Why Does My Pet Need Nutritional Supplements?

Pet nutrition guidelines have been developing over the course of several decades and we know a lot about what our pets need to be eating. Most of this information is in the “nuts and bolts” of how much protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals our pets need based on their life stage. But with all of this data and pet food companies “knowing” what needs to be in our pet’s diet, I actually fear that something has gotten lost in translation.

The pet food industry seems to be in crisis in North America. Reports of manufacturing problems and pet food recalls due to contaminated ingredients abound in today’s media. The FDA is currently re-evaluating how pet food manufacturers are regulated in order to protect the public. If toxic compounds and deadly Salmonella are finding their way into our pet’s food, how can we be sure that it’s actually nutritionally balanced?

We also know from human nutritional research that all calories are NOT created equal. For example, 100 calories of whole-grain rolled oats is digested and metabolized differently than 100 calories of refined oat flour. Western-style human and pet diets also tend to be heavy on omega-6 fatty acids from soybean and canola oils and lacking in balance with beneficial omega-3s and omega-7s.

Some experts think that improper omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratios in our diets is contributing to problems like obesity and essential fatty acid deficiencies.

So what can you do to ensure that your pet is getting the right nutrition?  Here are a few suggestions:

1. Invest in nutritional supplements. Select one made from a pure source such as sea buckthorn. Whole-food sea buckthorn not only provides omega-3 and omega-7 but a plethora of other antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
2. Do a little research and stay informed about pet food recalls. Buy pet foods from reputable companies that have excellent quality control and manufacturing practices. There are also small pet food businesses that make fresh balanced meals that can be delivered to your door.
3. Select pet food that is made from all-natural, whole-food ingredients. Look for ingredients on the label like “whole-grain brown rice,” and “chicken breast” instead of “high fructose corn syrup” and “chicken-by products.” 
4. Talk to a veterinary nutritionist for balanced recipes for home-cooking. It is very easy to make your pet’s food at home using a slow cooker and whole-food, local, seasonal ingredients. 
5. Do you have a special recipe your pets love? Share with us in the comments. 

Resources

• Susan Wynn, DVM, CVA, CVCH, AHG.  Veterinary Nutrition and Integrative Medicine. Free, balanced recipe for home-cooking: http://www.susanwynn.com
• Susan Lauten, PhD.  Pet Nutrition Consulting. http://petnutritionconsulting.com/
• Animal Food Recalls and Alerts (AVMA): https://www.avma.org/news/issues/recalls-alerts/pages/pet-food-safety-recalls-alerts.aspx
• Simopoulos, AP.  The Importance of the Ratio of Omega-6/Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids. Biomed Pharmacother. 2002 Oct; 56(8): 365-79.
• Christy Corp-Minamiji, DVM. FDA seeks upgraded standards for animal-food manufacturing. December 2, 2013. The VIN News Service. http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/FSMA/ucm247559.htm#pc_animal