It’s a decision every dog owner must make: what food should you give your four-legged friend?
With nutrition playing such a huge role in a pet’s longevity and quality of life, it's not an easy choice.
It’s a question Dr. Powell often hears at Edison Park Animal Hospital in Fort Myers.
"If you stick with the top four pet food manufacturers, you’re not going to go wrong. They all employ board-certified veterinary nutritionists," said Powell.
She says Purina, Iams, Hill’s, and Royal Canin all conduct clinical trials and have peer-reviewed research to support their claims.
If you decide to go with a different company, Powell recommends ensuring they have a board-certified veterinary nutritionist on staff.
She also emphasizes the importance of looking into the company’s quality control standards to ensure your pet's safety.
Powell suggests checking for proper labeling. Make sure the food has a seal from organizations like AAFCO or WSAVA. Both provide guidelines that should be followed in the commercial pet food industry.
Powell also notes the importance of researching the nutritional value of pet food, as labels can be misleading.
"You cannot tell by just looking at the ingredient list whether a product is of good quality. You have to dig a little deeper," she said.
"Veterinarians and nutritionists have been trying for years to change the labeling requirements so people can make more informed choices for their pets," she added.
When it comes to raw food diets, Powell says there have been no clinical trials proving that they are superior. She points out significant safety concerns for both pets and their owners, such as potential exposure to bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and certain parasites.
"Sometimes people say, ‘Well, wolves in the wild eat raw meat,’ and that’s true, but they also eat berries, plants, and whatever else they scavenge. The truth is, wolves in the wild typically live only a few years. I think most people would prefer to give their companion animals proper nutrition so they can enjoy a long, healthy life together," she said.
Powell advises pet owners to avoid fad diets and consult with a veterinary nutritionist before making significant dietary changes, to give their pets the best and healthiest life possible.
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