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READ A PET FOOD LABEL Ensuring good nutrition for your pet means understanding what he is eating.

very time you visit your local PRODUCT NAME “chicken flavor” can be used on labels pet store to restock your cat’s A pet food product’s name (such where very little chicken is used and E or dog’s food supply, it seems as Adult Roasted Chicken, Rice & only then to add flavor. For example, that a dozen new products have hit Vegetable Flavor Dry Dog Food), not a product called “tuna cat food” must the shelves — all of which claim to be to be confused with its brand name contain at least 70 percent tuna, but a the best, most nutritious and healthi- (Pedigree), provides initial insight can of “tuna dinner” is only required est formula to ever exist. How do you into its quality. Pet food companies to contain 10 percent tuna. know whether you’re feeding your market their products with enticing pet the equivalent of cheese fries for terms such as “dinner” and “flavor,” INGREDIENT LIST breakfast or kibble that provides the but a savvy pet owner can learn how The list on a pet food label does not nutritional value he needs to live a to spot the phrases that matter most. indicate the quality of each ingredi- long, healthy life? The term “chicken” used alone in ent, but learning how to read the list By working with your veterinarian a product’s name means that chicken can help you make sure your pet is and learning about some of the key makes up at least 95 percent of the receiving the proper nutrients. Pet phrases used on pet food packaging, total weight of the product, not count- food ingredients must be listed in it is possible to find a diet that meets ing the water used for processing. descending weight order, but there the nutritional needs of your furry Counting the added water, chicken are some loopholes. For instance, family member. Use this handout as must comprise 70 percent of the items that contain large amounts of a guide to choose a food your pet will product. However, when “chicken” moisture, such as beef, poultry or love and you can feel good about. is accompanied by “dinner,” “entrée” fish, are likely to be listed first. Water or “platter,” only 10 percent of the content comes into play specifically entire product needs to be chicken. when looking at dry foods. In these A product whose name includes products, ingredients farther down “with chicken” is required to have the list may offer more protein but only 3 percent percent chicken, and may weigh less because the moisture has been removed. Another important word on the ingredient list is “by-product.” Pet food ingredients labeled as such are not as harmful as some advertise- ments might portray. By-products can include highly digestible and

