A buyer's guide pet products: with expert guidance from holistic vets, it's easy to make better nutritional decisions for your pet

Better Nutrition, May, 2007 by Martin Zucker

A major part of caring for your pet is providing the best possible nutrition--food and supplements. But how do you go about doing what's best for your pet when you are bombarded with confusing marketing claims from a bewildering multitude of products?

Better Nutrition to the rescue--we've consulted some of the nation's leading holistic veterinarians, all experts on diet and supplements. Here are their recommendations.

Q: What should pet owners consider when buying dog and cat foods?

a: Jean Hofve, DVM, Jamestown, CO: Feed your animals a variety of fresh, wet and whole foods (real meat, for instance) as much as possible. Kibble may be the most convenient for you, but it is heavily processed and very dehydrating (a particular problem for cats). Keep in mind that the word "natural" on a label doesn't mean a thing--any manufacturer can make this claim, and there are no regulations attached to using the term. A lot of pet food labels list "human-grade" ingredients. Again, this is a completely meaningless term. If possible, go for organic--it translates to better quality.

Roger DeHaan, DVM, Kings Mountain, NC: If you don't have time to prepare food for your pets and must feed them commercial kibble, be sure to buy high-quality products. How can you tell? The first ingredient listed on the package should be real meat (not "by-products," commonly found in cheaper pet foods). If possible, avoid foods with corn, soy and wheat. Any grain ingredients should be whole, ground grains. Pass up products with chemical preservatives, artificial flavors and dyes. Also, keep in mind that canned foods have been associated with hyperthyroidism in cats, possibly due to chemicals from the inner lining of cans. In most cases, unprocessed meat works best. Some additional tips:

* Add warm water or chicken broth to kibble.

* Replace about 20 percent of kibble with 1-2 raw egg yolks three times per week.

* Feed pets vegetables on a daily basis; half can be raw, the other half steamed, cooked or stir-fried.

* Give unsweetened, plain yogurt three times a week; use 1-6 Tbs. based on size.

Q: What nutritional supplements should dogs and cats be given for overall health?

a: Stephen Blake, DVM, San Diego, CA: Don't oversupplement. Make sure your animals need what you want to give them.

Jean Hofve: Supplements that have benefits for all dogs and cats are digestive enzymes, probiotics, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.

Roger DeHaan: Consider superfoods as great add-ons to the diet--they are loaded with concentrated nutrients. Some examples: olive oil, cod liver oil and ground flaxseed as sources of omega-3 fatty acids; alfalfa, kelp, dandelion and spirulina for minerals, vitamins and glandular balance. Also, try adding small amounts of herbs and spices, such as garlic, parsley, rosemary and milk thistle to support immune function and repel fleas.

Jan Bellows, DVM, Weston, FL: Joint problems are common in dogs. Glucosamine and chondroitin have varying degrees of bioavailability, a term that indicates how well the body can actually utilize the supplements. Check with a vet who can recommend a product that has worked for his or her patients.

Q: What about feeding treats to pets?

a: Roger DeHaan: Raw carrots or vegetables are healthier options--and most pets love them! Raw, dehydrated liver or O-shaped cereal bits made from whole oats are also favorites. Avoid "soft and moist" commercial treats. They are generally loaded with corn syrup, sugar, artificial sweeteners, propylene glycol and other chemical preservatives. Definitely avoid pet store treats with artificial colors. These can be harmful and allergenic to pets. Stephen Blake: Make your own treats with strips of meat: Cook thinly sliced meats at 250 F for a half hour. This way, your pets get pure protein without any added stuff they don't need.

The Buyer's Bottom Line

Whatever you buy for your pets, heed the advice of Paula Broadfoot, DVM, of Van Buren, AR: "You need to be a good label reader and pay attention to contents, dyes, preservatives and other junk additives. Many products have a lot of cheap fillers to make them taste better, but they don't do your pet any good and may cause harm."

The veterinarians we consulted all say that perhaps the most important thing you can do from a caregiver's perspective is to know your animals. Look at their ears, teeth, skin and fur. And be on the lookout for anything abnormal. By knowing your animals, you may be able to spot trouble signs before they become serious. You are ultimately responsible for your own heaLth--and also the health of your pets.

Better food and care resource

The following resources are packed with practical information to help you become more savvy about pet nutrition:

* ahvma.org: This is the website of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, where you will find links to information as well as a directory of holistic veterinarians around the country.

* littlebigcat.com: This informative website is written by Colorado veterinarian Jean Hofve, an expert on pet nutrition.