Aren't pet foods certified in the USA by AAFCO (American Association of Feed Control Officials)?
Yes and no. Some are, some are not, not every State requires that they be, and many consider that AAFCO criteria can be woefully inadequate, including some feeding trials that are only of a few weeks' duration, and some nutrient requirements of theirs can be considered only as the bare minimum. In general, the States do a very poor job at regulation regarding compliance.
The food I buy contains meat and by-products. What's wrong with that (and what's a by-product)?
By-products are considered "anything except meat." That includes spleen, lungs, fetal tissue, cows' udders and uterus, esophagus, ears, lips, eyes, brains, and anything most humans wouldn't eat. Some independent rendering plants accept roadkills and the bodies of dogs and cats euthanized by shelters. Out-of-date grocery store meat can also be included (reportedly, sometimes with the original ground-up packaging). Meat consigned for pet food is popularly described as the "Four D's": dead, dying, diseased, disabled. Put it in an attractive package picturing a healthy animal, add gravy and an upscale name, and we human consumers are suckered in, thinking we are feeding our pets "the best."
I feed only the highest quality kibble and nothing else ever. What's wrong with that?
Probably nothing, as long as you are relying on independent trials and not just on manufacturer's claims, and count on independent research such as the annual comparisons of kibbles and canned foods by such sources as The Whole Dog Journal (which does not accept advertising and is well regarded). Still, I have to ask if you would only want to eat nothing but shredded wheat for every meal for the rest of your life? Variety is the spice of life. Animals get bored, too.
Even if you are assured about the quality of the kibble as it is manufactured, remember that all kibbles contain oils that can turn rancid. We also have to be concerned about how the food is transported and stored. (I once stupidly stored kibble in a new, galvanized aluminum trashcan on my porch and after two days in the hot sun, I couldn't stand the smell and my dogs wouldn't eat it…so another question is, how long did your dog's kibble sit on a loading dock, or in a hot truck? If you ever open a fresh bag of kibble and it doesn't smell "good," take it back to the seller for a refund.)
Lastly, read the ingredients label on your kibble. If you see any of the cancer-causing preservatives, BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin, find something better, with no artificial flavors or colorings! (There are websites available to help you interpret the rest of the ingredients.)
I keep hearing about the benefits of a BARF diet? Should I switch to that?
BARF = Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods, and the diet has many proponents. There are websites and e-lists devoted to the topic. For me, "biologically appropriate" means what our carnivores would choose in the wild, and that is not grains and asparagus. The benefit to teeth and gums of raw, meaty bones (one of our biggest worries is the teeth/gum deterioration that afflicts so many pets fed commercial diets, including the coronary consequences) is undeniable.
It is a misconception that hard kibble benefits dogs' teeth and gums, because if you observe most dogs, they gulp their food whole. If you have one or a couple of dogs and can manage the diet with proper supervision, then investigate it; it was never possible for me, because I've had many multiple dogs for years and there has been no way to segregate and supervise that many on such a diet.
Still, you will likely need to supplement the diet with anti-oxidant vitamins and other minerals that aren't provided otherwise. You will have to weigh the differences between factory-farmed and the much more expensive organically produced meat, and whatever meat you are dealing with, you will have to take all the proper precautions against bacterial contamination.
If you are trying to sort-out a suspected pet food allergy in your pet and help your vet with a differential diagnosis, you may very well have to prepare a homemade diet that your pet has never had, with such "exotic" ingredients as sweet potato and duck.
Dogs and cats can live on a vegetarian diet, can't they?
It depends on whom you ask and even some veterinarians have written books that promote such diets. I tend to side with the dogs and cats, and as in the above, "biologically appropriate" means what the carnivore would choose in the wild, without thought to our objections of how meat is produced in our human world (and despite your "best" cooking efforts, they might choose a day-old dead rabbit on the road). Yes, there are vegetables and legumes that are good sources of protein, but with a vegetarian diet, you will need to supplement such as vitamin B12, carnitine and taurine, because their deficiencies could create other serious health issues.
Tablescraps are always a no-no aren't they?
- it depends on what you eat. If it's a balanced diet that approximates the "food pyramid," what's good for you is likely good as a supplement for your dog. If you live on jelly donuts and bacon, no.
- does your dog (or cat) have a waist? Obesity among American pets is as endemic as it is among humans. If you have an obese pet, consult your veterinarian as it is likely the result of a combination of the wrong food, too much food, and lack of exercise. Your vet may recommend replacing part of the dog's food portion with green beans, or something that adds fiber and contributes to a feeling of "fullness," without promoting weight-gain.
