UNDERSTANDING PET FOOD

Gluten-free diets are increasingly popular in human nutrition and this in turn can influence pet food decisions. What exactly is gluten and why is it found in pet food?

Homemade diets are perceived as healthier to some pet owners, but despite their draw, they may not be complete and balanced for healthy pets.

Raw food diets are popular with pet owners but the nutritional benefits are unproven, and most are unaware of the health risks that raw food can pose to pets — and people.

By-products are a safe and nutritious ingredient, but pet owners may perceive that pet foods containing by-products are low-quality.

Grains provide valuable nutrients, but pet owners may believe that grains are “fillers” or that they may be a source of food allergies.

Pet owners often ask veterinary health care providers why organs are included in pet food. There are nutritional advantages to including organs, and utilizing organs in dog and cat food is also beneficial for the environment.

Although medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) do not supply essential fatty acids and thus should not be the only dietary fat source in pet food, 1 studies show supplementing MCTs in the diet can provide health benefits to some dogs.

Postbiotics are an example of a dietary intervention that may improve microbiome, gastrointestinal, and host health.

Vegetarians may choose a meat free diet for many reasons including concerns for health, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability. For similar reasons, some pet owners may wonder if a vegetarian diet is an acceptable option for their pet.