Pets – You are what you eat
This is absolutely true and there is no way around it. Our bodies and those of our pets are entirely dependent on the nutrients they take in to build their body structures and maintain them. So without the correct nutrients our bodies will not be in optimum condition. A nutrient is defined as anything which our body needs. There are 6 classes of nutrients:
- Water
This is the most important nutrient. The body is made up of 60 to 70 % water and it is needed to maintain blood volume so the blood can move other nutrients around the body and to ensure renal function is maintained. A body can lose all its carbohydrate and fat stores, and half its protein, but just 10% water loss results in illness and 20% results in death. Also, a body can survive without food for weeks but without water will die in a few days.
- Protein
This is made up of building blocks called amino acids. 10 of these have to be present in the diet of a dog (only 8 are required in the human diet). These are called the essential amino acids. Cats have an extra one compared with dogs, taurine, and this is one reason why dog food should not be used for cats. Protein is needed to make the body tissues and organs. Animals do need good quality protein in the diet, but too much protein, an diet is not recommended.
- Fats
These are the most efficient supply of energy. 1 gram of fat supplies twice as much energy as 1 gram of carbohydrate or protein. They are also required for the absorption, transport and usage of the fat soluble vitamins. They also supply the essential fatty acids, omega 6 linoleic and linolenic which are important for the skin and coat and for immunity. In addition cats require arachadonic acid in the diet which is another reason dog food does not supply the nutrient requirements of cats.
- Carbohydrates
These are no specific requirements for carbs in the diet but they do supply energy and this energy can be converted into fat in the body. Fibre is a form of indigestible carbohydrate.
- Vitamins
These are required for a variety of processes and have to be provided in the diet. Usually though only very small amounts are required. However, it is important that a healthy amount is given as too little is not good but too much can be toxic. Liver is a very good source of Vitamin A, but in cats eating a diet high in liver, they can develop hypervitaminosis A which leads to liver failure. Vitamin C is not needed in the diet of dogs or cats but is essential in the diet of humans.
- Minerals
These include calcium, iron, iodine, selenium and zinc. These are necessary for healthy blood, skeleton, skin and teeth. These are usually in adequate supply within pet food. Dogs are able to obtain all their dietary needs from a vegetarian diet whereas cats can only obtain taurine and arachadonic acid from animal sources so it is not possible to have a healthy vegetarian diet for a cat.
Requirements for different nutrients vary throughout the lifetime. Pregnant animals require more energy, protein and minerals to enable healthy development of the puppies or kittens and to enable reserves to be built up so the mother is able to lactate and produce enough milk for her young. Young animals also require lots of energy, protein and minerals to enable optimum growth but once mature the protein, energy and mineral levels can be reduced to ensure excesses are not offered. Excess phosphorus (found in high levels in protein) is not healthy for renal function and too much of an energy supply can lead to increased weight gain. Older animals require a product that can help maintain their organ function, aid their joint mobility and their skin and coat.
It is important to feed a product that is providing the nutrients required by your pet taking into account his age and lifestyle. Generally you get what you pay for. A higher priced food will generally have higher quality ingredients. However, it is important to note that it is cheaper to feed a super premium dry food that a cheap canned food if you work out the cost per meal and not the cost of the product. A larger bag usually works out even better value. The only extra nutrient in the canned food is more water. A dry product is usually 10 – 15% water whereas a canned product is usually 70 -80%. Also in these days of environmental awareness, dry food requires less packaging, less transport costs and there is less waste as it does not go off.
Both cats and dogs enjoy dry food and it does assist with dental health. There are even some dry foods with specific ingredients to assist with teeth cleaning! A side effect of feeding a dry food is that your pet will drink more water and it is important that fresh drinking water is always available. This is especially important in cats as if a cat does not drink enough, it can increase the risk of cystitis. The super premium dry cat foods are designed to minimise this risk. Although some people say it is necessary to feed a raw homemade diet, it is very hard to ensure this is balanced. In the wild, a dog or cat will eat the entire body of its prey, including the bowel with the vegetable matter in it providing fibre, vitamins and minerals. Thus, providing the correct mix of meat and cereals without supplements is very difficult. An all meat diet is deficient in calcium and vitamins and too high in protein.
All in all, unless you have lots of time and energy, feeding a good quality complete dry food that is designed for your pet life stage is the healthiest option.
Written by Andrea, Practice Manager of Harvest Vets Maidenbower
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