Large breed dogs are more likely to have musculoskeletal problems than smaller breeds, so they usually need food with different scales of certain nutrients to promote musculoskeletal health, especially when they are puppies. Pet food companies have indoctrinated veterinarians well, and pet owners, veterinarians, and professionals who handle animals regularly recognize that the quality and source of ingredients are important when considering the overall health of a pet food option. The nutrient content of food must be complete and provide our dogs with all the essential elements to maintain their health. Veterinarians will recommend foods that contain a desirable proportion of water, fat, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
Pet parents should read the labels of the food options for puppies and dogs recommended by veterinarians to notice high-quality ingredients and sources of nutrients. The risk of nutritional imbalances is a reality for both home-prepared and commercial raw meat diets. Food poisoning is also a major concern for people, and the public health aspects of feeding raw foods to pets cannot be overlooked. Safe and proper handling of raw foods is crucial to reduce risk, but safety cannot be guaranteed.
Right now, the vast majority of the purported benefits of eating raw foods remain unproven, although the risks and consequences have been documented. In Canada, the human food supply is one of the safest in the world. However, when it comes to pet food, the regulatory system is primarily based on trust. When pet food is manufactured and sold in Canada, the government simply trusts the manufacturer, assuming that it has crossed all its t's and marked all its i.
There are no legislated manufacturing practices or standards to follow, and no inspections or verifications are required. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy (or adult dog) when you can see the right training techniques in action. If your pet needed veterinary care, ask your veterinarian to inform the FDA. We send the veterinary nutrition organization the most important issues related to the quality of pet food for your opinion.
Veterinary schools should expand their mandatory curricula to include at least 12 semester hours of clinical veterinary nutrition and certification from a recognized professional organization such as the ACVN. Pet food companies should be required to promote their products accompanied by top quality pet food. Options that are transparent in terms of their ingredients, choose natural components and that only include additions that strengthen the nutritional value of foods are much more likely to be recommended by a veterinarian than others. Dogs with urinary tract problems, bladder stones or blockages may be recommended a new diet because it can help pet owners better control their health.
