Q: There are so many dog foods to choose from at the pet stores. How do I know if I’m feeding a quality diet?
A: It is not always easy to determine “the best food.” There are definitely some foods to avoid. Foods that are raw-based diets are potentially dangerous. Both the CDC and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) have published position statements against raw foods. Additionally, grain-free dog foods should be avoided. Research done at UC Davis suggested a correlation between grain-free diets and development of heart disease.
One tool used for evaluating diets is the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Foods that have gone through “Animal Feeding Tests” validate that they are a high-quality food. There is an AAFCO statement on the side of every bag of food. You can find more information on VeterinaryPartner.com, and search AAFCO Pet Food Labeling.
Other questions that might help develop a better-informed opinion include: Does the food company employ a veterinary nutritionist? What kind of product research or nutrition studies have been performed?
There is a more extensive list on the World Small Animal Veterinary Association at WSAVA.org, where you can search for Guidelines on Selecting Pet Foods.
Of course, consult with your veterinarian to help find the best food for your pet.
By Dr. Frank Lavac, MS, DVM
If you have any questions, you can always contact Dr. Lavac at 310-828-4587.
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