Can We Trust The Hype about Grain-free Dog Food?

There has been a growing backlash against grain-free dog food recipes driven by the FDA's investigation into the possible link between them and recent atypical cases of canine DCM (canine dilated cardiomyopathy) according to PetfoodIndustry (October 2019). Many of the breeds in the study are breeds generally predisposed to DCM and it is not conclusive that grain-free recipes are the direct link to the conditions in spite of the hysteria that can be found in some articles on Dr. Google or Face Book which do not represent ongoing research. Out of 73 million households in the US with dogs (some with multiple pets), less than .01% have been diagnosed. The potential link between grain-free diets has not been established nor scientifically proven at this time and research is ongoing. If you are making a decision on your pet's food, Google is not the best place to get the information you need to make an informed decision. A decision based on hysteria is not the best way to choose a food for your pet.

I am proudly affiliated with companies that manufacture their food in the US in small batches to ensure that your pet's food is fresh from the manufacturer to your front door. These companies have never experienced a recall and stay updated on the continuing research into this issue. You can get customized food specifically developed with your pet in mind.

Get more information about these companies at www.petaupaire.com.

TIPS FOR CHOOSING A FAMILY DOG

Many people choose a dog because it’s cute and then run into problems because it’s personality conflicts with the needs of the adoptive family.  That’s where a little soul searching is necessary. First, you need to decide what traits your dog will need in order to adapt well to its new home, i.e how long will the dog be left alone most days, what energy level and size is best suited for your household (dogs like terriers are high energy dogs, and greyhounds, although large, are very low energy dogs and require minimal interaction with their owners).  Once you’ve decided what breed, age and personality traits you are looking for in a dog then you can begin looking for your new family member. 

Look at your local rescue organizations.  Knowing the breed of dog that will suit your family will make a decision with any rescue group easier.  If you cannot find what you are looking for locally, look to nearby rescues organizations nearby. There is also the option of choosing a specific breed rescue. Let’s say you decided a golden retriever is the breed you want, if you do not find one locally you can search for a golden retriever rescue group. You can be specific about what personality traits you are looking for and they can match a dog that is suitable.  The groups are not always local. I got a cocker spaniel from a rescue group in Atlanta, she was a perfect addition to our family. That is also something to consider.  A rescue will already be housebroken and know basic commands.  You will want one that is crate trained as well. There’s lots of discussion about crate training, but the real story is that dogs are den animals and a crate is their safe place.  Don’t overlook black dogs. Black dogs are euthanized than any other color. Rescue dogs are very appreciative of a new home and will be a companion for years to come.

It takes a dog, whether a puppy or a rescue, three to four weeks to acclimate to their new environment, so be patient.  He will be a faithful companion for all his life.

For Choosing A Family Dog

Hot Weather Cautions

                                                                        

Summer is not officially here yet but it's hot as blazes outside.  Here are some hot weather cautions from the American Veterinary Association:

Be Prepared:

• make sure your pet has plenty of water and access to shade outside;
• keep your pet free of parasites that are common during the summer such as fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and heart worms;
• do not leave your pet in a car unattended.  Leave them at home when you run errands.  Cars quickly overheat to deadly temperatures even when the weather isn't severe.  If it's hotter than 70 degress it is too hot for your pet.

Signs of Heat Stress

• anxiousness;
• excess panting;
• restlessness;
• excessive drooling;
• unsteadiness;
• abnormal gum and tongue color;
• collapse

Keeping Pets Comfortable in Hot Weather

• If it's hot outside for you it's even hotter for your pet;
• take walks or hikes in the cooler part of the day;
• avoid hot surfaces that can burn your pet's paws (if the concrete is too hot for you it's too hot for your pet);
• use sunscreen; 
• on short haired dogs use sunscreen
• use sunscreen on your pet's nose

Plan ahead and have a great summer.

RAW vs KIBBLE

There have been over 140 pet food recalls in the last few years. In response to the recent concerns behind the recalls,  many pet owners are turing to raw or homemade diets.

According to Tuft University's Veterinary Medical Center, these raw and homemade recipes may not actually be a safer alternatives; they have found dogs on these diets also have issues related to some of the most recent recalls and may increase your dog's risk for many other health issues. Home-cooked diets are not tested for safety and nutritional adequacy like good quality commercial diets and deficiencies could still develop. In order to  balance the nutrition in these diets supplementation is necessary for a more complete and balanced diet.  Tuft University suggest foregoing the raw and home-cooked diets and sticking with commercial pet foods made by a well established manufacturer with recipes that contain common ingredients when choosing food for your pet.  There are many grain free foods available but don't overlook recipes with healthy grains such as oatmeal, barley or rice.

A well established manufacturer is one of the most important factors in choosing a  diet for your pet. The American Pet Product Association regulates the quality control of the pet industry and oversees manufacturing regulations for safe ingredients involved in all areas of the manufacturing process. Unlike  the larger pet food companies, smaller pet food labels like pawTree are able to maintain greater quality control over the sourcing and manufacturing process. Their recipes are nutritionally dense and may cost a little more, but the benefit is that the pet eats less of a nutrient dense recipe and is a healthier pet and fewer vet bills.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a voluntary association charged by law to regulate the sale and distribution of animal feeds and drug remedies made in the US. Not all brands that claim their food is "balanced and complete" meet this criteria.  When choosing a food for  your pet look for the AAFCO statement on the label.  It assures you that the food actually meets the minimum requirements to be labeled "balanced and complete".

In light of the recalls many pet owners are turing to food rating sites.  According to Tuft University these sites are generally useless because they rank food by opinion rather than scientific research. Some of the brands that have been recalled remain on their lists.

The Cummings Veterinary Medical Center recommends that if you feel strongly about feeding a raw or home-cooked diet consult your veterinarian. Using supplements is a great way to give your pet the nutritional support he/she needs.

The good news surrounding the recalls and subsequent research is that it focuses on the complexities of making safe, nutritious pet food and the importance of nutritional expertise and quality control.