Can You Guess the First 5 Ingredients in This Popular Veterinary Diet?

**By Dr. Becker**

> It was just a matter of time before manufacturers of "therapeutic" pet foods realized they were leaving money on the table by not offering a veterinary diet for healthy pets.
>
> These companies have been primarily involved in producing formulas to "treat" specific health conditions in dogs and cats – everything from obesity to kidney failure to old age. Of course, many of these health conditions were created or exacerbated by low quality pet food in the first place – pet food made by the same companies who also produce therapeutic formulas.
>
> But as the subject of nutrition-as-preventive medicine becomes a greater focus in the veterinary community – and as the U.S. pet obesity numbers continue to skyrocket -- DVM's can be expected to discuss diet more often with their clients.
>
> The manufacturers of therapeutic pet foods see a huge opportunity to expand their product lines to include veterinary formulas marketed to the owners of healthy pets.

## New Veterinary Diets Claim to "Keep Healthy Pets Healthy"

> The article in Veterinary Practice News linked below mentions that a well-known manufacturer of therapeutic pet food is launching a new line of veterinary formulas _"designed to keep healthy pets healthy."_
>
> I haven't been able to uncover any information on the ingredients in this new line of foods. However, I was able to easily locate the ingredients in other veterinary formulas made by the same company. Those of you who read here regularly will immediately recognize the very poor quality of these dog foods …
>
> * The first five ingredients in their dry "dental" diet are rice, chicken meal, corn, brown rice and chicken fat. According to dogfoodanalysis.com: _"Overall, this product appears to be primarily a collection of low quality grain fragments, with precious little meat content."_
> * The first five ingredients in their low fat canned food for dogs with GI issues: water sufficient for processing, pork by-products, corn grits, rice flour, powdered cellulose.
> * The first five ingredients in their "satiety support" dry dog food: powdered cellulose, chicken meal, corn, wheat gluten, wheat.
>
> I also checked the ingredient lists of a few of their retail (non-veterinary) formulas, and they are very similar in terms of quality. I think we can safely assume the new formulas "designed to keep healthy pets healthy" will be similarly biologically inappropriate.
>
> The fact is, pet foods containing garbage ingredients like most of those mentioned above, will not keep healthy pets healthy. Because they are the _opposite_ of species-appropriate nutrition for dogs and cats, they will simply create more ill health and obesity – just like the vast majority of poor quality processed junk pet food on the market today.

## Veterinary Junk Diets for Overweight Pets

> The Veterinary Practice News article also mentions veterinary formulas and their use with overweight pets:
>
>> _Therapeutic diets can play a key role in preventing an overweight dog or cat from gaining more weight and also minimize caloric intake, which is frequently the predominant cause of obesity. However, owners have to respect the serious health risks associated with extra weight in order to become dedicated to a new food for their pet._
>
> The article talks about Mabel, a fantastically overweight Beagle who is being fed a prescription diet containing the following allergenic filler ingredients in the first five spots on the list:
>
> * Whole grain corn
> * Corn gluten meal
> * Chicken by-product meal
> * Soybean mill run
> * Powdered cellulose
>
> Mabel – who has her own [Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mabel/332532756771682) page – is also receiving physical therapy and will begin a walking program as soon as she's lost enough weight to be able to move more comfortably.
>
> Poor Mabel. I wish her well on her junk food diet.
>
> Below is a picture one of my Beagle patients, Cal. Cal was a rescue who arrived at his new home obese and depressed (top image). The lower image is Cal today, after his mom switched him to a balanced, species-appropriate [raw food](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/02/15/raw-meat-the-best-and-healthiest-diet-for-pet-cats-and-dogs.aspx) diet. The weight just naturally fell away once Cal started eating the right kinds of real, whole food, and as you can see from the lower photo, his body condition is excellent.
>
> 

## Keeping Healthy Pets Healthy Through Nutrition

> Keeping your dog or cat healthy certainly doesn't involve feeding costly, poor quality "therapeutic" food sold by your veterinarian.
>
> It involves feeding wholesome, species-appropriate food that is nutritionally balanced.
>
> Dogs and cats evolved to consume living, unprocessed foods. They have consumed a variety of small prey for thousands of years. Maintaining your pet on a diet of completely cooked and refined foods has a negative impact on her health.
>
> To insure you're offering your pet truly healthy food, you can:
>
> * Prepare [homemade meals for your pet](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/real-food-for-healthy-dogs-and-cats-cookbook.aspx) – just make absolutely sure they are well-balanced nutritionally.
> * Purchase one or more of the excellent [commercially available](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/05/10/my-top-3-pet-food-picks-from-an-upscale-boutique-shop.aspx), nutritionally complete, human-grade raw or dehydrated food for pets.
> * You can also feed a combination of homemade meals and commercially prepared diets.
>
> If you're not in a position right now to make the leap to real, whole food for your pet, the next best thing is to [gradually upgrade](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2010/07/21/13-pet-foods-ranked-from-great-to-disastrous.aspx) her diet.

Sources:

* [Veterinary Practice News March 6, 2012](http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/web-exclusives/therapeutic-diets-improving-pets-quality-of-life.aspx)


**Related Articles:**

&nbsp_place_holder; [You Asked For It... The 3 BEST Pet Foods You Can Buy](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/05/10/my-top-3-pet-food-picks-from-an-upscale-boutique-shop.aspx)

&nbsp_place_holder; [Saying No to Poor Quality Pet Food... Even When It's Recommended by Your Vet](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/03/09/nutrition-the-fifth-vital-assessment.aspx)

&nbsp_place_holder; [This Tiny Segment of the Pet Food Market is Showing Remarkable Growth](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/02/08/alternative-pet-diet-trend.aspx)

[**&nbsp_place_holder;Comments&nbsp_place_holder;(19)](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/11/30/avoid-veterinary-diets.aspx?ShowAllComments=True#comments)**

URL: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/11/30/avoid-veterinary-diets.aspx

PHOTOS: Bo, the First Dog

The Obama family dog, a Portuguese water dog named Bo, trots across the South Lawn August 2, 2010 in Washington, DC.

URL: http://www.topix.com/pets/2012/11/photos-bo-the-first-dog?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-caaae1f22d29ea8a2505ea4a65d2c31c

Preventing Oral Disease in Your Aging Pet

**By Dr. Becker**

> According to Dr. Brooke Niemiec, diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College and a fellow of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry, oral/dental disease is the number one medical problem among pets today, with over 70 percent of dogs and cats suffering some form of periodontal disease by the age of two.
>
> This epidemic of oral disease in pets is because most dogs and cats don't receive regular home and/or professional dental care, and they don't show signs of discomfort or pain until oral disease is pronounced.

## Oral Disease Isn't Just About Your Pet's Mouth

> Studies have linked periodontal disease in both humans and pets to systemic diseases of the kidneys and liver, heart disease, lung disease, diabetes complications, problems during pregnancy, and even cancer.
>
> These serious health concerns develop or are made worse by the constant presence of oral bacteria flushing into the bloodstream through inflamed or bleeding gum tissue. The good news is that many of these conditions improve once the dental disease is resolved and good oral hygiene is maintained.
>
> In addition to systemic diseases, infections in the mouth and gums often create other problems including tooth root abscesses, jaw fractures, nasal infection, eye loss and oral cancer.
>
> There are also a number of other painful conditions of the mouth including cavities, broken teeth, orthodontic disease, and in cats, [tooth resorption](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/01/17/teeth-resorption.aspx), an extremely painful condition in which the kitty's immune system attacks its own teeth.
>
> Obviously, mouth problems are not something to be taken lightly by veterinarians or pet owners. Left untreated, oral disease can significantly impact both the quality and quantity of your pet's life.

