UNDERSTANDING PET FOOD

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.

Encouraging picky cats to eat can be frustrating for veterinary health care providers and pet owners alike. Managing medical conditions and stress and implementing strategies to improve food intake can help finicky felines meet their energy and nutrient needs. These strategies apply to hospitalized cats and cats in a home environment.

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.

Gradually transitioning onto a new diet minimizes the risk of stomach upset.

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 meat diets are popular but may present several health risks.

Are raw meat-based diets a suitable option for 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.

Kelly S. Swanson, PhD, explains the importance of gut health, what dysbiosis means, and the value of using a synbiotic supplement.​

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