Came upon this little article... (you may need to biggify for better reading)
Interestingly, there is a three-part BBC program on at the moment called 'Trust me, I'm a Vet", which is looking at current best practice in animal health and welfare. The first show looked at mineral content in petfoods, for which there are statutory regulations. It has stirred up debate a bit, as the independent research by Nottingham Uni showed that wet foods fell very far short - only 7% of product meeting the standard and dry foods, whilst being better, still not being great, at 38%. That's a whopping lack on the part of the pet food industry and it included a wide range from the 'designer' foods right through to the economy variety. Naturally, there is a bit of dissension from the industry and clearly this one-off study would need to be replicated, but it does rather point to what, if we are honest, we kind of knew anyway... feeding our pets anything other than their truly natural diet is likely to be a problem long-term, in the same way that as humans, eating processed foods long-term will cause problems. Particularly, if we favour one food on a regular basis, rather than varying and changing things around. For those who are truly interested in the science, here is the Notts paper.
They also produced this graphics-based presentation on obesity in pets.
Another interesting factoid which came up in that program is that 25% of cats diagnosed with type-2 diabetes, which do not respond to regular treatment, are likely to have pituitary tumour. Dr Stijn Niessen is the pioneer on this research, from the Royal Vet College, Uni of London. Could not locate any article directly related to the tele show, but here is an earlier one which does pertain to the subject.
A study was also run on thirty dogs in Glasgow, split into three groups, to ascertain best ways of reducing plaque build up in pets teeth. 'Dentabones' of the ridged, tough type proved to be moderately beneficial with a plaque rating of 4.1% over the six weeks. Kibble designed for plaque reduction came out at 4.65%. However, winning paw over tail were the ten dogs who were introduced to using toothbrushes and paste. That came out at 1.7%! It was noted that in other research cats actually respond quite well to the designed kibble and whilst not quite as low as toothbrushing, was still better than the 4.65% for dogs.
There ya go... a little bit of health and wellbeing fur ya...
Interestingly, there is a three-part BBC program on at the moment called 'Trust me, I'm a Vet", which is looking at current best practice in animal health and welfare. The first show looked at mineral content in petfoods, for which there are statutory regulations. It has stirred up debate a bit, as the independent research by Nottingham Uni showed that wet foods fell very far short - only 7% of product meeting the standard and dry foods, whilst being better, still not being great, at 38%. That's a whopping lack on the part of the pet food industry and it included a wide range from the 'designer' foods right through to the economy variety. Naturally, there is a bit of dissension from the industry and clearly this one-off study would need to be replicated, but it does rather point to what, if we are honest, we kind of knew anyway... feeding our pets anything other than their truly natural diet is likely to be a problem long-term, in the same way that as humans, eating processed foods long-term will cause problems. Particularly, if we favour one food on a regular basis, rather than varying and changing things around. For those who are truly interested in the science, here is the Notts paper.
They also produced this graphics-based presentation on obesity in pets.
Another interesting factoid which came up in that program is that 25% of cats diagnosed with type-2 diabetes, which do not respond to regular treatment, are likely to have pituitary tumour. Dr Stijn Niessen is the pioneer on this research, from the Royal Vet College, Uni of London. Could not locate any article directly related to the tele show, but here is an earlier one which does pertain to the subject.
A study was also run on thirty dogs in Glasgow, split into three groups, to ascertain best ways of reducing plaque build up in pets teeth. 'Dentabones' of the ridged, tough type proved to be moderately beneficial with a plaque rating of 4.1% over the six weeks. Kibble designed for plaque reduction came out at 4.65%. However, winning paw over tail were the ten dogs who were introduced to using toothbrushes and paste. That came out at 1.7%! It was noted that in other research cats actually respond quite well to the designed kibble and whilst not quite as low as toothbrushing, was still better than the 4.65% for dogs.
There ya go... a little bit of health and wellbeing fur ya...