## Older Pets Have Higher Risk of Painful Mouth Conditions

> Unfortunately, the risk of painful mouth conditions – in particular, gum disease, tooth resorption and oral cancer – is dramatically increased for older dogs and cats. This means that for your senior or geriatric pet, proper dental care is critically important.
>
> Daily homecare and as-needed professional cleanings by your veterinarian are the best way to keep your pet's mouth healthy and disease-free. They are also important for pets with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and kidney failure.
>
> Veterinary dental cleanings do, of course, require general [anesthesia](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/09/08/when-pet-go-under-anesthesia.aspx). Nonprofessional dental scaling (NPDS), also known as [anesthesia-free dentistry](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/11/24/anesthesia-free-dentistry-risks.aspx), isn't a substitute. A truly thorough oral exam and cleaning can't be accomplished on a pet who is awake. It's dangerous to use sharp instruments in the mouth of a conscious animal, and needless to say, the procedure is very stressful for the pet.

## Anesthesia and Older Pets

> While many pet parents, especially those with an older dog or cat, are very anxious about anesthesia, it is actually safe when performed appropriately and at [current standards](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/04/18/new-guidelines-for-anesthesia-for-cats-and-dogs.aspx).
>
> Many pet owners believe their dog or cat is simply too old for anesthesia – this is a very common misconception among not only pet parents, but also many veterinarians. Age itself is not a disease, so if your pet is otherwise healthy, his age won't increase his risk of anesthetic complications.
>
> The reason dogs and cats past a certain age are approached more cautiously for anesthesia is because older pets are more likely to have a systemic illness. That's why additional tests are run on older dogs and cats prior to scheduling procedures requiring anesthesia. These tests usually include a complete blood panel, urinalysis, and chest x-rays and a [BNP test](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2010/06/02/the-silent-pet-killer-that-you-can-now-avoid.aspx) which checks for some types of heart disease.
>
> If your pet's test results show no problems with her general health, there is no increased risk for anesthesia. And even if there are some borderline numbers in an animal's test results, we must weigh the benefits of creating and maintaining good oral health against the potential risks associated with anesthesia.
>
> A well-trained, skilled and experienced veterinary staff, following the most current standards of practice, can safely anesthetize senior and geriatric pets, as well as pets with significant systemic disease. By using the latest anesthetic monitoring equipment, pets can benefit from the same diagnostics as people undergoing anesthesia. Make sure to check with your vet about how anesthetic monitoring is performed during your pet's procedure and recovery period.

## Tips for Keeping Your Dog's or Cat's Mouth Clean and Healthy

> Ideally, you'll be able to avoid anesthesia for your pet as much as possible by performing home dental care throughout his life. According to Dr. Niemiec, plaque forms on your dog's or cat's teeth within 24 hours, which is why daily brushing is highly recommended. For help getting started brushing your cat's teeth, view my instructional [video](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/09/20/brushing-your-cats-teeth.aspx). A video for dog owners can be found [here](http://video.about.com/vetmedicine/How-to-Brush-a-Dog-s-Teeth.htm).
>
> Other tips for keeping your pet's mouth healthy:
>
> * [Feed a species appropriate, preferably raw diet](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/02/15/raw-meat-the-best-and-healthiest-diet-for-pet-cats-and-dogs.aspx). Giving your dog or cat the food her body was designed to eat sets the stage for vibrant good health. When your pet gnaws on raw meat, in particular, it acts as a kind of natural toothbrush. This is especially important for kitties, since they don't enjoy chew bones like their canine counterparts do. Raw fed animals have substantially less dental disease than their dry fed counterparts, but they can still develop problems in their mouth. Unfortunately, feeding great food alone is not always enough to prevent dental disease for the life of your raw fed pet.
> * Offer recreational, raw bones. Offering your pet raw knuckle bones to gnaw on can help remove tartar the old fashioned way -- by grinding it off through mechanical chewing. There are some rules to offering raw bones (not for pets with pancreatitis, diseases of the mouth, weak or fractured teeth, resource guarders, "gulpers," etc.) so ask your holistic vet if raw bones would be a good "toothbrush" for your dog. I recommend offering a raw bone about the same size as your pet's head to prevent tooth fractures.
> * If your dog cannot or should not chew recreational raw bones, I recommend you offer a fully digestible, high quality dental dog chew like [Mercola Healthy Pets Dog Dental Bones](http://articles.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/dog-dental-bones.aspx). If your dog is getting up in years or has sensitive teeth, consider the [Mercola Gentle Dental Bone](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/gentle-dental-bone.aspx) to help control plaque and tartar. The effect is similar to chewing raw bones, but safer for powerful chewers or dogs that have had restorative dental work done, and can't chew raw bones.
> * Perform routine [mouth inspections](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2009/11/07/how-to-perform-a-home-physical-exam-on-your-pet.aspx). Your pet should allow you to open his mouth, look inside, and feel around for loose teeth or unusual lumps or bumps on the tongue, under the tongue, along the gum line and on the roof of his mouth. After you do this a few times, you'll become sensitive to any changes that might occur from one inspection to the next. You should also make note of any differences in the smell of your pet's breath that aren't diet-related.
> * Arrange for regular oral exams performed by your veterinarian. He or she will alert you to any existing or potential problems in your pet's mouth, and recommend professional teeth cleaning under anesthesia, if necessary. Obviously, preventing professional intervention is the goal, so be proactive in caring for your pet's mouth.

Sources:

* [Veterinary Practice News October 2, 2012](http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/vet-education-series/dental-care-for-geriatric-pets.aspx)


**Related Articles:**

&nbsp_place_holder; [Preventing Dental Disease in Pets](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/03/10/keeping-your-pet-dogs-mouth-healthy.aspx)

&nbsp_place_holder; [Does Your Pet Have a Dirty Mouth?](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/04/23/pets-gum-disease.aspx)

&nbsp_place_holder; [This is One Dental Disease You Don't Want to Trifle With](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/02/06/dr-becker-discusses-feline-stomatitis.aspx)

[**&nbsp_place_holder;Comments&nbsp_place_holder;(34)](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/11/28/oral-disease.aspx?ShowAllComments=True#comments)**

URL: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/11/28/oral-disease.aspx

Can You Guess the First 5 Ingredients in This Popular Veterinary Diet?

**By Dr. Becker**

> It was just a matter of time before manufacturers of "therapeutic" pet foods realized they were leaving money on the table by not offering a veterinary diet for healthy pets.
>
> These companies have been primarily involved in producing formulas to "treat" specific health conditions in dogs and cats – everything from obesity to kidney failure to old age. Of course, many of these health conditions were created or exacerbated by low quality pet food in the first place – pet food made by the same companies who also produce therapeutic formulas.
>
> But as the subject of nutrition-as-preventive medicine becomes a greater focus in the veterinary community – and as the U.S. pet obesity numbers continue to skyrocket -- DVM's can be expected to discuss diet more often with their clients.
>
> The manufacturers of therapeutic pet foods see a huge opportunity to expand their product lines to include veterinary formulas marketed to the owners of healthy pets.

