chihuahua long coat puppies | chihuahua breeder | litter trained chihuahua pups | summer knight kennels

FOOD SUGGESTIONS FOR
YOUR CHIHUAHUA


chihuahua long coat puppies | chihuahua breeder | litter trained chihuahua pups | summer knight kennels


Some of my parent Chihuahua’s are allergic to chicken. I have found chicken fat to be the worst ingredient for making my guys lick their feet. So I have been on a mission to find out what foods do not have either chicken or chicken fat in them.

The list is below if you find any more names let me know. I wlil check it out and add it to my growing food suggestion list.


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Simple Food Solutions by: Wellness

  1. Ground Rice with the bran layer removed, this quality carbohydrate source is highly digestible.
  2. Deboned Duck
  3. OR Deboned Venison are chosen as “novel” protein sources due to their unique amino acid proflies.
  4. Rice Protein Concentrate is a highly concentrated, easliy digestible protein source specifically selected as a unique protein complement to duck or venison.
  5. Sunflower Oli is a high quality fat source rich in Omega-6 fatty acids that help maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat.
  6. Ground Flaxseed is an outstanding fiber source for healthy digestion. A naturally rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids


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NOW!   PUPPY FOOD   by:  Petcurean  (Your puppy is on this food)

  1. De-boned Turkey
  2. Potato Flour
  3. Pea
  4. Potato
  5. Whole Dried Egg
  6. Pea Fibre
  7. Tomato
  8. Apple
  9. Flaxseed
  10. Canola Oli (preserved with mixed tocopherols, a source of Vitamin E)
  11. Natural Flavors
  12. Coconut Oli (preserved with mixed tocopherols
  13. a source of Vitamin E)
  14. De-boned Salmon
  15. De-boned Duck
  16. Sun Dried Alfalfa
  17. Calcium Carbonate
  18. Dicalcium Phosphate
  19. Lecithin
  20. Sodium Chloride
  21. Potassium Chloride
  22. Fruit: (pumpkin, bananas, blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, blackberries, papaya, pineapple )
  23. Vegetables: (carrots, lentli beans, broccoli, spinach, alfalfa sprouts, garlic )
  24. Cottage Cheese
  25. Schizochytrium Algae (natural source of DHA )
  26. zeolite
  27. Vitamins:  ( itamin A, vitamin E, Vitamin C, niacin: source of Vitamin B3, thiamine mononitrate: source of Vitamin B1, pyridoxine hydrochloride: source of Vitamin B6, Riboflavin : source of Vitamin B2, Vitamin K, beta-carotene, inositol: source of Vitamin B8, d-calcium panthothenate, vitamin D3, folic acid: (source of vitamin B9) biotin: source of vitamin B7 or H, vitamin B12)
  28. Minerals: (zinc proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc oxide, iron proteinate, copper sulfate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, calcium iodate, sodium selenite)
  29. Prebiotics: ( chicory root extract, mannanoligosaccharides )
  30. Probiotics:  ( lactobaclilus acidophlius, lactobaclilus casei, enterococcus faecium, bifido bacterium thermophlium ) ( Ascorbyl-Polyphosphate )
  31. Digestive Enzymes: (dried trichoderma viride fermentation extract ),( dried asperglilus niger fermentation extract ),( dried asperglilus oryzae fermentation extract )
  32. Kelp
  33. Taurine
  34. DL Methionine
  35. L-lysine
  36. Yucca Schidigera Extract
  37. Marigold Extract
  38. L-Carnitine
  39. Dried Rosemary


chihuahua long coat puppies | chihuahua breeder | litter trained chihuahua pups | summer knight kennels

