A balanced and nutritious diet is the foundation of health for pets and people. However, a quick online search produces conflicting pet food information and strong opinions. Pet food trends may come and go, but the veterinary team at Sixes Animal Hospital at BridgeMill knows that pet nutrition facts stay the same. Here, we debunk common myths to help you make informed decisions about your furry pal’s diet.

Myth 1: Grains are harmful to pets and cause allergies.

Grain-free diets have had ups and downs in the pet food market. For many years, pet owners believed grains caused allergies or that they were nutritionally worthless. The truth is that grain-inclusive and grain-free diets can be healthy when complete and balanced. Food allergies are uncommon in pets, and grain allergies are considered rare. Plus, grains provide essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. 

Pet owners should know that in recent years, reports have surfaced suggesting that some grain-free dry dog foods are linked to heart disease. Talk to our team to learn about a grain-free diet’s safety and if your pet could be at risk.

Myth 2: Raw food is best because it mimics a pet’s ancestral diet.

Dogs are descendants of wild canids like wolves, who primarily eat raw meat and prey. However, dogs have evolved alongside humans, eating human food. Dogs can thrive on raw food, but the health risks are often not worth the potential benefits. Most raw meat in the U.S. food system is contaminated with harmful bacteria, normally eliminated during cooking. Pets may get sick from these bacteria or pass them to humans. Additionally, homemade raw diets are not nutritionally balanced and often lead to nutrient deficiencies or excesses. 

Myth 3: Commercial pet foods are unregulated and unsafe.

Pet food marketing is largely unregulated, which allows food companies to use phrases like “premium,” “natural,” and “holistic” to manipulate consumers. However, the pet food itself is regulated by several government agencies to ensure ingredient quality and food safety. One key pet food organization is the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), which sets food guidelines and standards based on scientific research. Look for the AAFCO statement that indicates a nutritionally complete and balanced formula for specific pet species and life stages when you purchase your pet’s food. 

Myth 4: By-products in the ingredients list indicate an inferior pet food.

Many people have heard through the grapevine or otherwise assume that by-products are inferior ingredients. However, by-products come from the production of other foods and are key components in pet nutrition, often comprising the most nutrient-dense ingredients in a particular food. For example, humans consider organ meats undesirable, but they contain essential vitamins and minerals not typically found in standard muscle meats. Plus, by-products are regulated like any other pet food ingredient, so companies can’t use roadkill—as the urban legend goes.

Myth 5: Prescription pet food companies bribe veterinarians to sell their products.

Veterinarians recommend prescription foods and certain over-the-counter pet food brands for one reason only—the science behind these products indicates they are the most reliable in the pet nutrition world. These diets are expensive to produce because they are based on years of studies and real-life feeding trials. Our team and other veterinary clinics typically take only a slim profit margin on prescription foods, but we prescribe them and keep them in stock because they work. A prescription diet, like any other medicine or treatment, comes to market only after studies have shown the diet is safe and effective for specific health conditions. 

Navigating the pet nutrition world can be challenging, but our Sixes Animal Hospital at BridgeMill team is here to make it easier. Our veterinary professionals understand the nutrition needs of pets across various ages, breeds, lifestyles, and health conditions. Contact us to schedule a physical exam and pet nutrition consultation, so we can help you choose the right food for your furry pal.