## New Veterinary Diets Claim to "Keep Healthy Pets Healthy"

> The article in Veterinary Practice News linked below mentions that a well-known manufacturer of therapeutic pet food is launching a new line of veterinary formulas _"designed to keep healthy pets healthy."_
>
> I haven't been able to uncover any information on the ingredients in this new line of foods. However, I was able to easily locate the ingredients in other veterinary formulas made by the same company. Those of you who read here regularly will immediately recognize the very poor quality of these dog foods …
>
> * The first five ingredients in their dry "dental" diet are rice, chicken meal, corn, brown rice and chicken fat. According to dogfoodanalysis.com: _"Overall, this product appears to be primarily a collection of low quality grain fragments, with precious little meat content."_
> * The first five ingredients in their low fat canned food for dogs with GI issues: water sufficient for processing, pork by-products, corn grits, rice flour, powdered cellulose.
> * The first five ingredients in their "satiety support" dry dog food: powdered cellulose, chicken meal, corn, wheat gluten, wheat.
>
> I also checked the ingredient lists of a few of their retail (non-veterinary) formulas, and they are very similar in terms of quality. I think we can safely assume the new formulas "designed to keep healthy pets healthy" will be similarly biologically inappropriate.
>
> The fact is, pet foods containing garbage ingredients like most of those mentioned above, will not keep healthy pets healthy. Because they are the _opposite_ of species-appropriate nutrition for dogs and cats, they will simply create more ill health and obesity – just like the vast majority of poor quality processed junk pet food on the market today.

## Veterinary Junk Diets for Overweight Pets

> The Veterinary Practice News article also mentions veterinary formulas and their use with overweight pets:
>
>> _Therapeutic diets can play a key role in preventing an overweight dog or cat from gaining more weight and also minimize caloric intake, which is frequently the predominant cause of obesity. However, owners have to respect the serious health risks associated with extra weight in order to become dedicated to a new food for their pet._
>
> The article talks about Mabel, a fantastically overweight Beagle who is being fed a prescription diet containing the following allergenic filler ingredients in the first five spots on the list:
>
> * Whole grain corn
> * Corn gluten meal
> * Chicken by-product meal
> * Soybean mill run
> * Powdered cellulose
>
> Mabel – who has her own [Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mabel/332532756771682) page – is also receiving physical therapy and will begin a walking program as soon as she's lost enough weight to be able to move more comfortably.
>
> Poor Mabel. I wish her well on her junk food diet.
>
> Below is a picture one of my Beagle patients, Cal. Cal was a rescue who arrived at his new home obese and depressed (top image). The lower image is Cal today, after his mom switched him to a balanced, species-appropriate [raw food](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/02/15/raw-meat-the-best-and-healthiest-diet-for-pet-cats-and-dogs.aspx) diet. The weight just naturally fell away once Cal started eating the right kinds of real, whole food, and as you can see from the lower photo, his body condition is excellent.
>
> 

## Keeping Healthy Pets Healthy Through Nutrition

> Keeping your dog or cat healthy certainly doesn't involve feeding costly, poor quality "therapeutic" food sold by your veterinarian.
>
> It involves feeding wholesome, species-appropriate food that is nutritionally balanced.
>
> Dogs and cats evolved to consume living, unprocessed foods. They have consumed a variety of small prey for thousands of years. Maintaining your pet on a diet of completely cooked and refined foods has a negative impact on her health.
>
> To insure you're offering your pet truly healthy food, you can:
>
> * Prepare [homemade meals for your pet](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/real-food-for-healthy-dogs-and-cats-cookbook.aspx) – just make absolutely sure they are well-balanced nutritionally.
> * Purchase one or more of the excellent [commercially available](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/05/10/my-top-3-pet-food-picks-from-an-upscale-boutique-shop.aspx), nutritionally complete, human-grade raw or dehydrated food for pets.
> * You can also feed a combination of homemade meals and commercially prepared diets.
>
> If you're not in a position right now to make the leap to real, whole food for your pet, the next best thing is to [gradually upgrade](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2010/07/21/13-pet-foods-ranked-from-great-to-disastrous.aspx) her diet.

Sources:

* [Veterinary Practice News March 6, 2012](http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/web-exclusives/therapeutic-diets-improving-pets-quality-of-life.aspx)


**Related Articles:**

&nbsp_place_holder; [You Asked For It... The 3 BEST Pet Foods You Can Buy](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/05/10/my-top-3-pet-food-picks-from-an-upscale-boutique-shop.aspx)

&nbsp_place_holder; [Saying No to Poor Quality Pet Food... Even When It's Recommended by Your Vet](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/03/09/nutrition-the-fifth-vital-assessment.aspx)

&nbsp_place_holder; [This Tiny Segment of the Pet Food Market is Showing Remarkable Growth](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/02/08/alternative-pet-diet-trend.aspx)

[**&nbsp_place_holder;Comments&nbsp_place_holder;(18)](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/11/30/avoid-veterinary-diets.aspx?ShowAllComments=True#comments)**

URL: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/11/30/avoid-veterinary-diets.aspx

Preventing Oral Disease in Your Aging Pet

**By Dr. Becker**

> According to Dr. Brooke Niemiec, diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College and a fellow of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry, oral/dental disease is the number one medical problem among pets today, with over 70 percent of dogs and cats suffering some form of periodontal disease by the age of two.
>
> This epidemic of oral disease in pets is because most dogs and cats don't receive regular home and/or professional dental care, and they don't show signs of discomfort or pain until oral disease is pronounced.

## Oral Disease Isn't Just About Your Pet's Mouth

> Studies have linked periodontal disease in both humans and pets to systemic diseases of the kidneys and liver, heart disease, lung disease, diabetes complications, problems during pregnancy, and even cancer.
>
> These serious health concerns develop or are made worse by the constant presence of oral bacteria flushing into the bloodstream through inflamed or bleeding gum tissue. The good news is that many of these conditions improve once the dental disease is resolved and good oral hygiene is maintained.
>
> In addition to systemic diseases, infections in the mouth and gums often create other problems including tooth root abscesses, jaw fractures, nasal infection, eye loss and oral cancer.
>
> There are also a number of other painful conditions of the mouth including cavities, broken teeth, orthodontic disease, and in cats, [tooth resorption](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/01/17/teeth-resorption.aspx), an extremely painful condition in which the kitty's immune system attacks its own teeth.
>
> Obviously, mouth problems are not something to be taken lightly by veterinarians or pet owners. Left untreated, oral disease can significantly impact both the quality and quantity of your pet's life.

## Older Pets Have Higher Risk of Painful Mouth Conditions

> Unfortunately, the risk of painful mouth conditions – in particular, gum disease, tooth resorption and oral cancer – is dramatically increased for older dogs and cats. This means that for your senior or geriatric pet, proper dental care is critically important.
>
> Daily homecare and as-needed professional cleanings by your veterinarian are the best way to keep your pet's mouth healthy and disease-free. They are also important for pets with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and kidney failure.
>
> Veterinary dental cleanings do, of course, require general [anesthesia](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/09/08/when-pet-go-under-anesthesia.aspx). Nonprofessional dental scaling (NPDS), also known as [anesthesia-free dentistry](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/11/24/anesthesia-free-dentistry-risks.aspx), isn't a substitute. A truly thorough oral exam and cleaning can't be accomplished on a pet who is awake. It's dangerous to use sharp instruments in the mouth of a conscious animal, and needless to say, the procedure is very stressful for the pet.

## Anesthesia and Older Pets

> While many pet parents, especially those with an older dog or cat, are very anxious about anesthesia, it is actually safe when performed appropriately and at [current standards](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/04/18/new-guidelines-for-anesthesia-for-cats-and-dogs.aspx).
>
> Many pet owners believe their dog or cat is simply too old for anesthesia – this is a very common misconception among not only pet parents, but also many veterinarians. Age itself is not a disease, so if your pet is otherwise healthy, his age won't increase his risk of anesthetic complications.
>
> The reason dogs and cats past a certain age are approached more cautiously for anesthesia is because older pets are more likely to have a systemic illness. That's why additional tests are run on older dogs and cats prior to scheduling procedures requiring anesthesia. These tests usually include a complete blood panel, urinalysis, and chest x-rays and a [BNP test](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2010/06/02/the-silent-pet-killer-that-you-can-now-avoid.aspx) which checks for some types of heart disease.
>
> If your pet's test results show no problems with her general health, there is no increased risk for anesthesia. And even if there are some borderline numbers in an animal's test results, we must weigh the benefits of creating and maintaining good oral health against the potential risks associated with anesthesia.
>
> A well-trained, skilled and experienced veterinary staff, following the most current standards of practice, can safely anesthetize senior and geriatric pets, as well as pets with significant systemic disease. By using the latest anesthetic monitoring equipment, pets can benefit from the same diagnostics as people undergoing anesthesia. Make sure to check with your vet about how anesthetic monitoring is performed during your pet's procedure and recovery period.

## Tips for Keeping Your Dog's or Cat's Mouth Clean and Healthy

> Ideally, you'll be able to avoid anesthesia for your pet as much as possible by performing home dental care throughout his life. According to Dr. Niemiec, plaque forms on your dog's or cat's teeth within 24 hours, which is why daily brushing is highly recommended. For help getting started brushing your cat's teeth, view my instructional [video](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/09/20/brushing-your-cats-teeth.aspx). A video for dog owners can be found [here](http://video.about.com/vetmedicine/How-to-Brush-a-Dog-s-Teeth.htm).
>
> Other tips for keeping your pet's mouth healthy:
>
> * [Feed a species appropriate, preferably raw diet](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/02/15/raw-meat-the-best-and-healthiest-diet-for-pet-cats-and-dogs.aspx). Giving your dog or cat the food her body was designed to eat sets the stage for vibrant good health. When your pet gnaws on raw meat, in particular, it acts as a kind of natural toothbrush. This is especially important for kitties, since they don't enjoy chew bones like their canine counterparts do. Raw fed animals have substantially less dental disease than their dry fed counterparts, but they can still develop problems in their mouth. Unfortunately, feeding great food alone is not always enough to prevent dental disease for the life of your raw fed pet.
> * Offer recreational, raw bones. Offering your pet raw knuckle bones to gnaw on can help remove tartar the old fashioned way -- by grinding it off through mechanical chewing. There are some rules to offering raw bones (not for pets with pancreatitis, diseases of the mouth, weak or fractured teeth, resource guarders, "gulpers," etc.) so ask your holistic vet if raw bones would be a good "toothbrush" for your dog. I recommend offering a raw bone about the same size as your pet's head to prevent tooth fractures.
> * If your dog cannot or should not chew recreational raw bones, I recommend you offer a fully digestible, high quality dental dog chew like [Mercola Healthy Pets Dog Dental Bones](http://articles.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/dog-dental-bones.aspx). If your dog is getting up in years or has sensitive teeth, consider the [Mercola Gentle Dental Bone](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/gentle-dental-bone.aspx) to help control plaque and tartar. The effect is similar to chewing raw bones, but safer for powerful chewers or dogs that have had restorative dental work done, and can't chew raw bones.
> * Perform routine [mouth inspections](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2009/11/07/how-to-perform-a-home-physical-exam-on-your-pet.aspx). Your pet should allow you to open his mouth, look inside, and feel around for loose teeth or unusual lumps or bumps on the tongue, under the tongue, along the gum line and on the roof of his mouth. After you do this a few times, you'll become sensitive to any changes that might occur from one inspection to the next. You should also make note of any differences in the smell of your pet's breath that aren't diet-related.
> * Arrange for regular oral exams performed by your veterinarian. He or she will alert you to any existing or potential problems in your pet's mouth, and recommend professional teeth cleaning under anesthesia, if necessary. Obviously, preventing professional intervention is the goal, so be proactive in caring for your pet's mouth.

Sources:

* [Veterinary Practice News October 2, 2012](http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/vet-education-series/dental-care-for-geriatric-pets.aspx)


**Related Articles:**

&nbsp_place_holder; [Preventing Dental Disease in Pets](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/03/10/keeping-your-pet-dogs-mouth-healthy.aspx)

&nbsp_place_holder; [Does Your Pet Have a Dirty Mouth?](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/04/23/pets-gum-disease.aspx)

&nbsp_place_holder; [This is One Dental Disease You Don't Want to Trifle With](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/02/06/dr-becker-discusses-feline-stomatitis.aspx)

[**&nbsp_place_holder;Comments&nbsp_place_holder;(32)](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/11/28/oral-disease.aspx?ShowAllComments=True#comments)**

URL: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/11/28/oral-disease.aspx

Travel: See knights battle while you eat

The moment the white Andalusian stallion flies out of the gates, everyone's eyes are on it.

URL: http://www.topix.com/pets/2012/11/travel-see-knights-battle-while-you-eat?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-9684cabdcca8eb027dfec45618de8307

Can You Guess the First 5 Ingredients in This Popular Veterinary Diet?

**By Dr. Becker**

> It was just a matter of time before manufacturers of "therapeutic" pet foods realized they were leaving money on the table by not offering a veterinary diet for healthy pets.
>
> These companies have been primarily involved in producing formulas to "treat" specific health conditions in dogs and cats – everything from obesity to kidney failure to old age. Of course, many of these health conditions were created or exacerbated by low quality pet food in the first place – pet food made by the same companies who also produce therapeutic formulas.
>
> But as the subject of nutrition-as-preventive medicine becomes a greater focus in the veterinary community – and as the U.S. pet obesity numbers continue to skyrocket -- DVM's can be expected to discuss diet more often with their clients.
>
> The manufacturers of therapeutic pet foods see a huge opportunity to expand their product lines to include veterinary formulas marketed to the owners of healthy pets.

## New Veterinary Diets Claim to "Keep Healthy Pets Healthy"

> The article in Veterinary Practice News linked below mentions that a well-known manufacturer of therapeutic pet food is launching a new line of veterinary formulas _"designed to keep healthy pets healthy."_
>
> I haven't been able to uncover any information on the ingredients in this new line of foods. However, I was able to easily locate the ingredients in other veterinary formulas made by the same company. Those of you who read here regularly will immediately recognize the very poor quality of these dog foods …
>
> * The first five ingredients in their dry "dental" diet are rice, chicken meal, corn, brown rice and chicken fat. According to dogfoodanalysis.com: _"Overall, this product appears to be primarily a collection of low quality grain fragments, with precious little meat content."_
> * The first five ingredients in their low fat canned food for dogs with GI issues: water sufficient for processing, pork by-products, corn grits, rice flour, powdered cellulose.
> * The first five ingredients in their "satiety support" dry dog food: powdered cellulose, chicken meal, corn, wheat gluten, wheat.
>
> I also checked the ingredient lists of a few of their retail (non-veterinary) formulas, and they are very similar in terms of quality. I think we can safely assume the new formulas "designed to keep healthy pets healthy" will be similarly biologically inappropriate.
>
> The fact is, pet foods containing garbage ingredients like most of those mentioned above, will not keep healthy pets healthy. Because they are the _opposite_ of species-appropriate nutrition for dogs and cats, they will simply create more ill health and obesity – just like the vast majority of poor quality processed junk pet food on the market today.

