Feeding our dogs healthy, delicious options can be an overwhelming daily task. All animals are complex living systems whose bodily functions are completely dependent on what they eat and drink. The spectrum of nutrients needed to function at peak performance depends on a host of factors.
Some such factors include: age, breed, lifestyle, genetics, and underlying medical conditions. The way we choose to feed our pets will have a significant impact on health and ability to fight disease not to mention overall quality/ quantity of life.
The quest to achieve optimal nutrition begins with ingredients. As with all nutritional choices, the closer we can get to fresh, whole-food ingredients, the better quality the diet tends to be. The next consideration is how the ingredients are processed. As we know from our own diets, highly processed foods are not as nutritious as fresh foods. While many high quality dry and canned foods have excellent ingredients, their processing can lead to loss of nutritional value.
In addition, high heat processing, as is found with the manufacture of kibble and canned foods, alters the molecular structure of proteins in such a way that there is the potential for harm. Research in human nutrition shows us that the chemical process that occurs when proteins and sugars are browned (like in the making of kibble and cans) can lead to health complications including diabetes and impaired kidney function.
Optimal nutrition not only keeps our pets healthy, it can help restore health as well. Some pets with chronic allergies or gastrointestinal conditions need only be changed to a fresh, whole-food diet for symptoms to improve or resolve. Other conditions such as organ disease of the liver or kidney and cancer can often be helped through nutritional changes. While prescription diets from companies such as Royal Canine, Hills, or Purina have the potential to be beneficial, they are just the tip of the iceberg. Therapeutic diets custom designed by a veterinary nutritionist often achieve greater effects through the use of higher quality, fresh ingredients.
There are many high quality diets available to pet owners either at the pet food store or through home preparation with a properly balanced recipe. While many pets do just fine on kibble or canned diets, truly optimal nutrition is best achieved with a fresh whole-food diet. The decision to go with a raw or a cooked fresh diet should be based on the specific needs of your pet and the people providing their food. It is best to consult with a veterinarian experienced with these formats before you decide to make major diet changes for your dog.
Food is so much more than merely sustenance. It is the foundation to a long and healthy life and is one of the most impactful medical decisions you can make on your pet’s behalf. For more information regarding the pros and cons of various food formats and advice on optimal nutrition, visit www.FreePetBooks .com.
Dr. Gary Richter is the owner and medical director of Montclair Veterinary Hospital and Holistic Veterinary Care in Oakland. He practices integrative veterinary care, combining the most effective therapies from both Western and holistic medicine. He lives in Oakland with his wife Lee, daughter Abbey, dogs Leo, Sammy, and Marty and Frieda the cat.
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