Aiding pet owners in providing the best for their beloved pets through sound, scientifically based nutrition related counseling.
We offer a wide variety of services from basic nutritional counseling to helping choose an appropriate food or managing a weight loss program for your pet. For pet hospitals, ask about team training or an evaluation of current nutritional recommendations as well as other services available to your clients!
New Recall information on some bags of Pedigree. Please be aware if you feed this food:
Mars Petcare US is voluntarily recalling 315 bags of PEDIGREE® Adult Complete Nutrition Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavor Dry Dog Food in the 44 lb. bag size only, due to the potential presence of loose metal pieces in the bag. The affected products have a Best By Date of March 4, 2025 and Lot Code ...
Helpful reminder.
You CANNOT judge a pet food by its ingredient list alone and anyone who tells you they can, does not know enough about nutrition for you to listen to their advice.
A pet food ingredient list tells you nothing about;
🐶 The formulation of that diet - is it suitable for your pet, their lifestyle and nutritional needs?
🐱The digestibility of the diet - how much of the nutrition in the food is actually digested by your pet and used by their body
🐶 The skill of the person who made the recipe - do they know what they are doing? Do they know how to balance meals for the health of your pet and how the ingredients work with each other and with the body? What are their qualifications?
🐱 The quality control and batch testing the company does - how are they ensuring their diets are safe and actually contain the nutrition they claim?
🐶 The research behind the diet - this is particularly relevant for therapeutic diets designed to treat and support medical conditions like kidney failure, IBD or allergies
All of these things are far more important for your pet's health and nutrition than a simple list on the back of the bag.
So how can you tell if a food is any good? It isn't actually that easy!
Sometimes the answers to these questions are on the bag but not often, sometimes they are on the companies website and sometimes they are nowhere to be seen - which always makes me highly suspicious and unlikely to want to feed the meals to my pets or recommend them to my clients.
I could go on about this for hours but the fact remains - you cannot judge how 'good' or 'bad' a pet food by it's ingredient list, no matter how bougie or how budget it seems!
If you are interested in finding out more about this subject, I can recommend;
https://nutritionrvn.com/2020/12/19/investigating-ingredients/
https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Frequently-Asked-Questions-and-Myths.pdf
https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2016/06/why-you-shouldnt-judge-a-pet-food-by-its-ingredient-list/
https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/pet-food-ingredient-and-label-guide
The FDA reports a voluntary recall of dog and cat foods from the following brands:
- Star Pro
- Farm Dog/Farm Cat
- Lone Star
- Hill Country Fare
- HEB Texas Pets
- Member's Mark
- Red Flannel
- Exclusive Signature
- Retriever
- EconoMax
- Multi-Cat
- Feline Medley
- Paws & Claws
TFP Nutrition is expanding their voluntary recall that was initiated to include all dry dog, dry cat, and catfish formulas manufactured in their Nacogdoches, Texas, facility. The recall of these production codes is being conducted due to the potential for Salmonella contamination.
Be aware of a recent recall on some lines of Victor.
Mid America Pet Food, Mount Pleasant, Texas, is voluntarily recalling three lots of Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Select Beef Meal & Brown Rice Formula produced at its Mount Pleasant, Texas production facility because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
In line with owners underestimating the contamination risks of feeding raw, we now have additional information about risks to humans with resistant strains of Salmonella.
Avian flu caused an uptick in discussion about health risks associated with feeding dogs and cats raw meat, based on the possible (and still pretty
If you feed certain varieties of Darwin, please be aware.
FDA is cautioning owners not to feed pets certain lots of Darwin’s Natural Pet Products raw cat + dog food, after FDA samples tested positive for Salmonella.
New data sourced from the FDA on cases of Diet Associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Data compiled as a result of the Freedom of Information Act request for information after the FDA has become silent on the subject.
NEW DCM Case Report Numbers from the FDA
With the help of documents from Freedom of Information Act Requests (namely, one obtained by The Canine Review), updated DCM case report information from the FDA is now available.
You can find links to the documents as well as the compiled numbers in the full article here: https://www.alltradesdvm.com/topics/diet-associated-dcm/dcm-articles/dcm-fda-data-update-2023
Enjoying a lovely morning reading research on aging and companion animal nutrition. 😊
Concerned about decreased appetite? Don't jump right to treats, toppers, or a new food to coax eating. Here's why:
It's been awhile since I've introduced a case file and a recent patient we had made me think of a scenario that comes up a lot in in pet fo...
Update on Diet Associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy from the veterinary nutritionists at Tuft's University.