## Veterinary Junk Diets for Overweight Pets

> The Veterinary Practice News article also mentions veterinary formulas and their use with overweight pets:
>
>> _Therapeutic diets can play a key role in preventing an overweight dog or cat from gaining more weight and also minimize caloric intake, which is frequently the predominant cause of obesity. However, owners have to respect the serious health risks associated with extra weight in order to become dedicated to a new food for their pet._
>
> The article talks about Mabel, a fantastically overweight Beagle who is being fed a prescription diet containing the following allergenic filler ingredients in the first five spots on the list:
>
> * Whole grain corn
> * Corn gluten meal
> * Chicken by-product meal
> * Soybean mill run
> * Powdered cellulose
>
> Mabel – who has her own [Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mabel/332532756771682) page – is also receiving physical therapy and will begin a walking program as soon as she's lost enough weight to be able to move more comfortably.
>
> Poor Mabel. I wish her well on her junk food diet.
>
> Below is a picture one of my Beagle patients, Cal. Cal was a rescue who arrived at his new home obese and depressed (top image). The lower image is Cal today, after his mom switched him to a balanced, species-appropriate [raw food](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/02/15/raw-meat-the-best-and-healthiest-diet-for-pet-cats-and-dogs.aspx) diet. The weight just naturally fell away once Cal started eating the right kinds of real, whole food, and as you can see from the lower photo, his body condition is excellent.
>
> 

## Keeping Healthy Pets Healthy Through Nutrition

> Keeping your dog or cat healthy certainly doesn't involve feeding costly, poor quality "therapeutic" food sold by your veterinarian.
>
> It involves feeding wholesome, species-appropriate food that is nutritionally balanced.
>
> Dogs and cats evolved to consume living, unprocessed foods. They have consumed a variety of small prey for thousands of years. Maintaining your pet on a diet of completely cooked and refined foods has a negative impact on her health.
>
> To insure you're offering your pet truly healthy food, you can:
>
> * Prepare [homemade meals for your pet](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/real-food-for-healthy-dogs-and-cats-cookbook.aspx) – just make absolutely sure they are well-balanced nutritionally.
> * Purchase one or more of the excellent [commercially available](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/05/10/my-top-3-pet-food-picks-from-an-upscale-boutique-shop.aspx), nutritionally complete, human-grade raw or dehydrated food for pets.
> * You can also feed a combination of homemade meals and commercially prepared diets.
>
> If you're not in a position right now to make the leap to real, whole food for your pet, the next best thing is to [gradually upgrade](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2010/07/21/13-pet-foods-ranked-from-great-to-disastrous.aspx) her diet.

Sources:

* [Veterinary Practice News March 6, 2012](http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/web-exclusives/therapeutic-diets-improving-pets-quality-of-life.aspx)


**Related Articles:**

&nbsp_place_holder; [You Asked For It... The 3 BEST Pet Foods You Can Buy](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/05/10/my-top-3-pet-food-picks-from-an-upscale-boutique-shop.aspx)

&nbsp_place_holder; [Saying No to Poor Quality Pet Food... Even When It's Recommended by Your Vet](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/03/09/nutrition-the-fifth-vital-assessment.aspx)

&nbsp_place_holder; [This Tiny Segment of the Pet Food Market is Showing Remarkable Growth](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/02/08/alternative-pet-diet-trend.aspx)

[**&nbsp_place_holder;Comments&nbsp_place_holder;(16)](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/11/30/avoid-veterinary-diets.aspx?ShowAllComments=True#comments)**

URL: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/11/30/avoid-veterinary-diets.aspx

The Holiday Pets Gift Guide makes it's third annual debut

This year, this virtual shopper brings readers the best-of-the-best in the pet-care industry, including dogs, cats, birds, fish, small mammals, veterinary universities, day care centers, veterinarians, books, DVDs, seminar series, and so much more.

URL: http://www.topix.com/pets/2012/11/the-holiday-pets-gift-guide-makes-its-third-annual-debut?fromrss=1

10 Common Myths About Cats

**Related Articles:**



&nbsp_place_holder; [Cats Are Better Drinkers than Dogs](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/01/04/differences-between-pet-cats-and-pet-dogs.aspx)

&nbsp_place_holder; [Maybe NOW More Cat Parents Will Make the Switch from Dry Food](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/02/17/dry-food-wrong-for-cats.aspx)

&nbsp_place_holder; [Walking Your Cat](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/03/07/walking-your-pet-cat.aspx)



[**&nbsp_place_holder;Comments&nbsp_place_holder;(3)](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/11/30/common-cat-myths.aspx?ShowAllComments=True#comments)**

URL: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/11/30/common-cat-myths.aspx

Opossum Snacking on a Strawberry

This is a lovely little opossum a couple found hiding in their garage. She was too little to make it on her own, so she wound up a member of their family. She loves strawberries and scratches!




[**&nbsp_place_holder;Comments&nbsp_place_holder;(4)](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/11/30/opossum-snacking-on-a-strawberry.aspx?ShowAllComments=True#comments)**

URL: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/11/30/opossum-snacking-on-a-strawberry.aspx

Preventing Oral Disease in Your Aging Pet

**By Dr. Becker**

> According to Dr. Brooke Niemiec, diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College and a fellow of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry, oral/dental disease is the number one medical problem among pets today, with over 70 percent of dogs and cats suffering some form of periodontal disease by the age of two.
>
> This epidemic of oral disease in pets is because most dogs and cats don't receive regular home and/or professional dental care, and they don't show signs of discomfort or pain until oral disease is pronounced.

## Oral Disease Isn't Just About Your Pet's Mouth

> Studies have linked periodontal disease in both humans and pets to systemic diseases of the kidneys and liver, heart disease, lung disease, diabetes complications, problems during pregnancy, and even cancer.
>
> These serious health concerns develop or are made worse by the constant presence of oral bacteria flushing into the bloodstream through inflamed or bleeding gum tissue. The good news is that many of these conditions improve once the dental disease is resolved and good oral hygiene is maintained.
>
> In addition to systemic diseases, infections in the mouth and gums often create other problems including tooth root abscesses, jaw fractures, nasal infection, eye loss and oral cancer.
>
> There are also a number of other painful conditions of the mouth including cavities, broken teeth, orthodontic disease, and in cats, [tooth resorption](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/01/17/teeth-resorption.aspx), an extremely painful condition in which the kitty's immune system attacks its own teeth.
>
> Obviously, mouth problems are not something to be taken lightly by veterinarians or pet owners. Left untreated, oral disease can significantly impact both the quality and quantity of your pet's life.

## Older Pets Have Higher Risk of Painful Mouth Conditions

> Unfortunately, the risk of painful mouth conditions – in particular, gum disease, tooth resorption and oral cancer – is dramatically increased for older dogs and cats. This means that for your senior or geriatric pet, proper dental care is critically important.
>
> Daily homecare and as-needed professional cleanings by your veterinarian are the best way to keep your pet's mouth healthy and disease-free. They are also important for pets with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and kidney failure.
>
> Veterinary dental cleanings do, of course, require general [anesthesia](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/09/08/when-pet-go-under-anesthesia.aspx). Nonprofessional dental scaling (NPDS), also known as [anesthesia-free dentistry](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/11/24/anesthesia-free-dentistry-risks.aspx), isn't a substitute. A truly thorough oral exam and cleaning can't be accomplished on a pet who is awake. It's dangerous to use sharp instruments in the mouth of a conscious animal, and needless to say, the procedure is very stressful for the pet.

## Anesthesia and Older Pets

> While many pet parents, especially those with an older dog or cat, are very anxious about anesthesia, it is actually safe when performed appropriately and at [current standards](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/04/18/new-guidelines-for-anesthesia-for-cats-and-dogs.aspx).
>
> Many pet owners believe their dog or cat is simply too old for anesthesia – this is a very common misconception among not only pet parents, but also many veterinarians. Age itself is not a disease, so if your pet is otherwise healthy, his age won't increase his risk of anesthetic complications.
>
> The reason dogs and cats past a certain age are approached more cautiously for anesthesia is because older pets are more likely to have a systemic illness. That's why additional tests are run on older dogs and cats prior to scheduling procedures requiring anesthesia. These tests usually include a complete blood panel, urinalysis, and chest x-rays and a [BNP test](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2010/06/02/the-silent-pet-killer-that-you-can-now-avoid.aspx) which checks for some types of heart disease.
>
> If your pet's test results show no problems with her general health, there is no increased risk for anesthesia. And even if there are some borderline numbers in an animal's test results, we must weigh the benefits of creating and maintaining good oral health against the potential risks associated with anesthesia.
>
> A well-trained, skilled and experienced veterinary staff, following the most current standards of practice, can safely anesthetize senior and geriatric pets, as well as pets with significant systemic disease. By using the latest anesthetic monitoring equipment, pets can benefit from the same diagnostics as people undergoing anesthesia. Make sure to check with your vet about how anesthetic monitoring is performed during your pet's procedure and recovery period.

