Q: I am overwhelmed by the number of choices for food at the pet store. How do I sort out the better foods?
A: You’re so right. The multitude of choices is daunting. There are a few key points that will be helpful in screening the foods.
Avoid grain free diets. There has been correlation between the grain free diets and heart disease.
Avoid raw food diets. They can sometimes carry pathogenic bacteria that can lead to diarrhea or more serious illness.
Use AAFCO feeding guidelines as a tool to help select the most highly-tested diets. The American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a non-governmental agency that evaluates pet foods. I recommend diets that have gone through AAFCO Feeding trials. There is a statement on the side of dog food labels called “AAFCO Statement.”
The key words in that statement are “Animal feeding tests…” The typical foods in this category are Science Diet, Royal Canin, Purina Pro Plan and “Just Food For Dogs.” For details, see https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&sterm=aafco
By Dr. Frank Lavac, MS, DVM
If you have any questions, you can contact Dr. Lavac at 310-828-4587.
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