A new FDA update provides more information on diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). While the specific cause is not yet known, the problem hasn’t gone away
Recall information. Please see the notice if you feed HEB Texas Pets dry cat food:
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/tfp-nutrition-initiated-voluntary-recall-16-lb-bags-heb-texas-pets-indoor-complete-dry-cat-food?fbclid=IwAR3gm8s1vwhdpRGPc-_uYuDHDTEHNRsb6cdBC3hOk8SeOzBSArK_viMzLT0
TFP Nutrition announced today that it is issuing a voluntary recall of a dry cat food formulation manufactured on November 13, 2022, at its Nacogdoches, Texas facility.
Research assistant.
Check out this new research if you are considering a raw meat based diet:
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/12/18/2395?fbclid=IwAR1G0TSdFIOjdpJC-lyupY7d6ioPIMoxO6vVIK698kTaD0Y5PhV1rUmF-OI
Raw meat-based diets (RMBDs) are widely used as unconventional diets for dogs and cats at different life stages, despite concerns regarding nutritional adequacy and microbial contamination. The aim of this study was to evaluate both the nutritional and hygiene quality profile of RMBDs purchased in G...
How does your pet’s food stack up to the food selection criteria from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association? Compare here:
https://petnutritionalliance.org/site/pnatool/dare-to-ask-we-did/
Choosing the right pet food can be difficult. With so much information on the internet and millions of dollars spent annually on advertising, it can be difficult to select what is truly best for a pet. The Pet Nutrition Alliance heard the frustration of veterinary professionals loud and clear and...
Is adding nutrition necessary?
https://petnutritionsolutions.blogspot.com/2022/01/supplements-and-toppers-adding-nutrition.html
A bit of myth busting.
While we love to see public posts bringing awareness to this disease, several myths still seem very prevalent, even among veterinary professionals.
Veterinarians and veterinary technicians are welcome to join our professionals group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/caninedcmvets
Everyone is welcome in our main group:
Diet-Associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) in Dogs
Some great information regarding some recent research in to raw feeding.
“I know raw is best, but…” finances and budget constraints, child or immunocompromised adult in the home, time constraints, etc.
“After doing my research, I’ve decided to switch my pet to a raw diet, but I’m not sure where to start!”
Statements like these are littered across social media, but despite seemingly growing belief:
‼️ Raw diets are not best
⛔️ No one should feel guilty for not being able or willing to feed their pet raw
🚫 No health benefits have been uniquely associated with the use of raw food diets
🦠 Numerous studies have repeatedly identified significant risks to people, pets, and the public associated with raw food diets, including:
☠️ Death from sepsis, paralysis, or other infectious disease in pets
🏡 Environmental contamination of the home independent of food prep hygiene
💊 Increased prevalence of antibiotic resistant bacteria
😷 Risk of bacterial or parasitic diseases in humans that interact with raw fed pets
🦷 Dental fractures when raw bones are incorporated into the diet
There are many myths associated with the alleged safety of these diets for pets. However:
🚫 Good food handling won’t prevent bacterial shedding in your pet’s saliva and f***s
🚫 The pH of your pet’s stomach does not make them immune to bacterial and parasitic diseases transmitted via food
🚫 Dogs and cats are not immune to foodborne illness like Salmonella, E. coli, or Campylobacter
Read more here:
https://www.alltradesdvm.com/topics/nutrition/raw-food-diets
Find links to the research cited in the image here:
https://www.alltradesdvm.com/topics/nutrition/raw-research-update
Respectful discussion with sources is welcome and encouraged in the comments, but rude or unkind dialogue will be hidden or deleted and repeat offenders will be blocked from the page.
Dr. C, DVM
Some important numbers in the discussion about diet associated dilated cardiomyopathy. Check out this recent article that discusses the issues at hand.
"The FDA's investigation began for several reasons, all of them intended to protect pet health. Atypical breeds were developing DCM, a disease usually restricted to those breeds predisposed and the rare 'idiopathic' instance. Many of these dogs were eating diets disproportionately represented among cases. Top estimates suggest grain-free diet is at most 40% of the market. 91% of cases involved grain-free diets. In 2017, peas were found in 5% of dry dog foods. This number likely climbed since '17, but not to the 89% of cases reported eating diets with peas. Some of the most frequently reported manufacturers have a market share of less than 1%. The exact cause for why these trends are observed could take years, if not over a decade, to fully understand. In the meantime, risk mitigation measures can be taken, and for many that means avoiding these diets until we know why the association exists. That is likely not an easy pill to swallow for the industry when sales drop."