## Tips for Keeping Your Dog's or Cat's Mouth Clean and Healthy

> Ideally, you'll be able to avoid anesthesia for your pet as much as possible by performing home dental care throughout his life. According to Dr. Niemiec, plaque forms on your dog's or cat's teeth within 24 hours, which is why daily brushing is highly recommended. For help getting started brushing your cat's teeth, view my instructional [video](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/09/20/brushing-your-cats-teeth.aspx). A video for dog owners can be found [here](http://video.about.com/vetmedicine/How-to-Brush-a-Dog-s-Teeth.htm).
>
> Other tips for keeping your pet's mouth healthy:
>
> * [Feed a species appropriate, preferably raw diet](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/02/15/raw-meat-the-best-and-healthiest-diet-for-pet-cats-and-dogs.aspx). Giving your dog or cat the food her body was designed to eat sets the stage for vibrant good health. When your pet gnaws on raw meat, in particular, it acts as a kind of natural toothbrush. This is especially important for kitties, since they don't enjoy chew bones like their canine counterparts do. Raw fed animals have substantially less dental disease than their dry fed counterparts, but they can still develop problems in their mouth. Unfortunately, feeding great food alone is not always enough to prevent dental disease for the life of your raw fed pet.
> * Offer recreational, raw bones. Offering your pet raw knuckle bones to gnaw on can help remove tartar the old fashioned way -- by grinding it off through mechanical chewing. There are some rules to offering raw bones (not for pets with pancreatitis, diseases of the mouth, weak or fractured teeth, resource guarders, "gulpers," etc.) so ask your holistic vet if raw bones would be a good "toothbrush" for your dog. I recommend offering a raw bone about the same size as your pet's head to prevent tooth fractures.
> * If your dog cannot or should not chew recreational raw bones, I recommend you offer a fully digestible, high quality dental dog chew like [Mercola Healthy Pets Dog Dental Bones](http://articles.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/dog-dental-bones.aspx). If your dog is getting up in years or has sensitive teeth, consider the [Mercola Gentle Dental Bone](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/gentle-dental-bone.aspx) to help control plaque and tartar. The effect is similar to chewing raw bones, but safer for powerful chewers or dogs that have had restorative dental work done, and can't chew raw bones.
> * Perform routine [mouth inspections](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2009/11/07/how-to-perform-a-home-physical-exam-on-your-pet.aspx). Your pet should allow you to open his mouth, look inside, and feel around for loose teeth or unusual lumps or bumps on the tongue, under the tongue, along the gum line and on the roof of his mouth. After you do this a few times, you'll become sensitive to any changes that might occur from one inspection to the next. You should also make note of any differences in the smell of your pet's breath that aren't diet-related.
> * Arrange for regular oral exams performed by your veterinarian. He or she will alert you to any existing or potential problems in your pet's mouth, and recommend professional teeth cleaning under anesthesia, if necessary. Obviously, preventing professional intervention is the goal, so be proactive in caring for your pet's mouth.

Sources:

* [Veterinary Practice News October 2, 2012](http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/vet-education-series/dental-care-for-geriatric-pets.aspx)


**Related Articles:**

&nbsp_place_holder; [Preventing Dental Disease in Pets](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/03/10/keeping-your-pet-dogs-mouth-healthy.aspx)

&nbsp_place_holder; [Does Your Pet Have a Dirty Mouth?](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/04/23/pets-gum-disease.aspx)

&nbsp_place_holder; [This is One Dental Disease You Don't Want to Trifle With](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/02/06/dr-becker-discusses-feline-stomatitis.aspx)

[**&nbsp_place_holder;Comments&nbsp_place_holder;(30)](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/11/28/oral-disease.aspx?ShowAllComments=True#comments)**

URL: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/11/28/oral-disease.aspx

Can You Guess the First 5 Ingredients in This Popular Veterinary Diet?

**By Dr. Becker**

> It was just a matter of time before manufacturers of "therapeutic" pet foods realized they were leaving money on the table by not offering a veterinary diet for healthy pets.
>
> These companies have been primarily involved in producing formulas to "treat" specific health conditions in dogs and cats – everything from obesity to kidney failure to old age. Of course, many of these health conditions were created or exacerbated by low quality pet food in the first place – pet food made by the same companies who also produce therapeutic formulas.
>
> But as the subject of nutrition-as-preventive medicine becomes a greater focus in the veterinary community – and as the U.S. pet obesity numbers continue to skyrocket -- DVM's can be expected to discuss diet more often with their clients.
>
> The manufacturers of therapeutic pet foods see a huge opportunity to expand their product lines to include veterinary formulas marketed to the owners of healthy pets.

## New Veterinary Diets Claim to "Keep Healthy Pets Healthy"

> The article in Veterinary Practice News linked below mentions that a well-known manufacturer of therapeutic pet food is launching a new line of veterinary formulas _"designed to keep healthy pets healthy."_
>
> I haven't been able to uncover any information on the ingredients in this new line of foods. However, I was able to easily locate the ingredients in other veterinary formulas made by the same company. Those of you who read here regularly will immediately recognize the very poor quality of these dog foods …
>
> * The first five ingredients in their dry "dental" diet are rice, chicken meal, corn, brown rice and chicken fat. According to dogfoodanalysis.com: _"Overall, this product appears to be primarily a collection of low quality grain fragments, with precious little meat content."_
> * The first five ingredients in their low fat canned food for dogs with GI issues: water sufficient for processing, pork by-products, corn grits, rice flour, powdered cellulose.
> * The first five ingredients in their "satiety support" dry dog food: powdered cellulose, chicken meal, corn, wheat gluten, wheat.
>
> I also checked the ingredient lists of a few of their retail (non-veterinary) formulas, and they are very similar in terms of quality. I think we can safely assume the new formulas "designed to keep healthy pets healthy" will be similarly biologically inappropriate.
>
> The fact is, pet foods containing garbage ingredients like most of those mentioned above, will not keep healthy pets healthy. Because they are the _opposite_ of species-appropriate nutrition for dogs and cats, they will simply create more ill health and obesity – just like the vast majority of poor quality processed junk pet food on the market today.

## Veterinary Junk Diets for Overweight Pets

> The Veterinary Practice News article also mentions veterinary formulas and their use with overweight pets:
>
>> _Therapeutic diets can play a key role in preventing an overweight dog or cat from gaining more weight and also minimize caloric intake, which is frequently the predominant cause of obesity. However, owners have to respect the serious health risks associated with extra weight in order to become dedicated to a new food for their pet._
>
> The article talks about Mabel, a fantastically overweight Beagle who is being fed a prescription diet containing the following allergenic filler ingredients in the first five spots on the list:
>
> * Whole grain corn
> * Corn gluten meal
> * Chicken by-product meal
> * Soybean mill run
> * Powdered cellulose
>
> Mabel – who has her own [Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mabel/332532756771682) page – is also receiving physical therapy and will begin a walking program as soon as she's lost enough weight to be able to move more comfortably.
>
> Poor Mabel. I wish her well on her junk food diet.
>
> Below is a picture one of my Beagle patients, Cal. Cal was a rescue who arrived at his new home obese and depressed (top image). The lower image is Cal today, after his mom switched him to a balanced, species-appropriate [raw food](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/02/15/raw-meat-the-best-and-healthiest-diet-for-pet-cats-and-dogs.aspx) diet. The weight just naturally fell away once Cal started eating the right kinds of real, whole food, and as you can see from the lower photo, his body condition is excellent.
>
> 

## Keeping Healthy Pets Healthy Through Nutrition

> Keeping your dog or cat healthy certainly doesn't involve feeding costly, poor quality "therapeutic" food sold by your veterinarian.
>
> It involves feeding wholesome, species-appropriate food that is nutritionally balanced.
>
> Dogs and cats evolved to consume living, unprocessed foods. They have consumed a variety of small prey for thousands of years. Maintaining your pet on a diet of completely cooked and refined foods has a negative impact on her health.
>
> To insure you're offering your pet truly healthy food, you can:
>
> * Prepare [homemade meals for your pet](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/real-food-for-healthy-dogs-and-cats-cookbook.aspx) – just make absolutely sure they are well-balanced nutritionally.
> * Purchase one or more of the excellent [commercially available](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/05/10/my-top-3-pet-food-picks-from-an-upscale-boutique-shop.aspx), nutritionally complete, human-grade raw or dehydrated food for pets.
> * You can also feed a combination of homemade meals and commercially prepared diets.
>
> If you're not in a position right now to make the leap to real, whole food for your pet, the next best thing is to [gradually upgrade](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2010/07/21/13-pet-foods-ranked-from-great-to-disastrous.aspx) her diet.

Sources:

* [Veterinary Practice News March 6, 2012](http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/web-exclusives/therapeutic-diets-improving-pets-quality-of-life.aspx)


**Related Articles:**

&nbsp_place_holder; [You Asked For It... The 3 BEST Pet Foods You Can Buy](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/05/10/my-top-3-pet-food-picks-from-an-upscale-boutique-shop.aspx)

&nbsp_place_holder; [Saying No to Poor Quality Pet Food... Even When It's Recommended by Your Vet](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/03/09/nutrition-the-fifth-vital-assessment.aspx)

&nbsp_place_holder; [This Tiny Segment of the Pet Food Market is Showing Remarkable Growth](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/02/08/alternative-pet-diet-trend.aspx)

[**&nbsp_place_holder;Comments&nbsp_place_holder;(15)](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/11/30/avoid-veterinary-diets.aspx?ShowAllComments=True#comments)**

URL: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/11/30/avoid-veterinary-diets.aspx

Can You Guess the First 5 Ingredients in This Popular Veterinary Diet?

**By Dr. Becker**

> It was just a matter of time before manufacturers of "therapeutic" pet foods realized they were leaving money on the table by not offering a veterinary diet for healthy pets.
>
> These companies have been primarily involved in producing formulas to "treat" specific health conditions in dogs and cats – everything from obesity to kidney failure to old age. Of course, many of these health conditions were created or exacerbated by low quality pet food in the first place – pet food made by the same companies who also produce therapeutic formulas.
>
> But as the subject of nutrition-as-preventive medicine becomes a greater focus in the veterinary community – and as the U.S. pet obesity numbers continue to skyrocket -- DVM's can be expected to discuss diet more often with their clients.
>
> The manufacturers of therapeutic pet foods see a huge opportunity to expand their product lines to include veterinary formulas marketed to the owners of healthy pets.

## New Veterinary Diets Claim to "Keep Healthy Pets Healthy"

> The article in Veterinary Practice News linked below mentions that a well-known manufacturer of therapeutic pet food is launching a new line of veterinary formulas _"designed to keep healthy pets healthy."_
>
> I haven't been able to uncover any information on the ingredients in this new line of foods. However, I was able to easily locate the ingredients in other veterinary formulas made by the same company. Those of you who read here regularly will immediately recognize the very poor quality of these dog foods …
>
> * The first five ingredients in their dry "dental" diet are rice, chicken meal, corn, brown rice and chicken fat. According to dogfoodanalysis.com: _"Overall, this product appears to be primarily a collection of low quality grain fragments, with precious little meat content."_
> * The first five ingredients in their low fat canned food for dogs with GI issues: water sufficient for processing, pork by-products, corn grits, rice flour, powdered cellulose.
> * The first five ingredients in their "satiety support" dry dog food: powdered cellulose, chicken meal, corn, wheat gluten, wheat.
>
> I also checked the ingredient lists of a few of their retail (non-veterinary) formulas, and they are very similar in terms of quality. I think we can safely assume the new formulas "designed to keep healthy pets healthy" will be similarly biologically inappropriate.
>
> The fact is, pet foods containing garbage ingredients like most of those mentioned above, will not keep healthy pets healthy. Because they are the _opposite_ of species-appropriate nutrition for dogs and cats, they will simply create more ill health and obesity – just like the vast majority of poor quality processed junk pet food on the market today.

## Veterinary Junk Diets for Overweight Pets

> The Veterinary Practice News article also mentions veterinary formulas and their use with overweight pets:
>
>> _Therapeutic diets can play a key role in preventing an overweight dog or cat from gaining more weight and also minimize caloric intake, which is frequently the predominant cause of obesity. However, owners have to respect the serious health risks associated with extra weight in order to become dedicated to a new food for their pet._
>
> The article talks about Mabel, a fantastically overweight Beagle who is being fed a prescription diet containing the following allergenic filler ingredients in the first five spots on the list:
>
> * Whole grain corn
> * Corn gluten meal
> * Chicken by-product meal
> * Soybean mill run
> * Powdered cellulose
>
> Mabel – who has her own [Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mabel/332532756771682) page – is also receiving physical therapy and will begin a walking program as soon as she's lost enough weight to be able to move more comfortably.
>
> Poor Mabel. I wish her well on her junk food diet.
>
> Below is a picture one of my Beagle patients, Cal. Cal was a rescue who arrived at his new home obese and depressed (top image). The lower image is Cal today, after his mom switched him to a balanced, species-appropriate [raw food](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/02/15/raw-meat-the-best-and-healthiest-diet-for-pet-cats-and-dogs.aspx) diet. The weight just naturally fell away once Cal started eating the right kinds of real, whole food, and as you can see from the lower photo, his body condition is excellent.
>
> 

## Keeping Healthy Pets Healthy Through Nutrition

> Keeping your dog or cat healthy certainly doesn't involve feeding costly, poor quality "therapeutic" food sold by your veterinarian.
>
> It involves feeding wholesome, species-appropriate food that is nutritionally balanced.
>
> Dogs and cats evolved to consume living, unprocessed foods. They have consumed a variety of small prey for thousands of years. Maintaining your pet on a diet of completely cooked and refined foods has a negative impact on her health.
>
> To insure you're offering your pet truly healthy food, you can:
>
> * Prepare [homemade meals for your pet](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/real-food-for-healthy-dogs-and-cats-cookbook.aspx) – just make absolutely sure they are well-balanced nutritionally.
> * Purchase one or more of the excellent [commercially available](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/05/10/my-top-3-pet-food-picks-from-an-upscale-boutique-shop.aspx), nutritionally complete, human-grade raw or dehydrated food for pets.
> * You can also feed a combination of homemade meals and commercially prepared diets.
>
> If you're not in a position right now to make the leap to real, whole food for your pet, the next best thing is to [gradually upgrade](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2010/07/21/13-pet-foods-ranked-from-great-to-disastrous.aspx) her diet.