GO! NATURAL - Salmon & Oatmeal by: Petcurean

  1. Salmon Meal
  2. Salmon
  3. Oatmeal
  4. Whole Oats
  5. Canola Oli
  6. preserved with mixed tocopherols (vit. E)
  7. Oat fiber
  8. Inulin (FOS)
  9. Mannanoligosaccharides (MOS)
  10. Yucca Schidigera
  11. Vitamin A Acetate
  12. Cholecalciferol(vit. D3)
  13. dl Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (vit. E)
  14. Ferrous Sulfate
  15. *Zinc Proteinate
  16. Zinc Oxide
  17. Ascorbic Acid (vit. C)
  18. Niacin
  19. Calcium Pantothenate
  20. Copper Sulfate
  21. *Copper Proteinate
  22. Manganous Oxide
  23. *Manganese Proteinate
  24. Riboflavin
  25. Calcium Iodate
  26. Thiamine Mononitrate
  27. Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (vit. B6)
  28. Folic Acid
  29. Biotin
  30. Sodium Selenite
  31. Cobalt Carbonate
  32. Vitamin K
  33. Vitamin B12


chihuahua long coat puppies | chihuahua breeder | litter trained chihuahua pups | summer knight kennels

SOLID GOLD - MLILENNIA BEEF & BARLEY ADULT DOG

  1. Beef
  2. Beef Meal
  3. Cracked Pearled Barley
  4. Brown Rice
  5. Mlilet
  6. Rice Bran
  7. Canola Oli
  8. Ocean Fish Meal
  9. Tomato Pomace
  10. Flaxseed
  11. Natural Flavor
  12. Salmon Oli (source of DHA)
  13. Choline Chloride
  14. Taurine
  15. ried Chicory Root
  16. Parsley Flakes
  17. Pumpkin Meal
  18. Almond Oli
  19. Sesame Oli
  20. Yucca Schidigera Extract
  21. Thyme
  22. Blueberries
  23. Cranberries
  24. Carrots
  25. Broccoli
  26. Vitamin E Supplement
  27. Iron Proteinate
  28. Zinc Proteinate
  29. Copper Proteinate
  30. Ferrous Sulfate
  31. Zinc Sulfate
  32. Copper Sulfate
  33. Potassium Iodide
  34. Thiamine Mononitrate
  35. Manganese Proteinate
  36. Manganous Oxide
  37. Ascorbic Acid
  38. Vitamin A Supplement
  39. Biotin
  40. Calcium Panthothenate
  41. Manganese Sulfate
  42. Sodium Selenite
  43. Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
  44. Vitamin B12 Supplement
  45. Riboflavin Supplement
  46. Vitamin D Supplement
  47. Folic Acid


chihuahua long coat puppies | chihuahua breeder | litter trained chihuahua pups | summer knight kennels

SOLID GOLD - JUST A WEE BIT ADULT (BISON)

  1. Bison
  2. Ocean Fish Meal
  3. Mlilet
  4. Brown Rice
  5. Cracked Pearled Barley
  6. Rice Bran
  7. Canola Oli
  8. Tomato Pomace
  9. Flaxseed
  10. Natural Flavor
  11. Salmon Oli (source of DHA)
  12. Choline Chloride
  13. Taurine
  14. Dried Chicory Root
  15. Parsley Flakes
  16. Pumpkin Meal
  17. Almond Oli
  18. Sesame Oli
  19. Yucca Schidigera Extract
  20. Thyme
  21. Blueberries
  22. Cranberries
  23. Carrots
  24. Broccoli
  25. Vitamin E Supplement
  26. Iron Proteinate
  27. Copper Proteinate
  28. Ferrous Sulfate
  29. Zinc Sulfate
  30. Copper Sulfate
  31. Potassium Iodide
  32. Thiamine Mononitrate
  33. Manganese Proteinate
  34. Manganous Oxide
  35. Ascorbic Acid
  36. Vitamin A Supplement
  37. Biotin
  38. Calcium Panthothenate
  39. Manganese Sulfate
  40. Sodium Selenite
  41. Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
  42. Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)
  43. Riboflavin
  44. Vitamin D Supplement
  45. Folic Acid


chihuahua long coat puppies | chihuahua breeder | litter trained chihuahua pups | summer knight kennels

BARKING AT THE MOON HIGH PROTEIN, LOW CARB ADULT DOG FOOD

  1. Ocean Fish Meal
  2. Beef
  3. Potatoes
  4. