Addressing Hot Topics in Nutrition

Written by Ibeh Esther Nmasichukwu

University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

IVSA Nigeria

1st Place Winner of SCOVE X Purina Institute Essay Competition: A Nutrition Management Case Presentation

Addressing hot topics in nutrition

The world of pet food can be confusing for pet owners. Some people argue about whether raw food or processed food is better for pets. Others debate whether muscle meat or organ meats are more nutritious. There's also a trend of grain-free diets gaining popularity. Veterinarians have to deal with all these arguments and help pet owners make good choices for their pets.

Raw Diets versus Processed Foods: The debate surrounding raw diets versus processed foods has become increasingly prominent in veterinary nutrition discussions. Proponents of raw diets argue that they mimic the natural diet of dogs and cats, providing essential nutrients in their most bioavailable form. They claim that raw diets can lead to shinier coats, healthier kin, and improved dental health. However, critics raise concerns about the potential risks associated with raw feeding, including bacterial contamination (such as Salmonella and E. coli) and nutritional imbalances leading to deficiencies or excesses.

Scientific evidence comparing raw diets and processed foods has yielded mixed results. While some studies suggest potential benefits of raw diets, such as reduced dental tartar and improved digestibility, others highlight significant risks, particularly in terms of food safety. For example, a study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that raw diets were more likely to be contaminated with pathogens compared to commercial pet foods.

Addressing concerns about raw diets requires a balanced approach that considers both the potential benefits and risks. Veterinarians can provide evidence-based responses to common questions and misconceptions, emphasizing the importance of proper handling, storage, and preparation to minimize the risk of foodborne illness. Additionally, recommending high-quality commercial pet foods with balanced nutrient profiles can offer a safer alternative for pet owners concerned about the risks associated with raw feeding.

Skeletal Muscle Meat versus Organs: The inclusion of organ meats in a pet's diet has been a subject of debate among pet owners and veterinarians alike. Organ meats, such as liver, kidney, and heart, are rich sources of essential nutrients, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as minerals like iron and zinc. Advocates for organ meats argue that they provide a more complete and balanced diet for dogs and cats, mimicking the natural prey diet of their wild ancestors.

However, skepticism surrounding organ meats often stems from concerns about safety and palatability. Some pet owners may be hesitant to feed organ meats due to their strong odor or unfamiliar appearance. Additionally, misconceptions about the nutritional value of organ meats may lead to reluctance among pet owners to incorporate them into their pet's diet.

Educating pet owners about the importance of organ meats can help dispel myths and misconceptions. Veterinarians can explain the unique nutritional benefits of organ meats, emphasizing their role in providing essential vitamins and minerals that may be lacking in skeletal muscle meat alone. Recommending gradual introduction and proper preparation techniques can also help address concerns about palatability and safety.

Grain-Free Diets: Grain-free diets have gained popularity in recent years, fueled by claims that grains are responsible for various health issues in pets, including allergies, obesity, and digestive problems. Pet owners are often drawn to grain-free diets under the belief that they are more natural and species-appropriate for dogs and cats. However, the scientific evidence supporting the health benefits of grain-free diets is limited, and concerns have been raised about their potential risks.

Research suggests that while some dogs may benefit from a grain-free diet, such as those with specific grain allergies or intolerances, the majority of pets do not require a grain-free diet for optimal health. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Animal Science found that grain-inclusive diets are generally well-tolerated by healthy dogs and provide adequate nutrition.

Mitigating the risks associated with grain-free diets requires a balanced approach that considers the individual needs of each pet. Veterinarians can recommend evidence-based guidelines for selecting appropriate diets based on factors such as age, breed, activity level, and underlying health conditions. Encouraging pet owners to consult with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist can also provide personalized recommendations tailored to their pet's specific dietary requirements.

Addressing Controversial Nutrition Topics with Pet Owners:

Effectively addressing controversial nutrition topics with pet owners requires a combination of empathy, education, and evidence-based recommendations. Active listening is essential for understanding pet owners' concerns and motivations behind their dietary choices. By acknowledging their perspectives and validating their experiences, veterinarians can build trust and rapport with pet owners, creating an open dialogue for discussing sensitive topics.

Empathizing with pet owners about the emotional significance of pet nutrition decisions can help foster a supportive and nonjudgmental environment. Recognizing that pet owners may have différent priorities and values when it comes to their pet's diet allows veterinarians to tailor their recommendations to align with the pet owner's goals and preferences.

Providing evidence-based recommendations backed by scientific research and expert consensus is crucial for guiding pet owners towards informed decision-making. Veterinarians can leverage their expertise to educate pet owners about the latest findings in veterinary nutrition, dispel myths and misconceptions, and offer practical advice for implementing evidence-based dietary recommendations into their pet's daily routine.

In conclusion, navigating controversial topics in veterinary nutrition requires a multifaceted approach that combines scientific knowledge with effective communication strategies. By addressing common concerns, providing evidence-based recommendations, and fostering open dialogue with pet owners, veterinarians can help empower pet owners to make informed decisions about their pet's diet and prioritize their nutritional health.

References

1.⁠ ⁠Raw Diets versus Processed Foods:

•⁠  ⁠Freeman, L. M., Chandler, M. L., Hamper, B. A., & Weeth, L. P. _ (2013). Current knowledge about the risks and benefits of raw meat-based diets for dogs and cats. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 243(11), 1549-1558.

•⁠  ⁠Schlesinger, D. P., & Joffe, D. J. (2011). Raw food diets in companion animals: A critical review. The Canadian Veterinary Journal, 52(1), 50-54.

•⁠  ⁠American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). (2012). Raw or undercooked animal-source protein in cat and dog diets. Retrieved from https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/avma-policies/ raw-or-undercooked-animal-source-protein-cat-and-dog-diets

2.⁠ ⁠Skeletal Muscle Meat versus Organs:

•⁠  ⁠Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). (2019). Official Publication. Oxford, IN: AAFCO.

•⁠  ⁠Remillard, R. L. (2001). Homemade diets: attributes, pitfalls, and a call for action. Topics in Companion Animal Medicine, 16(2), 89-96.

•⁠  ⁠Zicker, S. C. (2006). Nutritional management of idiopathic epilepsy in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 229(5), 690-693.

3.⁠ ⁠Grain-Free Diets:

•⁠  ⁠Freeman, L. M., Stern, J. A., Fries, R., Adin, D. B., & Rush, J. E. (2018). Diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs: what do we know? Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 253(11), 1390-1394.

•⁠  ⁠Kaplan, J. L., Stern, J. A., Fascetti, A. J., Larsen, J. A., Skolnik, H., & Peddle, G. D. (2018). Taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy in golden retrievers fed commercial diets. PLOS ONE, 13(12), e0209112.

•⁠  ⁠Adin, D. B., DeFrancesco, T., & Keene, B. W. (2019). ACVIM consensus statement: diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 33(1), 1-14.

4.⁠ ⁠Addressing Controversial Nutrition Topics with Pet Owners:

•⁠  ⁠Linder, D. E., & Freeman, L. M. (2019). Evaluation of the risks of shedding Salmonella spp. By therapy dogs fed raw diets in Ontario and Alberta. Zoonoses and Public Health, 66(5), 520-529.

•⁠  ⁠Freeman, L. M., Cachola, L. M., & Bonadio, C. M. (2013). Canned pumpkin in dietetic management of constipation in dogs and cats. Journal of Veterinary Medicine Series A,60(4), 208-212.

•⁠  ⁠Laflamme, D. P. (2014). Development and validation of a body condition score system for dogs. Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research, 59(3), 235-240.