Search Results for “raw protein diet”

In the wild, cats are exclusively solitary hunters and often will predate animals of much smaller bodymass than their own. This requires them to hunt and feed several times during the day. 82 Because of evolutionary changes, the domestic cat has lost key metabolic enzymes, and this has resulted in very narrowly defined nutritional requirements. 83

Organic fare, specialty diets, and eating raw are some of the top pet food trends, according to The Bark. And while it’s difficult to argue with organic food, or putting Fido on a diet, what about feeding him raw food? Is it safe? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is attempting to answer that question via two new studies.

Energy and nutrient needs vary with life stage, sterilization status and activity, and so general feeding recommendations provide only a starting point.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is considering adding its voice to the controversial debate over raw pet food. At the August AVMA convention in San Diego, the AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) will debate and vote on a proposal that would discourage pet owners from feeding raw or undercooked animal-source protein in cat and dog diets. In the proposal, the AVMA said that it "discourages the feeding to cats and dogs of any animal-source protein that has not first been subjected to a process to eliminate pathogens because of the risk of illness to cats and dogs as well as humans." In a July 18, 2012 post on its website, the AVMA said its policies are based on a thorough review of scientific literature and are drafted by veterinarians with expertise in relevant fields. "Our policies are intended to present the scientific facts," the AVMA said in its post. "In this case they are: 1) Scientific studies have shown that raw and undercooked protein can be sources of infection with Salmonella, Campylobacter, Clostridium, E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus. These infections can sicken pets and pet owners alike, and can be life-threatening; 2) unless a raw protein product has been subjected to a process that eliminates pathogens that can make pets and people ill, it poses a significant public health risk to both pets and pet owners."

Feline Study Proves Link Between Raw Diets, Salmonella

Talking to clients about pet nutrition can be a daunting task with the increased interest over the past decade or so in feeding pets what were once considered “unconventional” or “nontraditional” diets, such as raw, vegan, homemade, and grain free. Here's the lowdown. 

Many clients do not discuss pet nutrition with their veterinarian, but if they do, they typically ask, “What do I feed my pet?” This is never a one-size-fits-all answer, no matter the patient or the life stage. To effectively communicate the needs of each pet, veterinarians must ensure they are doing all they can to build trust with their clients, collecting information to assess each pet’s needs. 

Steve’s Real Food, a Utah-based manufacturer of all-natural raw dog food, is recalling its “Turducken Canine Diet - 8 oz. Patties” due to possible salmonella contamination.