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh AUNTY Yam unfortunately Mom does know my weight and she reminds me every day. My vet wants me under 11 lbs....goodness me I'm wasting away I am 10.75 lb. As my papa used to say I'm so hungry my tummy thinks my throat has been cut. Woe be unto me
ReplyDeleteHugs madi your starvin' kitty friend
Hari OM
DeleteOh Madi that's no good... pawhaps mum can utilise the 'weighed treats' ploy and deliver you little and often...??? Huggies, Y-a xxx
Just want to point out that I get 'dentasticks' AND my teeth brushed on a regular basis! And I am just over 9 kg. And I totally need more treats and it is very boring having an owner who reads articles like the ones above…..
ReplyDeleteToodle pip!
Bertie.
Hari OM
DeleteBOL... oh dear Bertie lad... the works, huh? Just think this - Gail is truly looking after you... but pawhaps, given your general activity level, a daily treat is surely not above quota. ... and it is entirely pawsible that after myself, Gail is the ONLY person reading those articles!!! Hugs and wags, Yxx
This is great information Yam Aunty..In fact, I just got a happy report from the Vets on Monday for being "just right" in the weight category!!
ReplyDeleteMama wishes she and Arty could say the same thing!
Smileys!
Jakey
I actually have a pretty good idea of the dogs weights and we work really hard to keep them at the ideal weight. Phod always gets a little bit heavier over the winter as he isn't running and swimming as much. Hailey always stays the same:) I do not brush their teeth (I tried and failed). It is scary about the food.
ReplyDeleteMy cat thinks he's saving his life by leaving the last few bites of kibble every day. The bag says his sex and activity needs 2/3 cup per day, and that's what I give him. So, who's fooling who?
ReplyDeleteThere 5 of us here. Ziggy and I are the fat ones. Murphy could maybe loose less then 10 pounds, and Abner and Dasiy still have a youthful figure.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on
I hop on the scale efurry week and she also comes with the measuring tape... buy now every gram I gain is a reason for joy... but I'm afraid when I continue to eat like a horse I will hear the d-word :o)))
ReplyDeleteI went on the dramatic 'defloof' diet this week….going to the fur stealers must have lost me at least 87 pounds! (or is it that it costs 87 pounds I'm not sure)
ReplyDeleteAnd, Mum read that dental article so I'm not on DAILY reefs cleaning not weekly *sigh*
Loves and licky kisses
Princess Leah xxx
We have a great vet who discusses our dogs' weights at every visit, evaluating whether they are at a good weight. It matters to so many aspects of a dog's health! Great post, highlighting key things in keeping your pet healthy!
ReplyDeleteMillie's (black lab/greyhound mix) favorite snack is a raw carrot. I should follow her example. Thank you for the excellent information.
ReplyDeleteHari OM
DeleteIt's excellent if our dogs take to eating carrots and there are definitely two camps on this one! My angel Jade was amazing, no matter what I did to disguise it, if there was a carrot in her food ANYWHERE it got snooted out!!! Thankful I never had weight issue with her - and she was good for my discipline too... I need to remember it!!! Yxx
When I was a child, our dog Duke avoided peas. His whole dish would be clean as a whistle except for the peas.
DeleteYou know how few Veterinary nutritionists there are? According to the American Veterinary Medical Association there were 71 ACVN diplomates in the 2014 veterinary specialty census. That was the last year the census was done. Veterinary nutritionists must first be accepted into an accredited veterinary college to complete their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. After completing their DVM and becoming a licensed practitioner, a vet is able to begin the path to board certification in the specialty field of nutrition.
ReplyDeleteIn order to be eligible to take the board certification exam in the specialty of nutrition, a veterinarian must fulfill all prerequisites. The candidate must have completed at least 3 years of training under the supervision of a board certified nutrition diplomate. I get so frustrated when bloggers recommend these rotisserie chicken. I took my last scottie to a Veterinary nutritionists because he had Cushing's and was told with all the additives they were NOT GOOD for our pets. Yes they gobble them down they taste wonderful but in the long run they suck for our dogs.
Thanks for being a friend
Sweet William The Scot
Mom watches our weight pretty closely and measures our kibble. Hazel had gained some weight over the winter so she got her kibble reduced.
ReplyDeleteI love to chew so I have several things that I chew that help keep my teeth clean
hugs
Mabel
While I would brush my golden retriever's teeth, I am not sure I would try it with our son's part pit doggie. She has a really strong jaw! Namaste Janice xx
ReplyDelete