In my first pass, I read the list thinking of the homemade diets I've prepared and what I read in that context. I didn't have major disagreements until I came to "fact #6" stating that "commercial dog foods are more able to meet dogs' nutritional needs." That may be true when people are haphazardly assembling a diet for their dogs but I don't think my diets based on Dr. Pitcairn's recipes and supplements were less nutritionally complete than commercial foods. Anyway, it's such a bizarre blanket statement that I went back to the top to reread where the list came from.
And that's what made me reconsider the list. The AVMA receives lots of support from commercial pet food companies. I'm sure the research out there is paid by them. According to Marion Nestle, most of the nutrition education in vet schools is funded by dog food companies.
Now I see the list being used as propaganda to convince people that all commercial dog foods are the best you can provide.
The list provides good discussion points for people interested in figuring out the best options for feeding their animals. But in the hands of the animal food PR machine, I could see it being used to promote bagged dog food as the best option.
I guess that's the way of the world. And why we need to bring a little healthy skepticism to everything we read.
Yes, that\’s what I had assumed going in, PR for commercial foods. Yet I also wanted to hear the results of such a long-term study and give it a fair read.
Number six raised my eyebrows – why would the AVMA make such an unqualfied statement if not to throw a juicy bone to financial supporters? Commercial foods are not a level playing field.
I am glad the AVMA actually said that rice is a better choice than wheat or corn, since Hills is so hot for corn they have a whole page extolling it\’s virtues on their website (at least the last time I looked maybe three months ago).
With corporate funded scientific studies, it is necessary that we take nothing at face value. That\’s the problem with food studies as I see it – lack of trust. Thanks for adding your voice here, Pamela!
I appreciate your list and it makes sense to me. I think some dog food manufacturers are sitting up and taking note of recent studies and offering more wholesome options. I have been educating myself on what to feed my dog. This is what I find most frustrating: It is difficult/impossible to feed my dog what many tout as “the best” diet, and keep within my budget. One interesting point: I used to feed my dogs a popular but less expensive brand because I had coupons. Kelly’s bloodwork would always show up with a few areas of concern. The past year or so I’ve switched to premium brands for Kelly. Her current bloodwork is excellent. Maybe other factors contribute, but I do try to feed her the best quality I can afford.
You are right, Peggy – finding and affording the "best" food for your dog is a problem. Some people I know practice rotating brands to keep within a budget yet still provide higher quality food for their dogs for half the month. Number 6 really bothered me because it seemed so transparently designed to pay tribute to commercial foods, as if they were all equally good, and all unmentioned homemade diets were inferior I'm glad to hear Kelly's bloodwork has improved – that's a very important improvement:)
Just more of the status quo.
"Dogs as they have evolved today need a proportion of grains, vegetables and fruits to fulfil dietary needs." This is completely false. Dogs DO NOT require ANY carbohydrates!
Presumably my dogs would be included in the category of "dogs as they have evolved today", yet neither of my dogs (a 5 year old Pit Bull & 15 1/2 year old Border Collie) get any carbohydrates. Not to plug my Facebook page (http://facebook.com/doggybytes), but I just posted a video of my 15 1/2 year old dining on raw stewing hen. If you watch the video, you'll see she's in exceptional shape, yet she eats no carbohydrates that the AVMA and so many others say she needs.
The AVMA says that dogs can't digest uncooked grains, but they can digest cooked grains. So if grains (carbohydrates) are required for dogs to maintain good health and they're only made digestible by human intervention (cooking), how do any raw fed or non-domestic dogs survive?
Lots of holes in this philosophy. Around and around we go.
Hey, Jim – nice to "see" you again! I agree there are holes – big ones that I'd like to get to the bottom of, but tough to do if the major commercial food companies won't engage in this conversation/debate. Guess there's not much in it for them.
I should think that any grains strays or wild dogs get in the stomachs of their prey would be considered "cooked" in that process of ending up in the stomach. Having said that…you are so right about the merry-go-round ride here. I don't think it's an" either or" case with Raw vs. everything else, and I do think it's useful to bring this up again given the latest from AVMA and to keep reaching those who haven't been part of the debate.
Another list to confuse me even more.
We fed Gus a homemade diet for years until he developed food allergies. Without being able to identify the cause, we switched to commercial dog food. Our vet, who we actually really like, suggested a prescription dog food with a horrendous ingredient list. Luckily for Gus, we found a brand that he likes and all of his issues disappeared. We felt guilty at first, but he’s healthy and happy and that’s all that matters!
