Whole Foods Market Friends, companions, always eager to see you no matter what mistakes you made that day...the unconditional love from pets knows no bounds. Good friends deserve the best, and that includes providing them with the best food possible. A good, well-balanced diet must supply sufficient energy to meet the pet's needs, be nutritionally adequate, provide balanced nutrients in proportion to calories, consist of usable nutrients, and, of course, be acceptable to the pet. Nutrient needs vary according to the specific type of animal, its age, weight, activity level, environment, temperament, and health status. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Reading The Labels Commercial pet foods became available about 70 years ago in the United States partly as a way to use products generally considered unsavory for human consumption. Early dog foods based on horse meat were sold straight from a town's local rendering plant. Since then, minimum standards of nutritional requirements for pets have been set by the government National Research Council (NRC). Foods labeled "nutritionally complete and balanced" indicate that the NRC's minimum requirements have been met or exceeded. Of even more significance is the product's claim to have passed the voluntary feeding tests approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). These tests insure that beyond supplying certain percentages of nutrients, the food is nutritionally adequate and usable to match the amounts listed for each nutrient. By law, each ingredient must be listed on the product label in descending order by weight to provide a general indication of the product's contents and quality. Other listings which may appear on the label include: "guaranteed analysis" which indicates the minimum/maximum tolerances established for those nutrients, "average analysis" which lists the actual percentage of each key nutrient, and "metabolized energy" (ME) which measures the percentage of food content that can be utilized by the pet. Ingredients used within the products are added according to a "lease formula" or "line formula". Lease formulas are made according to specifications demanded from the company under whose label the pet food will be sold. A line formula pet food is made from a variety of sources, chosen by the manufacturer, to maintain the label requirements of the distributor. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Homemade Meals Of course, all pet owners could take the time to make fresh, homemade meals for their pets based on high quality, easily digestible foods. However it would be very time consuming and involves a great deal of knowledge and adherence to a nutritionally sound guide designed specifically for pets. A diet of more than 10% table scraps (i.e. leftovers from your plate) is not recommended since, even though it may sustain you, it most likely lacks the nutritional balance needed by your pet. Dedicated pet owners who even occasionally want to take the time can find specific recipes for the particular age and situation of a pet in books such as Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats by Richard H. Pitcairn, D.V.M., Ph.D., and Susan Hubble Pitcairn, or The Natural Cat by Anitra Frazier with Norma Eckroate. Rich gravies, sweet desserts and candy, soda pop, alcohol, and spicy foods must be avoided as they are very harmful to an animal's digestive system. Even milk may cause diarrhea in both cats and dogs. Do not let your pets chew on small bones since they may break and splinter resulting in choking or internal injury. Avoid using too much liverĐalthough an excellent food, too much can lead to vitamin A toxicity. And, although cats are wild about tuna, too much of it can cause vitamin E deficiency. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Protein Protein is necessary, but not the most important aspect in a pet's diet. Even in the wild, the bones, hair, fat and grains within the stomach would be eaten with as much gusto as the muscle tissue of its prey. Fats and carbohydrates are needed to supply sufficient energy. Proteins, in absence of fats and carbohydrates, can be converted into an energy source, but only at great expense both to the digestive system of the pet and the pocketbook of the animal's owner. What is important is that the supplied protein be of the utmost quality and usability. The higher the biological value, the less amount of protein is actually needed. As in human nutrition, biological value is measured by the amount and proportion of essential amino acids, the building blocks of protein that must be supplied by food. In addition to the 8 or 9 essential amino acids required by humans, current thought is that arginine (needed only in puppy stages) and taurine (needed by cats to prevent degeneration of the retina) are considered essential in pet nutrition. Both digestibility and biological value are important when evaluating a source of protein. The "crude protein" listed in the guaranteed analysis states the total amount of protein, but not necessarily how much is utilized or of what value it is. Feathers and hair, which have 0% digestibility are not allowed to be used. "Meat by-products" is a common inexpensive protein source based on bonemeal and leftover meat products that are not sold for human consumption. It may have between 50-100% digestibility and varies in its nutrient proportions and bioavailability due to its composition. "Poultry meal" or "poultry by-product meal" refers to whole processed chickens (including feet and beaks, but no feathers), that are dried and ground. There is nothing inherently wrong in using these types of sources since an animal would normally eat almost all the parts of its prey. In all states except California and Florida, 4D animals (dead, disabled, dying, or diseased) may be used on pet foods, though certain standards of safety must be met. Diseased animals are used only if inspection shows the disease or damage is isolated in certain areas which are then removed. The rest of the material is rendered and cooked at extremely high temperatures to make it virtually sterile, free of harmful bacteria and organisms. Since some animals receive drugs such as antibiotics during various stages of their lives, drug testing is done to detect the amount still present in the meat. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Carbohydrates Carbohydrate quality and usability are also important. Sugar is often used as a preservative and for palatability. Although sugar, corn syrup, and other simple carbohydrates can supply calories, they are "empty calories" devoid of any nutrient value and can result in hyperactive pets as the sugar is quickly metabolized. Devitalized, partial grain sources such as brewer's yeast and wheat middlings provide starch but little vitamins and minerals. In contrast, complex carbohydrates as found in cooked whole grains and vegetables provide sustained energy, fiber, B vitamins, and trace minerals. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fats Fats, another energy source, need to come from quality, usable, rancid-free fats. Essential fatty acids are important for healthy skin, shiny coat, and for proper maintenance of the nervous system. Both saturated and unsaturated fats are important. Chicken fat is higher in essential fatty acids than fats from beef or lamb. Unsaturated fats from corn oil and safflower oil are more suited for dogs, while cats, who don't metabolize unsaturated fats as well, do better with olive oil. Old, rancid fats create unstable chemical reactions in cell membranes and alter cell duplication, resulting in decreased immunity and premature aging. Fats oxidize quickly and need to be stabilized somehow, but all too frequently, pet foods will include preservatives such as BHA, a chemical shown to cause cancer and behavioral changes in rats. Natural, effective alternatives to chemical preservatives include vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin E (d'alpha tocopherol), and the herb rosemary. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Additives Other additives seen on some pet food labels include sodium nitrite, artificial flavorings, and artificial colors. Sodium nitrite is used to preserve color and inhibit the growth of bacteria that might otherwise cause spoilage. Nitrites can react with other chemicals in foods to form nitrosamines which, even in extremely small amounts, have caused cancer in laboratory animals. The addition of vitamin C to a product containing sodium nitrite appears to help prevent the formation of nitrosamines. But, since pet foods can be made without sodium nitrite, it is easy to avoid products containing it. Like sugar, artificial flavors are added to "hook" the animal on the product's palatability. Many artificial flavorings have not been tested for their long term effects which may include cancer, birth defects, and mutations. A product will have no need for artificial flavors if it actually includes the foods that the additive is trying to match. "Poultry digest", "liver digest", and similar terms are natural flavoring powders that are made by drying the liquid residue from cooking the source material. Lack of research is also the reason to avoid artificial colors. The presence of artificial colors is simply for owner appeal; dogs and cats are color-blind. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Dry or Canned? Dry or canned food can be used equally as well. Pets will prefer the type of texture they are most conditioned to receive. In fact, after a steady diet of soft canned food, most animals will refuse dry kibble. Canned food contains between 75-78% water. Because it is more easily digestible than the dry, it is good for small puppies. Since it is the most expensive source of pet food, many people use canned food as an occasional treat or to act as a carrier for a supplement or medicine that may be unpalatable on its own. Canned food can also be extended by thinning it with more water to form a gravy to pour over dry kibble that is being ignored. Dry kibble is the least expensive and the most convenient pet food. Unlike canned food which will spoil if left in a food bowl during the day, dry kibble can safely be left out for your pets. Dry food is made in two basic waysĐexpanded (extruded), or baked. The expanded process is a more modern, improved version of the hard pellets that were originally used in dry pet foods. The protein and grain sources are mixed with a vitamin/mineral premix, ground, and then sent to the extruder. Within the extruder, steam is added to cook the ingredients and to make them moist enough so that the resulting dough can be pushed against a die to form the particular shape desired. Cats are especially fond of star shapes while dogs, who are not as particular, like virtually any shape. At this point, the kibble is dried and screened to move excess crumbs from the whole material. Animal fat and, quite often, flavorings are then sprayed on the dried kibble and it is sent on to the bagging unit. Baked kibble is make by mixing the ingredients into a dough and spreading it on long sheets. After baking, the "biscuits" are broken up into bite sized pieces. Because baked kibble has a lower moisture content than expanded kibble, it is best to soak with a small amount of hot water for a few minutes before serving to your pet. Soaked baked kibble retains its firm texture without changing to a mushy consistency. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Feline Facts A diet too high in mineral content ("ash"), especially if it produces high levels of magnesium in the presence of alkaline urine, is one of the contributing factors of a serious group of disorders called feline bladder disease or F.U.S. (Feline Urologic Syndrome). F.U.S. is a serious disorder in which the excess minerals crystallize and irritate the lining of the urinary tract, causing an inflammatory condition called cystitis. In turn, the inflamed bladder produces mucus that binds the crystals into extremely hard material which can plug the urethra. If the urethra is not unblocked, the cat will die of toxic conditions called uremia. Good quality cat food will address this potential problem by keeping the ash and magnesium content to a minimum and by providing a more acidic internal environment. The amount of mineral needed and tolerated by dogs and cats is different, so in households which contain both cats and dogs, cats should be discouraged from eating food left out for the dog. Unlike most animals, cats depend on protein as their primary energy source and consequently need a great deal more protein than dogs and less carbohydrates. Cats have different dietary needs during different stages in their lives. Kittens need more of some nutrients and more calories pound per pound than adult cats. Pregnant and nursing cats require more protein and 2-3 times the calories needed by adult cats. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Poochie Particulars Similarly, dog dietary needs vary according to age and activity. A puppy needs twice the nutrients and calories of an adult dog. Pregnant and nursing females need more protein, vitamins, and certain minerals while old dogs need more digestible foods, less vitamins, minerals, and protein and lower sodium levels. Most dog food companies offer specific formulas for puppies, adult foods for maturity to age 7, and senior formulas for older dogs. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Vegetarian? Is it possible to feed a vegetarian diet to pets? Dogs and cats are carnivores by nature and require concentrated sources of protein. Too much food may be required for an animal to obtain all their protein from plant sources. Cats, especially, will have a problem with a total vegetarian diet since they are unable to convert beta-carotene from vegetables into usable vitamin A. Their requirement for taurine is much higher than can be supplied in plant protein. For guidance in preparing healthy vegetarian meals that meet your pets nutritional requirements, refer to the books listed under "Homemade Meals". ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Supplementation If a complete and balanced commercially prepared food is used 90% of the time, extra supplementation is unnecessary and could create imbalances. However, certain conditions may require more nutrients. When homemade pet food is prepared, it may be necessary to add extra vitamins and minerals if specified in the advice given in the recipe or guide. A tablespoon of corn oil or safflower oil can be added to both commercial and homemade dog foods daily to help alleviate dry skin and produce a shiny coat. A daily teaspoon of olive oil will achieve the same purpose in cats. Small amounts of grated or finely chopped fresh vegetables can "wake up" both dried and canned foods nutritionally and flavor-wise. Take a hint from your cats and dogs who love to graze on your household plants or garden. Sprouts, grated carrots, cooked root vegetables- especially sweet potatoes are welcome additions. Instead of tossing leftovers that seem too minuscule to bother storing for another meal, puree and add them to your pet's next dinner. Figure on about 1 tablespoon of vegetables for cats and up to 1/4 cup for dogs. Brewer's yeast and garlic, a good source of B vitamins and protein, is a famous combination reported to help deter fleas and other parasites by both boosting the immune system and creating a smell that vermin hate! If preferred, the combination is available in a pre-mixed powder and in tablets which serve as a delicious treat that helps deter fleas at the same time. Feed your pet nutritious, delicious foods free of sugar, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives that are based on high quality proteins and whole grains. Read your labels. Pet foods that are too much of a bargain are suspect. Support companies that are sincere enough about quality control to check their source to insure only the best quality, disease free meat and meat by-products. Along with plenty of love, exercise, water, fresh air and sunshine, a good diet is what your good friends deserve. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Whole Foods Market web pages (http://www.wholefoods.com/wf.html) are maintained by The Whole Foods Market Communications Team Copyright Whole Foods Market, 1995, wfm@wholefoods.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Reprinted (October 1995) with permission from Whole Foods Market