My last few columns have been about how pets enrich our lives, and let us live longer, happier lives.
It’s not just a one-way street though, and in most cases, providing a warm, safe home for our animal companions is a great boon to them.
Sometimes, though, we make their lives a little too easy and give in a little too much to their wants rather than addressing their needs. And sometimes, we make decisions about them based on our pocketbooks rather than what is best for them.
In years past, we spoiled our children with treats and special meals, many of which they loved so much but which weren’t healthy at all. We have modified our behaviours a lot in this regard, trying to avoid the high fructose syrups and unpronounceable ingredients that can make foods so yummy. Which this hasn’t completely stopped, people are eating much healthier than they were when I was a kid.
A lot of this is because of changes in the food industry regulations, toning down labeling claims while improving transparency about ingredients. This information gives consumers a better idea of what they are buying, and sometimes they are shocked at what is truly in the package.
Unfortunately, the pet food industry lags far behind the human food industry. AAFCO, the American Association of Feed Control Officials, sets guidelines for regulators about what can and cannot be said on packaging of pet foods and treats. This is a group that officially ended its agreement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine in October
Claims such as “contains healthy grains” are still far too prevalent in the pet food industry. Since the “grain-free foods cause heart disease” care was debunked, this phrase has become a marketing tool. If you were feeding a horse, sure, healthy grains would be wonderful. But we are feeding carnivores and there are truly no “healthy grains” in a carnivora diet. There may be some “less unhealthy” grains but, even then, the food safety requirements for “feed grade” ingredients are far lower than for “human grade” ones, and those which fail “human grade” tests end up as “feed grade” – which includes being used in pet food.
We also see “promotes healthy joints” as a common claim on pet foods and treats. To make this claim, there must be something added to the food/treat that has joint support properties. But it does not mean there has to be enough of it to show a benefit. In many cases, the amount of joint support product can be almost unmeasurable, but because it is there, the manufacturers are allowed to make the claim.
“Promotes dental health” is another pet peeve. Many such products will either contain abrasives to mechanically reduce plaque/tartar or they will contain chemicals like those used in toothpaste. In both cases, the animal then must then digest those products, which can’t be good for their guts. You will also notice that none claim to eliminate plaque/tartar, only to reduce it. Which means you can still face large bills for dental cleanings.
Labels are there for a purpose. Even though they can be misleading, they will show what is in the package.
For us and our pets, fresh clean foods and treats are best. Low-processed food, single-ingredient treats, and chews such as bones, pigs’ ears, bully sticks, or tendons all may cost a little more up front, but in the long run, they make for healthier, happier pets.
