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.