https://www.alltradesdvm.com/topics/diet-associated-dcm/dcm-articles/disinformation-still-dominates-diet-dcm-dialogue?fbclid=IwAR0k_m50ujqaInpxTShH2BzbeCbuJ8naHjGYLvbyD26kOEu5ifhIbSj-pqc
Are food allergies a concern? Check out these tips for accurate diagnosis.
https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2022/04/think-your-pet-has-a-food-allergy-eliminating-mistakes-in-elimination-diet-trials/
Although food allergies are uncommon in dogs and cats, the only way to diagnose them is with an elimination diet trial. Learn tips to avoid common mistakes and to plan a successful elimination diet trial.
Need more info on WSAVA recommendations and pet food selection? Check out this video:
https://youtu.be/eXiqSKUWp0c
Join Dr. Em to learn who you can trust to give you the best, research based pet nutrition information. You will also learn what questions you should be askin...
I'm a big proponent of separating fact from fiction when it comes to pet nutrition.
https://dcmdogfood.com/separating-fact-from-fiction-nutritional-advice-on-the-internet/?fbclid=IwAR1zCwhVs-g0dXLtHXcNarKG_VyD7tauR3RJaD-Hqp1eFlk6J3sXRUc0q-I
by Ashley Christine, DVM, MPH We have all seen the internet videos, the blogger websites and the dog food rating platforms, including one that is written by a human dentist. Many pet owners have al…
A comprehensive look at probiotic supplementation:
https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2017/06/probiotics/?fbclid=IwAR3gdBZuHrV-yCmF6RIQ6C4qIxPJt71FNQ6lxjXCs9LIK643MEWMul1vGtw
The gut bacteria and probiotic supplements have become popular topics lately, but will supplementing "good" bacteria make your pet healthier?
Recent cases of Diet Associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy have us questioning legumes in pet foods. Should we avoid them? Read more here:
https://petnutritionsolutions.blogspot.com/2021/11/beans-legumes-and-pulses-should-we.html
Since the announcement of concerns over diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy (DA-DCM), veterinary nutritionists and cardiologists have bee...
Great information:
https://www.docofalltrades.net/2021/01/how-to-evaluate-your-pet-food-using.html?m=1&fbclid=IwAR1my57Rjj0sr8Ga3ZK3U-G_ped8YhgH-sDRT6SNXAEwcX2rdO2T2WH2dPM
DVM Student blog about Veterinary Medicine
I've said it myself, fillers aren't a thing in pet foods. Here's what Nutrition RVN has to say about it:
https://nutritionrvn.com/2021/03/23/fillers-in-pet-food-and-why-they-arent-a-thing/?fbclid=IwAR25gGAIXOw6rV6zo_bpuafXAYcFmZmzNu6tVe3L6RtK1oE5GxFEiA5xF_8
What is a filler and does pet food actually contain “fillers”? Certain ingredients often get blamed for being of low nutritional value and simply filler ingredients. A filler is somethi…
New blog post where we discuss feeding methods and optimum recommendations.
https://petnutritionsolutions.blogspot.com/2021/11/feeding-methods-meal-feeding-vs-free.html
An interesting phenomenon regarding pet feeding is that there is no real consistency when it comes to feeding methods. Some individuals kee...
I see a lot of questions about what food is good for addressing soft stools. Is food all we should be concerned about though?
https://petnutritionsolutions.blogspot.com/2021/10/the-scoop-on-poor-quality-poops-why.html
This chart is used to score f***l quality. Note that a score of 2 (maybe 3) is ideal, anything else is actually considered soft stool or dia...
Did you know that your pet's stool can tell you a lot? This chart is used by vets to evaluate the quality of your pet's stool. Always check with your vet if you notices any changes or problems.
Last week, I posted a link to WSAVA's guidelines for pet owners to aid in selecting pet foods. In a recent blog, I discuss how some companies respond to those guidelines and mislead pet owners into believing their foods meet the mark. Read all about it here:
https://petnutritionsolutions.blogspot.com/2021/10/when-pr-misguides-look-at-wsava.html
Since the announcement that certain pet foods can be associated with dilated cardiomyopathy, the pet food industry has been buzzing with var...
Updated in March, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association has created a list of things to consider when selecting a pet food. Does your pet's food align with these guidelines?
https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Selecting-a-pet-food-for-your-pet-updated-2021_WSAVA-Global-Nutrition-Toolkit.pdf
http://www.petnutritionsolutions.webs.com/, http://petnutritionsolutions.blogspot.com/
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