The-Truth-About-Pet-Foods

Company C: In their feline formula, they tout “low ash, low
magnesium.”
Truth Response: This follows the marketing thrust of other companies.
It is not ash and magnesium that are the singular causes of urinary stones
(FUS/FLUD) in cats. The ability of a diet to generate an acid urine is the
primary consideration in this disease, if it is diet induced. Additionally,
FUS/FLUD is a multifaceted condition that can have an etiology ranging
beyond dietary considerations.*
To evaluate the true merit of any food, many criteria must be used,
including:
What is the philosophic objective of the product Company C states
that they wish to scientifically design pet foods using natural ingredients.
This is commendable, but what do they mean by science What do they
mean by natural “Science” tells us that there are no differences between
natural and synthetic nutrients. “Science” also tells us that a manufacturer
can claim their food is “100% complete” if it simply meets NRC minimums.
Since minimums have only been set for fewer than half of the
known essential nutrients, is “science” the best criteria We do not suggest
that science cannot or should not be used; it is just a question of what
is the “science” being used This is not stated in Company C literature.
The word is merely name-dropped.
Using “natural ingredients” provides wide latitude by their definition.
Company C uses synthetic mineral chelates, synthetic vitamins, food fractions,
and inferior by-products. The better question is: Does the food
approach, as closely as possible, the diet of a carnivore in the wild
Once the philosophic objectives are clearly stated by a producer, it is
important for them to outline exactly how they have been consistent with
their objectives. In other words, what specific actions, innovations, and
* Wysong RL, “Biotic Means Life,” 2002. J Nutr, 1994; 124(12 Suppl):2643S-
2651S. J Nutr, 1998; 128(12 Suppl):2753S-2757S. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim
Pract, 1996; 26(2):169-79. J Endourol, 1999; 13(9):659-63. J Am Anim Hosp
Assoc, 1999; 35(4):297-301. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1995; 207(11):1429-34. Int
Urol Nephrol, 1994; 26(5):485-95. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1996; 208(4):547-51.
Urol Clin North Am, 2000; 27(2):287-99.
PAGE 188