Animals – Doggy diets

There is a growing trend to feed dogs with new diets, such as raw food or grain-free. Over the last 15,000 years of domestication, dogs have evolved away from their ancestor the wolf and are now able to digest plant-based carbohydrates. So, in reality, feeding them a grain-free diet may make you feel better, but there is actually no benefit to your dog.

In fact, it may even be harming your pet. There is an increasing suspicion that dogs may develop a potentially fatal heart disease as a result of feeding them grain-free diets. In America, where grain-free diets have been around for slightly longer, the Food and Drug Administration has found a correlation between dilated cardiomyopathy, where the heart’s ability to pump blood is decreased, and particular grain-free diets. Until more evidence is uncovered to show any true benefits, I would recommend avoiding grain-free diets.
Raw food diets are another trend that seem to be particularly popular in New Zealand at present. Although there can be health benefits from feeding novel proteins to dogs, such as possum meat, there are also risks.

Raw food diets are often a source of parasites and harmful bacteria, which are normally killed in the cooking process. In a Massey University study, 28 per cent of commercial raw food diets tested in New Zealand were positive for campylobacter, a bug that can cause food poisoning in humans. Often your dog may not show severe signs of disease, but after exposure to these harmful bugs, they will often shed them in their faeces, increasing the risk that anyone in your household could develop an infection. Children and immuno-compromised individuals are at particular risk. Salmonella and E.coli are also reported to be found in many commercial raw food diets overseas, both of which can cause you and your pet to get very sick.

The general consensus of vets in New Zealand and across the globe is that there is no substitute for a good quality, commercially manufactured pet food.

Trusted brands such as Hills, Eukanuba, Nutrience and Royal Canin spend a lot of money to make sure their food is consistent, well balanced and contains all the nutrients your pets need. Furthermore, age and breed-specific foods have been formulated to best fit your particular pet’s energy, protein and fat requirements at any given life stage. If you have any queries regarding your pet’s diet, contact your local vet for a further discussion.

Neil Warnock, Wellsford Vet Clinic
www.vetsonline.co.nz/wellsfordvet