Dog food (simple question that will probably start WW3)

Hillbilly1

Nice debate!

I think the benefits of nutrition are better shown in cat care. I.e. a cat with renal disease is proven to live longer and have better QOL if fed a prescription renal diet. The introduction of a renal diet can also stave off needing to prescribe meds.

I also think the ease of feeding a diet you know is 100% complete in all nutrition helps. I used to tell my students it was like Jennifer Anistons Zone Diet, where you get everything you need delivered to your door. We can now produce diets which need no mixer/additions and come in easy to dispense tins/bags/trays...

paddypaws101

I know far more about feline nutrition than canine, but I do think it is a very interesting question. Evidence seems to suggest that in a good proportion of cases the special formula petfoods cause one set of problems,after which the vets and pet food companies then sell us another prescription food to correct them!

Fire_Fox

I don't know that you can generalise because diets vary so much from house to house. What was scrapings once is not the same as scrapings now, the type of foods we tend to eat has changed from meat, two veg and whole carbs to more processed foods and refined carbs. With humans the recommendation is not more than 10% of daily calories as processed/ junk foods and it's not a bad maximum for pets too IMO. Personally I would say avoid all salt and all white/ refined carbs because you may as well be feeding sugar, they behave the same in the body. :eek: Also watch out for mineral content, human food is likely to be a long way from the balance of protein to minerals a dog needs.

I would agree with those who said cats have more strict nutritional needs than a dog, IMO cats really shouldn't eat any cereals/ grains and only a limited amount of unsaturated fats. Most dogs cope well with a modest amount of whole carbs and unsaturates, as long as their weight is healthy.

sazzybum

All of my dogs have been fed scraps and leftovers-as well as their own food. I use the term'own food' very loosely though because they won't eat dog food Apart from the occasional Bakers Small dog (I know, I know- but I've tried Canin et al-they refuse to touch it) And the Butchers trays.

I've tried raw- nope. Their favourite is...macaroni and cheese:o It's embarrassing really.

I buy a chicken and a roast pork (sainsbury basics, about 8 quid a week) chop it all up and they have that during the week. Both have glossy coats, boundless energy, and very white teeth.

I truely believe that you know your dog, and if they're not failing or lethargic-and the vet is pleased with them at their check ups, then it's totally up to you.

*Joins Sally in the bunker*

Fire_Fox

Sazzybum you can purchase 'additive' products that you add to a certain amount of plain raw or cooked meat to make it into a complete diet for a cat. I wonder if you can get the same for dogs?

sazzybum

Fire_Fox wrote: »

Sazzybum you can purchase 'additive' products that you add to a certain amount of plain raw or cooked meat to make it into a complete diet for a cat. I wonder if you can get the same for dogs?

Thanks FF, never heard of that. I'll have a look

BigBlackcat

Anyhow - why has it all changed over the past 5 - 10 years or so? clever marketing?, guilt tripping by animal feed makers?

A bit of both. The industry has recognized that pets today are much more part of the family than they were in the past. And, as such owners want to feel they are doing their absolute best to meet their pets nutritional needs.

The industry has played on the "scientifically formulated" aspect to make the consumer believe their pet is getting superior nutrition. Although there has been quite a shift recently, away from the scientific to the "natural" aimed at environmentally aware consumers.

My own opinion is that unless your pet has a specific ailment that requires some sort of dietary management, it's all a waste of money. The only real benefit you'll get is smaller poops.

KateLiana27

Personally I keep my leftovers to eat the next day for lunch. It would cost me more to give them to my pet and have to buy lunch than to feed it its own pet food.

But if you're about to throw it away, and it's not doing your pet any harm, go for it. Why would anyone flame you?

~Chameleon~

BigBlackcat wrote: »

My own opinion is that unless your pet has a specific ailment that requires some sort of dietary management, it's all a waste of money. The only real benefit you'll get is smaller poops.

Which in itself can cause a whole raft of problems with impacted anal glands which can subsequently become infected, causing a nasty skin flare up and is why cereals & grains (fibre) in the diet is no bad thing unless the animal has a particular sensitivity to them