Atlantic Ave Magazine - February 2020

misc | ask the petxpert
BY Bill Piechocki and Dr. Diane Sudduth, DVM
What Is Really In Pet Foods?
In last year’s review of the pet food industry, it seems that technology
and research has made it a tough year. Unfortunately, you as
a pet parent are not informed of the struggles the pet food industry
faces. Most of you are unaware of numerous pet food recalls that
occurred last year and the number of pets that have been affected.
Many of these recalls are highly processed, commercial dry and
canned products widely distributed in grocery and pet food stores,
veterinary facilities and online websites. Many are name brand foods
that we are asked to trust for the quality and science behind them.
There are also several class action lawsuits occurring behind the
scenes that are not only arising from these recalls, but also address
the validity of packaging and advertising truth. Does that pet food
you purchased for your pet really contain what the images on the
packaging or commercial show? Do you know the quality or meaning
of any or all the ingredients?
Many of the largest recalls are primarily caused by synthetic,
chemical ingredients that can disrupt the natural balance of the
body. Many are formulated as part of the vitamin premixes that
manufacturers must add to those overcooked and processed diets.
The reason these premixes are added in is that the process itself
degrades the vitamin and minerals normally present in real natural
food ingredients. One major manufacturer premix had an excess of
2900% of synthetic vitamin D which is toxic and can cause kidney
failure among other challenges.
The lawsuits are very discerning, reflecting the claims in product
advertising and integrity. These claims are now being scrutinized
over the truthfulness of the description and labeling of ingredients.
In addition, a recent filing questioned the claims of healthy,
holistic, evolutionary ancestral natural ingredients. Images of wild
grey wolves and bobcats, as well as fresh chicken breast, fresh fish
and vegetables on packages and advertisements can be misleading
and deceptive. All dry pet foods, referred to as kibble, require large
amounts of carbohydrates to form the shape and consistency of the
product. To make this highly processed food palatable to our carnivore
pets, they must be sprayed with synthetically produced “natural”
flavors which are chemicals.
The problem that pet parents are confronted with is the lack of
transparency and understanding of the ingredients being used.
These products are designed for our convenience first which equates
to the use of preservatives, synthetic supplements, stabilizers, appetite
enhancers and colors for the finished product.
When we approach the whole real human grade fresh ingredient
model, we can see the product as it is. If you are preparing your own
entrees or using a producer that you trust, you should still verify
that the ingredients are fresh, wholesome and not pre-processed.
You should know if the ingredients were inspected, handled under
quality and food safety standards and preferably human-grade. For
instance, if you were to purchase a rotisserie chicken and create a pet
food, your label would only list the chicken and other ingredients YOU
added in, not what was added to the chicken before you bought it.
So please beware of what you are buying. Remember, every synthetic
or chemical ingredient will have a negative effect on your pet’s body
and can create disease and imbalance. The fewer need for these ingredients
will equate to a healthier, less stressed and happier pet. Let’s
give your pet the opportunity for a cleaner life and optimal health.
Bill Piechocki, nutritionist and Dr. Diane Sudduth, DVM are partners in Fiesta
Pet Deli in Pompano Beach, FL, and co-hosts of the PetHealthCafe.com radio
show. Our 40 years in the animal field has provided us unparalleled vision and
information which we pass to our clients daily. Visit us at www.PetHealthCafe.
com or 800-940-7387. Call us for a free consultation or stop by Fiesta Pet
Deli, 954-971-2500, we would be more than happy to help.
SEND YOUR Questions OR COMMents for OUR PETXPERT TO: Pets@ATLANTICAVEMAGAZINE.COM
COPYRIGHTED
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114 | February 2020 | www.AtlanticAveMagazine.com