Sources:

* [Veterinary Practice News March 6, 2012](http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/web-exclusives/therapeutic-diets-improving-pets-quality-of-life.aspx)


**Related Articles:**

&nbsp_place_holder; [You Asked For It... The 3 BEST Pet Foods You Can Buy](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/05/10/my-top-3-pet-food-picks-from-an-upscale-boutique-shop.aspx)

&nbsp_place_holder; [Saying No to Poor Quality Pet Food... Even When It's Recommended by Your Vet](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/03/09/nutrition-the-fifth-vital-assessment.aspx)

&nbsp_place_holder; [This Tiny Segment of the Pet Food Market is Showing Remarkable Growth](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/02/08/alternative-pet-diet-trend.aspx)

[**&nbsp_place_holder;Comments&nbsp_place_holder;(13)](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/11/30/avoid-veterinary-diets.aspx?ShowAllComments=True#comments)**

URL: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/11/30/avoid-veterinary-diets.aspx

Family Displaced And Birds, Pet Chincilla Dead In Va. Fire

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue officials say that 7 people have been displaced after a house fire in Mount Vernon on Thursday afternoon.

URL: http://www.topix.com/pets/2012/11/family-displaced-and-birds-pet-chincilla-dead-in-va-fire?fromrss=1
Enclosure: http://www.topix.com/bigpic/mini-04df1a95864a284fdbdcad0b1e7c94f1

Opossum Snacking on a Strawberry

This is a lovely little opossum a couple found hiding in their garage. She was too little to make it on her own, so she wound up a member of their family. She loves strawberries and scratches!




[**&nbsp_place_holder;Comments&nbsp_place_holder;(3)](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/11/30/opossum-snacking-on-a-strawberry.aspx?ShowAllComments=True#comments)**

URL: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/11/30/opossum-snacking-on-a-strawberry.aspx

Can You Guess the First 5 Ingredients in This Popular Veterinary Diet?

**By Dr. Becker**

> It was just a matter of time before manufacturers of "therapeutic" pet foods realized they were leaving money on the table by not offering a veterinary diet for healthy pets.
>
> These companies have been primarily involved in producing formulas to "treat" specific health conditions in dogs and cats – everything from obesity to kidney failure to old age. Of course, many of these health conditions were created or exacerbated by low quality pet food in the first place – pet food made by the same companies who also produce therapeutic formulas.
>
> But as the subject of nutrition-as-preventive medicine becomes a greater focus in the veterinary community – and as the U.S. pet obesity numbers continue to skyrocket -- DVM's can be expected to discuss diet more often with their clients.
>
> The manufacturers of therapeutic pet foods see a huge opportunity to expand their product lines to include veterinary formulas marketed to the owners of healthy pets.

## New Veterinary Diets Claim to "Keep Healthy Pets Healthy"

> The article in Veterinary Practice News linked below mentions that a well-known manufacturer of therapeutic pet food is launching a new line of veterinary formulas _"designed to keep healthy pets healthy."_
>
> I haven't been able to uncover any information on the ingredients in this new line of foods. However, I was able to easily locate the ingredients in other veterinary formulas made by the same company. Those of you who read here regularly will immediately recognize the very poor quality of these dog foods …
>
> * The first five ingredients in their dry "dental" diet are rice, chicken meal, corn, brown rice and chicken fat. According to dogfoodanalysis.com: _"Overall, this product appears to be primarily a collection of low quality grain fragments, with precious little meat content."_
> * The first five ingredients in their low fat canned food for dogs with GI issues: water sufficient for processing, pork by-products, corn grits, rice flour, powdered cellulose.
> * The first five ingredients in their "satiety support" dry dog food: powdered cellulose, chicken meal, corn, wheat gluten, wheat.
>
> I also checked the ingredient lists of a few of their retail (non-veterinary) formulas, and they are very similar in terms of quality. I think we can safely assume the new formulas "designed to keep healthy pets healthy" will be similarly biologically inappropriate.
>
> The fact is, pet foods containing garbage ingredients like most of those mentioned above, will not keep healthy pets healthy. Because they are the _opposite_ of species-appropriate nutrition for dogs and cats, they will simply create more ill health and obesity – just like the vast majority of poor quality processed junk pet food on the market today.

## Veterinary Junk Diets for Overweight Pets

> The Veterinary Practice News article also mentions veterinary formulas and their use with overweight pets:
>
>> _Therapeutic diets can play a key role in preventing an overweight dog or cat from gaining more weight and also minimize caloric intake, which is frequently the predominant cause of obesity. However, owners have to respect the serious health risks associated with extra weight in order to become dedicated to a new food for their pet._
>
> The article talks about Mabel, a fantastically overweight Beagle who is being fed a prescription diet containing the following allergenic filler ingredients in the first five spots on the list:
>
> * Whole grain corn
> * Corn gluten meal
> * Chicken by-product meal
> * Soybean mill run
> * Powdered cellulose
>
> Mabel – who has her own [Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mabel/332532756771682) page – is also receiving physical therapy and will begin a walking program as soon as she's lost enough weight to be able to move more comfortably.
>
> Poor Mabel. I wish her well on her junk food diet.
>
> Below is a picture one of my Beagle patients, Cal. Cal was a rescue who arrived at his new home obese and depressed (top image). The lower image is Cal today, after his mom switched him to a balanced, species-appropriate [raw food](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/02/15/raw-meat-the-best-and-healthiest-diet-for-pet-cats-and-dogs.aspx) diet. The weight just naturally fell away once Cal started eating the right kinds of real, whole food, and as you can see from the lower photo, his body condition is excellent.
>
> 

## Keeping Healthy Pets Healthy Through Nutrition

> Keeping your dog or cat healthy certainly doesn't involve feeding costly, poor quality "therapeutic" food sold by your veterinarian.
>
> It involves feeding wholesome, species-appropriate food that is nutritionally balanced.
>
> Dogs and cats evolved to consume living, unprocessed foods. They have consumed a variety of small prey for thousands of years. Maintaining your pet on a diet of completely cooked and refined foods has a negative impact on her health.
>
> To insure you're offering your pet truly healthy food, you can:
>
> * Prepare [homemade meals for your pet](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/real-food-for-healthy-dogs-and-cats-cookbook.aspx) – just make absolutely sure they are well-balanced nutritionally.
> * Purchase one or more of the excellent [commercially available](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/05/10/my-top-3-pet-food-picks-from-an-upscale-boutique-shop.aspx), nutritionally complete, human-grade raw or dehydrated food for pets.
> * You can also feed a combination of homemade meals and commercially prepared diets.
>
> If you're not in a position right now to make the leap to real, whole food for your pet, the next best thing is to [gradually upgrade](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2010/07/21/13-pet-foods-ranked-from-great-to-disastrous.aspx) her diet.

Sources:

* [Veterinary Practice News March 6, 2012](http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/web-exclusives/therapeutic-diets-improving-pets-quality-of-life.aspx)


**Related Articles:**

&nbsp_place_holder; [You Asked For It... The 3 BEST Pet Foods You Can Buy](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/05/10/my-top-3-pet-food-picks-from-an-upscale-boutique-shop.aspx)

&nbsp_place_holder; [Saying No to Poor Quality Pet Food... Even When It's Recommended by Your Vet](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/03/09/nutrition-the-fifth-vital-assessment.aspx)

&nbsp_place_holder; [This Tiny Segment of the Pet Food Market is Showing Remarkable Growth](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/02/08/alternative-pet-diet-trend.aspx)

[**&nbsp_place_holder;Comments&nbsp_place_holder;(9)](http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/11/30/avoid-veterinary-diets.aspx?ShowAllComments=True#comments)**

URL: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/11/30/avoid-veterinary-diets.aspx