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FOOD NEWS
What to Feed Your Pet
Marion Nestle talks pet-food safety, choices.
By Michelle Edelbaum, Associate Editor, EatingWell September/October 2008
Read more articles and tips about food news, green and sustainable issues, and special nutrition reports.
Even if you don’t own a pet, you should still be concerned about pet food, says EatingWell nutrition advisor Marion Nestle, a professor at New York University and best-selling author of What to Eat. “Contaminated pet foods are early warnings of the safety hazards of globalization.”
Nestle’s Pet Food Politics (University of California Press, September 2008) details the March 2007 recall of more than 100 brands of dog and cat food containing wheat gluten from China that was contaminated with the chemical melamine, which according to the FDA prompted 17,000 consumer complaints, including reports of 4,150 cat and dog deaths. These events set off another massive recall of everything from tires to toothpaste and a subsequent international crisis over the safety of imported consumer goods from China. Congress has since passed food-safety provisions pertaining to pet food. Nestle’s next book is What Pets Eat (Harcourt, 2009).
Q: What is the scariest thing you learned while researching Pet Food Politics?
A: How inextricably linked human, animal and pet-food supplies are. Farmers routinely feed salvaged pet food to pigs and other farm animals. There is no question that during the recall people ate meat from farm animals that had eaten pet food that contained melamine. It didn’t do any harm because it was so diluted by the time it got to us. But that was a big wakeup call for the Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Q: How can I know if my pet’s food is safe?
A: The melamine incident was a fluke, and as long as a company is making efforts to be sure something like that doesn’t happen again and is transparent about their ingredients sources, pet food is fine. If you’re using commercial pet food, you should read labels and talk to the pet store to make sure that they’re paying attention to these issues. Some stores and brands are very clear if they’re taking responsibility. They’re changing suppliers, examining and improving the quality of ingredients, testing ingredients and building laboratories. On some companies’ websites they tell you what they did. And if they don’t tell you, you can be as suspicious as you want.
I think pet owners should insist on a better regulatory system, national standards, labels that say where ingredients come from and nutrition information.
Q: What do you recommend I feed my pet?
A: You have three choices. It’s great to cook for your pets or feed them a raw diet. Make sure you feed them a balanced diet. Cats are more finicky than dogs, so feed them mostly meat and a vitamin supplement. Check with a veterinarian to make sure you cover your pets’ nutrient requirements.
As for pet food: I think wet food is better; dry foods have more calories, which can contribute to obesity problems, and carbohydrate, which can be problematic for cats. The advantage to pet food is that if you follow the directions you probably won’t overfeed your pet and the nutrient requirements are taken care of.
Note: EatingWell recommends you check with a veterinarian before making changes to your pet’s diet.
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| USER COMMENTS — Add Your Comment |
I am concerned about cooking for my dogs and cat. I have a hard time cooking healthy foods for myself and I'm much more picky about what they eat. Are there any sources for "pet recipes" out there that can help?
Cindy, Norman, OK |
For the cat, check out Anitra Frazier's book "The New Natural Cat". She has wonderful information on cat food and supplements. Dr. Pitcairn wrote a great resource called "Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats". Good luck!
Diane Baker, Houston, TX |
I became a little concerned when the issue of dog food poisoning came up so I started investigating making my own food at home. I now make their ( have two dogs a poodle and a long haired chihuahua) I use chicken liver, grd beef, (No Fat) rice Brown and White, barley, and vegies potatoes carrots peas celery. THEY LOVE IT and I know it is safe. Just for your info and maybe others I make a batch about every couple of weeks
djjsunshine
Donna Johnston, Mohave Valley, Az |
I've been feeding my dogs chicken fried in I Can't Believe Its Not Butter (they like the taste) and then tenderized by adding two cups of water, covering and steaming on low heat. I then mix this with a good bit of rice and some kibble, again, made myself from a recipe that I found on the computer. It's work and expensive but at least I have confidence in their food and it is the very best for them.
Chester Siuta, Bethel Park, PA |
Following my dog's recent illness and lengthy hospitalization, I began preparing his food. I simply use cooked chicken or beef (even lean pork will work)processed a bit chunkier than babyfood consistency. It's much less trouble when cooked in large batches; just freeze in smaller portions to process for later use. He eats his meat over steamed brown rice topped with broth/cooking liquid. Of course, I slip in his vitamins and omega-3's, but please don't tell him.
Marianne, Salado, TX |
I am not a doctor but work in a animal hospital as a tech. I agree that when an animal is ill that it's great to prepare their food, part of TLC. There are great recipes out there but I highly suggest not giving your animals anything fried. Ecspecially in moderate to large amounts, this can cause illnesses ranging from diarrhea to pancreintitus. I suggest if you give your pets only wet food, to brush there teeth after eating. Wet food sticks to cats and dogs teeth as to dry food that is less likely to stick as much. Wet food is great for elderly animals who can't eat hard food. It is also great to give as a treat. However, male cats should have wet food included in there diets becuase it helps to decrease their chances of having a urinary blockage.
Nichole Johnson, Colorado Springs, CO |
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