Pet Lovers

The Dog Daily: Nutritious Dish

What Not to Feed Your Dog

By Brad Kloza for The Dog Daily

When shopping for dog food, pet food stores offer a wide variety of choices.

“There are foods on the market which are very easy and tasty for your dog but don’t provide the highest nutrition,” says Dr. Katy Nelson, a Virginia-based veterinarian who has consulted on the nutritional makeup of dog food products. “Even though your pet may be excited about what’s in their bowl, it won’t necessarily glow afterwards, just like people who regret those visits to fast food restaurants.”

Avoid “Fast” Dog Food
How can we tell the difference? Like with fast food for people, very inexpensive dog food may indicate a less nutritious meal.

“Generally, the higher-priced premium brands have higher-quality ingredients, as well as specialized nutrients,” says Dr. Amy Dicke, a veterinarian who also consults on the nutritional aspects of pet food. As a general rule, it’s wise to feed your pet the best food you can afford.

“From foods which use human-quality sources, to foods which use the scraps off of the slaughterhouse floor, you truly do get what you pay for most of the time,” says Nelson.

After price, look at the list of ingredients. Just like we screen our food labels for unsaturated fats or high fructose corn syrup, there are things to look out for on dog food ingredients lists.

Because ingredients are listed in order of quantity, “always look at the first three ingredients on your pet food’s bag,” says Nelson. “If there is corn or something with the word ‘gluten’ in those first few ingredients, step away and keep looking.” Gluten, a vegetable protein, is a cheap alternative to protein from animal sources. But animal protein is more nutritious for your pet.

Spotting Good Dog Food
Although it’s not a panacea, there is a seal of approval you can look for. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) provides pet food guidelines and regulates the naming of ingredients.

“AAFCO’s nutritional adequacy statement identifies the food is nutritionally complete and balanced and contains all of the required nutrients,” says Dicke.

Beyond that, there’s still variation. But Nelson recommends at least avoiding foods without AAFCO approval.

Special-needs Dog Food
Many foods are tailored to special circumstances, like a dog’s health or age. Dicke says these claims are also regulated by AAFCO. Choosing the right one for your dog just involves matching your dog to the goal of the product, which typically falls into the following three categories:

1. Age: Growing puppies (0 to 24 months), healthy adults and senior dogs (5 years giant breeds and 7 years and older for other breeds) all have different nutritional profiles.

2. Body/activity: According to Dicke, “Pets that are overweight or underweight need different nutrition than those who are at optimal weight. Pets who get lots of exercise also have different nutritional requirements.” These food labels include weight control, performance or maintenance.

3. Health history: Your dog may have a condition requiring a therapeutic, or prescription, formula. For instance, dogs with sensitive stomachs can benefit from foods containing prebiotics. These nondigestible food ingredients stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria that help the digestive system. Other blends are specialized for heart health, dental health, bone/joint health and more.

Ask Your Doctor
In the end, however, Nelson says the most important thing is to discuss your dog’s food options with your veterinarian. In fact, she says the biggest mistake people make when choosing food is seeking advice from the sales associate at the pet store rather than their veterinarian.

“Your veterinarian can help you find the food that’s best because they know the particular issues that your pet deals with,” she says. “Your veterinarian has the best interests of your pet in mind.”

The Daily Cat: Whole Health

Ringworm: The Leading Cause of Cat Skin Disease

From the Editors of The Daily Cat

Photo Credit: ©iStockphoto.com/fscotto74

A highly contagious and persistent skin disease, ringworm can be difficult to diagnose. Cats can act as carriers without ever showing signs of the disease, which can also be transmitted to humans. The disease is a particular problem in shelters and catteries.

“It’s a frustrating, challenging disease,” notes Dr. Duffy Jones, who recently diagnosed a cat in his Atlanta practice. “Not every cat shows clinical signs. Sometimes we’ll see it on the person and find it on the cat later.”

What Is Ringworm?
Often mistaken for a worm or parasite, ringworm is actually a hardy fungal infection, says Dr. Amber Andersen, a veterinarian pursuing a masters degree in public health. Ringworm can be spread through direct contact or through contact with things an infected cat touches, such as bedding.

Kittens, elderly cats, cats with compromised immune systems and long-haired felines are more vulnerable to ringworm, according to Andersen. Likewise, children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems are also more susceptible. If left untreated, ringworm can lead to secondary bacterial infections.

How to Prevent Ringworm in Cats
Experts recommend following this checklist:

• Monitor your cat. Brush your cat at least once a week, examining its skin and coat, says Andersen. Look for hair loss or lesions around your cat’s nose, ears and face, advises Jones. A circular, red hairless area is a symptom of ringworm. Don’t forget to examine hard-to-reach places, such as your cat’s stomach. Monitor vulnerable cats, such as kittens or senior cats, more frequently.
• Clean up your cat’s area. Remove dust and debris each week from your cat’s sleeping area and from your entire home. Wash bedding regularly, says Andersen.
• Keep your cat indoors. Outdoor cats can be exposed to ringworm in the environment.
• Carefully introduce new cats. Take special precautions if you bring home a kitten. Make sure a veterinarian first examines the kitten. In general, don’t allow new cats to sleep around your face, and wash your hands carefully after handling, advises Jones.

If Your Cat Gets Ringworm …
It can take up to four weeks to develop the culture that veterinarians use to diagnose ringworm. If your veterinarian suspects ringworm, he or she will likely recommend immediate treatment. Jones dips cats in a lime sulfur shampoo. “The cats hate it and it smells terrible, but it’s very, very safe. Eighty to 90 percent of cases will clear with the dip,” says Jones. Oral drugs can cause stomach upset, so the dip is better. Your cat may also be treated with a topical ointment, says Andersen.

You should also do the following:

• Have your other cats checked. Since ringworm spreads so easily, have all your cats examined if you live in a multi-cat household.
• Vacuum rugs and floors daily. Discard vacuum bags or clean your vacuum frequently. Instead of dust mopping, use a wet mop with disposable pads. “The wet mops tend to pick up spores better,” says Jones.
• Bleach or steam-clean surfaces. Andersen recommends a solution of 1 1/2 cups bleach to 1 gallon of water. Jones recommends steam-cleaning carpets and fabric-covered furniture.
• Wash cat bedding and clothing. Hot water, bleach and detergent will help remove spores. Consider discarding fabric items and purchasing new bedding.
• Confine your cat. Keep your cat in a small, easily cleaned space, such as a bathroom, for two weeks after treatment begins.
• Throw away toys. Toss toys, scratching posts and brushes. Spores can live for up to a year in the environment, so you want to rid your home of anything that might harbor the fungus.
• Don’t sleep with your kitty for a while. Avoid allowing your cat to share your bed until the ringworm issue is resolved.

“Ringworm is much more common than you would think,” says Andersen. And while it’s relatively benign compared to many other things, it can pose problems for some vulnerable people and animals.”