Hi, Lori – it is a little frustrating, isn't t ! You give a good example here with the development of food allergies. I think that all we can do is keep ourselves apprised, weigh our options, and observe our dog's health. I make homemade meals for my dog, and have found it important to rotate proteins, grains used and Dr Harvey's mixed vegetables, mixing it up with Stella & Chewy's freeze dried raw meals, Castor and Pollux(certified) organic turkey dinner. It keeps the itching and licking of allergies at bay. Thanks for sharing)
Ah, Mary, you've opened up a can of worms — as it were. Dr. Pitcairn recommends grains, raw feeders do not. Never the twain shall meet. There are a limited number of veterinary nutritionists — less then 75 diplomates — and the American College of Veterinary Nutritionists was only established in 1988.
Item #6 could be way more qualified; I definitely don't think that all commercial products are more nutritionally balanced. But put into the context of the rest of the list, overall you've got pretty good guidelines for buying high quality commercial products that are convenient for many of us.
I don't see all commercial foods as bad by any means – look at a the great products on the market from the organic industry. But tell me, what is up with the dearth of nutritionists – the number of veterinary nutritionists is shocking – more than 20 years estabiished and less than 75 dipomates? A lack of interest or…?
Yes, item 6, really comes across in a bad light, as if it were written by someone in the food industry, and not reflective of scientific thinking. I was glad corn was put in it's place along with wheat as not preferred over rice if you're going with grains. As far as a can of worms, don't I know it:) But it's a worthwhile can to pry open…again and again!
More information comes out and I slip further into feeling it's impossible to know what's "right" in the dog food arena. With so much contradictory information out there, who do you believe? Luckily, we've found a dog food that our boys like and do well on. I won't be changing based on these reports. My decisions will be based on observing my own dogs' health.
Yes, I would bet there are many many people that take your position, Amy! Lori @accordingtoGus said something similar, and with all the competing theories out there, it doesn't surprise anyone I'm sure! All we can do is stay alert to our dog's health, and keep abreast of new peer-reviewed information. I've learned so much through the conversations we've had on food in the past two years on blogs and from our vet friends, I know my dog has seriously benefited with coat, skin, and allergies all improved. Thanks for sharing, Amy:)
Wow. Interesting and thought-provoking topic and information.
Everyone's comments left me thinking – some really great comments by the way. I definitely have doubts about #1 and #6. I actually care for 3 show dogs who have only ever been fed a raw food diet. Guess what? They are some of the most healthy, fit and beautiful dogs I have seen. Their coats are lush, their teeth are in excellent health and they are a great weight – even though all 3 of them are over the age of 7. So the carbs argument doesn't seem all that clear cut. And, #6 seems to be a nod to the commercial dog food industry.
I have decided to stick with The Honest Kitchen because I trust them and their ingredients are phenomenal. I am in agreement with Amy – my decisions will be based on my dogs' health.
Hi Mel, it's always fun to trot out whatever is new in pet food discussions – a good reminder to pay attention to what's real, stay informed, think critically. Number 6 grated like nails on a chalk board! Number 7 doesn't appear to take into account working dogs. And eating the same food day after day for 15 years? Really? I know it can be deemed "adequate" but talk about boring your dog!
Honest Kitchen is great – Tashi liked it. I lke rotating his foods – I see that switch has given him more energy, a better coat and his allergies have subsided. Thanks for adding your voice to the conversation!
I too have a problem with point #6. It’s a blanket statement which could imply that ALL commercial pet foods are okay. Maybe that’s semantics, but I prefer inserting the word “some” in there because, as we know, not all commercial pet foods are created equal (in terms of quality). And whether dogs “need” grains is up for debate as well (in point #1). You always have to wonder who funds these reports and what their hidden agenda is. They really needed to expand on each point with some caveats.
Hi Kathy, and welcome! Yes, that #6 doesn't even sound real, unless it was written by the dog food industry. Not something a scientist would conclude. Generally speaking, I think much of the funding for studies about food are paid for by the dog food industry. Odd to us, yes, but they don't seem to see the confict:) Thanks for sharing your pov!
Oh my. I’ll be interviewing a dog food person later this week–not an industry type– I hope, and I’ll run this list by him. I just don’t know about the grain thing. I can see that some grains, maybe especially rice, are okay. Still, I don’t feed Sadie any grains but she does get fresh veggies and a little fruit. No starch. And, she’s healthy. Knock on wood.
And for not shying away from opening this can of worms and raising all the other important issues that you do (please don’t kill me), you’ve been awarded the Stylish Blogger Award. http://bit.ly/gyK9Vf
Yes, the grains – there's the camp that yes, and then there's the raw food camp who shouts no.. I feed Tashi grains – just not all the time. Brown Himalayan rice, sweet potatoes sometiimes tho no white potatoes, oatmeal sometimes and rarely a few quinoa pasta spirals. Dr Harveys freeze dried veggies because of it's incredible selection, their bright color and more importantly for Tashi, their digestibility. And scrambled egg (no milk) once every ten days or so…he likes them with a little tarragon and a dash of freshly grated parmesan-reggiano. I rotate his proteins each week. Ha! We should all eat so well!