nutritious organs. stock Gladskih/ Adobe Tatyana From the Publisher of

Additionally, some filler items, 1. The product, or the lead member of DEBUNKING PET FOOD MYTHS such as corn, rice, and potatoes, can a family of products, is tested on live be listed separately to give the illu- animals using AAFCO trial protocols Myth: Grains are bad for cats sion that less of the product exists and found to provide adequate nutri- and dogs. in the total formula. For example, by tion. This is the gold standard for Fact: Animals can have breaking down corn into individual determining nutritional adequacy. allergies to grains just as types — flaked corn, ground corn, Products tested in this way include they can to chicken or dairy, screened corn, kibbled corn — each the following label wording: “Animal but grain allergies are not type appears lower on the list. feeding tests using AAFCO proce- common. Both cats and dogs dures substantiate that [product can metabolize carbohydrates, GUARANTEED ANALYSIS name] provides complete and ba- and “grain free” does not To meet regulations set by the Asso- lanced nutrition.” mean carbohydrate free. Dogs ciation of American Feed Control 2. Rather than testing the food on that have no known allergy to Officials (AAFCO) — an independent animals, its ingredients are formu- grains can easily metabolize organization that regulates the sale lated to meet the requirements of a these carbohydrates and use and distribution of pet food — manu- specific nutrient profile established them as a source of energy. facturers must list the minimum by the AAFCO. With this method, Myth: Foods labeled “premium” or amount of protein and fat and the there is no guarantee of nutrient “gourmet” are better for your pet. maximum amount of fiber and mois- bioavailoability or palatability. These Fact: Products with these labels ture as percentages of the product. product labels should include the are not required to contain This is called the guaranteed analysis. following statement: “[Product name] any different or higher-quality In cat foods, the maximum per- is formulated to meet the nutritional ingredients, nor are they held to centage of ash (the mineral com- levels established by the AAFCO any higher nutritional standards ponent) is often guaranteed, as are [Dog/Cat] Food Nutrient Profiles.” than any other complete and the percentages of taurine and mag- balanced product. nesium. For dog foods, minimum If a food has not met either of the above percentage levels of calcium, phos- standards — and is not clearly identi- Myth: Cat and dog foods are phorus, sodium and linoleic acid are fied as a treat, snack or supplement interchangeable. found in some products. — the label must read: “This product Fact: Feeding your pet a food Because moisture content can is intended for intermittent or supple- not intended for its species skew the percentages significantly, mental feeding only.” could be harmful, because an accurate comparison of the guar- The nutritional adequacy statement cats and dogs require different anteed analysis of two pet foods is also provides details about the life nutrients to thrive. Dogs are possible when they are converted to stage(s) for which the product is most omnivores and can derive a moisture-free or dry-matter basis. suitable. For example, a food labeled nutrients from grains, fruits and This would come into play especially for a senior dog must meet the require- vegetables. Cats, on the other when comparing the guaranteed ments for adult maintenance and thus hand, are carnivores and require analyses of dry and canned dog food. should not be fed to a puppy, because specific nutrients that are only To distinguish the nutritional value it may not have been tested to meet present in animal sources. accurately, the moisture content the standards for puppies. Products Myth: Products with the must be taken into consideration. labeled “for all life stages” meet the ingredient “meat meal” should more stringent nutritional needs for be avoided. STATEMENT OF growth and reproduction.  Fact: The word “meal” simply NUTRITIONAL ADEQUACY Products labeled as “complete and means that water has been Common From the Publisher of balanced” must contain a nutri- extracted from the product. Holiday Hazards DIABETES: Understanding Your Pet’s However, meat meal is not as tional adequacy statement indica- Diagnosis THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS APPROACHING FAST! For many, the next few months will focus on family, friends, and good cheer. But for your furriest family members, the holidays may bring unfamiliar Treatment faces, loud noises, and the temptation to eat potentially hazardous things.earning that your beloved pet has diabetes can be Knowing what to look out for and the steps to take in an emergencyheartbreaking, can but the diagnosis doesn’t mean your L cat or dog cannot continue to live a happy, healthy life. help ensure that, for both you and your pet, this reallyWhile is diabetes is a serious disease that cannot be ignored, ting that the food contains the mini- CHOCOLATE successful management is possible. One key component in The pancreas still produces some insu nutritionally sound as chicken Although it poses a well-known danger to pets,the chocolate most wonderful time of the year. providing your diabetic pet with the best possible care is edu- lin, but the body is unable to use it properly, remains one of the most highly reported pet toxicities. In fact, cating yourself. The more familiar you are with the causes of so blood sugar is hard to control. - the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) of the American diabetes, signs of the illness, and management methods, the FOR MORE FASTSociety for the Prevention of FACTCruelty to Animals addressed SHEETS, VISITWHAT DOES DIABETES LOOK LIKE? better equipped you will be to work with your veterinarian to 17,540 chocolate toxicity cases in 2017, or about 48 per day. DECOR achieve optimal health for your pet. Veterinarians and medical researchers have compiled a Chocolate becomes a heightened concern during the The final few months of the year are brimming with list of signs commonly associated with diabetes in animals: holiday season because of the increased volume of candies, opportunities to decorate your home. Unfortunately, WHAT IS DIABETES? • Coat deterioration: Your pet’s fur or hair may become inex mum amount of all the nutrients the baked goods, and chocolate-covered treats in the home. for pets, some decorations look like toys and could plicably thinner and dry or dull; cats may stop grooming. During the week of Halloween, calls to lead to injury. As in humans, diabetes mellitus in pets is a chronic disease meal, lamb meal, and other that occurs when the levels of glucose (a type of sugar) in the • Excessive thirst: You may notice that your pet drinks more the Pet Poison Helpline—most One major culprit: tinsel. Shiny and stringlike, this is AmericanVeterinarian.com/educated-clientblood become elevated and unregulated due to inadequate water or drinks from places other than the water bowl. - regarding pets accidentally a major temptation for cats—and a major threat. Because • Frequent urination: ingesting candy—increase tinsel is thin and insulinsharp, production it can be swallowedor the body’s easily inability and to use insulin prop often and may urinate Your more dog regularly may want in the to gohouse. outside Your more cat by 12%, making it the become lodged inerly. a cat’s Insulin stomach is a hormone, and unable produced to pass by the pancreas, that may eliminate outside the litter box. center’s busiest time through the intestines.helps controlMost veterinarians the body’s blood recommend sugar levels. When the body • Increased hunger: Tony Campbell, kolesnikovserg,of baibaz/ Adobeyear. stock skipping the tinselcan’t produceif you have or use a cat insulin in your properly, home. glucose remains in the - blood rather than serving as an energy source for the body’s even if proportionsYour and petmeal never timing seems have to not get changed. enough food intended animal requires. Determi- Pet owners who celebrate Christmas should • cells and organs. Prolonged high blood glucose levels eventu Lethargy: An otherwise active pet may be less energetic "meal” products that list a anchor the tree securely so it cannot tip over, and enthusiastic than usual. ally can lead to impairment of several body organs, including potentially injuring a pet. Also, keep an eye on • Recurring infections: Your pet’s body may be unable to the water in theirthe tree’skidneys, stand. eyes, Someheart, petsand nervous lap up thesystem. stagnant water, which is a breeding ground for bacteria, properly fight off or heal from infections. Diabetes is increasingly diagnosed in pets. Since 2006, - and can quickly becomecanine diabetes ill. has increased by almost 80% and feline dia • Weight loss: Y our pet always acts hungry but still betes has increased by 18%. Although there are no tests to experiences noticeable weight loss. predict whether your pet will develop diabetes, certain fac Some of these signs occur with other dis ning nutritional sufficiency is done tors, like obesity, are commonly associated with it (see Risk - eases as well, so it is imperative that Factors for Diabetes). specific type of protein. your veterinarian conducts a thorough Just as in humans, the disease is classified into 2 types. - - examination of your pet. Additionally, Type 1 diabetes (more common in dogs) is characterized as animals age, they could be diag by inadequate insulin production. Type 2 diabetes (more nosed with diseases that may increase common in cats) is caused by insulin resistance. the pet’s risk of becoming diabetic,- including thyroid disease, overactive in one of two ways: adrenal gland, or pancreatitis. If your pet is diagnosed with any of these diseases, work pandavector/ Adobe stock Adobe pandavector/