Oh, um, thank you, thank you for the Stylish Blogger award, I…I don't know what to say…I was once accused of being Stylish, but I was younger then…I didn't prepare…I..I'd like to thank my webmaster, my reader, and most of all my long sufferng dog who waits and waits for me to get off the damn…oh, they're playing the music (shouting) thank you to Deborah Flick for voting me in! I *will* see you at Blogpaws – won't I?
Love you acceptance speech!
I sure hope to be at BlogPaws, but I don’t know yet.
I’ve heard of Dr. Harvey’s freeze dried veggies. Just never tried them because I puree my own mixture for Sadie. I used to be totally anti-grain. I’m becoming more agnostic about easily digestible grains in small quantities that are low on the glycemic scale.
I have been cooking for Jersey since she was a puppy. I boil up whatever meat is on special at the local Asian market, cook some veggies and that's about it. Sometimes I add boiled eggs that are past their due date, sometimes cheese, sometimes leftover pasta. I try to mix it up a bit and not feed her the same food too much. Jersey had bloodwork done this past summer and everything is tip top.
Why do I make my own food? Initially I did it because Jersey is a princess a will not eat most commercial dog foods, now I do it for health and budget. There are some really good canned foods available, but at $4 a can, that's way more than I spend on feeding her myself.
In my opinion, dogs can digest anything. Grains and veggies are good for dogs, as long as they are cooked and in moderate amounts. When it comes to kibble, of the first three ingredients on the bag, at least two should be meat, and most mid-line priced kibbles do that.
I've always found home cooking to be cheaper than store-bought. I bought some cans of organic Castor and Pollux canned, which is $2.59 or thereabouts for the turkey dinner. Still, that is quite expensive, given I can get a package of chicken thighs for that price which.will last for more than one and a half days. I find Tashi can't take the cannd stuff (no BPA) for more than 3 feedings without having a plumbing problem – it's too rich for him!
I can't feed kibble, Tashi's system won't tolerate it. I think if we keep wheat and corn out of the kibble, it'll improve our dogs' lot in life. Processed foods are really not good for any of us – boy they come in handy, but not so great for health. thanks for stopping by Karen, and adding to the conversation:)
When it comes to kibble, I think there is a wide range of quality available, ranging from poor to very high quality. I see nothing wrong with feeding commercial, kibble or canned. However, I don't necessarily support feeding only commercial if you can keep your dog's diet balanced. Having a balanced diet is important though and is much more complicated than just throwing some foods together and feeding it to your dog.
As for grain, dogs do not have an absolute requirement for carbohydrates. However, I do think some carbs in the diet can be a healthy thing for most dogs. Carbohydrates can be utilized for energy production, sparing the protein content in the diet for more important functions. However, it is important to watch the calorie count. Too many of our dogs are overweight or even obese and too many carbs can contribute to that also.
Great post though, Mary. Interesting list. Controversial for certain.
Hi Lorie! Yes, controversial and confusing for many I'm afraid. The thing about carbs is as you pointed out that it's easy to find a weight gain if they are not properly proportioned. I was a little disturbed by the fact that PetAge, the industry magazine, did not cite at least the date of this study, but just said "recent" that could be six months ago – recent in relation to the span of history:)
Well, I do like to keep looking at this quality of pet food question probably because of the confusion of the general public, issues of affordability, value for money, improving transparency and the other can of worms, as Edie put it, the different factions who believe in raw feeding, vegetarianism (!) or the grain/no grain people. Whew! Many areas of interest and more to learn and share!
The way I understood myth 6 upon reading was more capable over a home cooked/raw but instead are actually more capable than what they used to be years ago. Myself…I feed raw and sometimes cooked.
Meant to write “not more capable of raw/homecooked diet” but more capable than yearsago.
Actually, the thing about raw eggs isn't just salmonella, but also the fact that raw egg white contains enzyme that inhibits absorption of biotin. Some believe that there is enough biotin in the yolk to make up for that, many, however, believe that egg white should be fed only cooked.
As for the grains, I don't believe dogs NEED grains. Vegetables and fruits yes. Not saying that some good quality whole grains are not of benefit.
Like your list of facts! Especially #6. It's important that people give balanced information when it comes to feeding their dogs. And being fair towards those who advocate raw and those who believe in commercial food is the right thing to do.
"Fact: Dogs as they have evolved today need a proportion of grains, vegetables and fruits to fulfil dietary needs."
I prefer the term "adapted" over" evolved" as the dog is still a dog. It's not like they're slowly turning into rabbits or something.
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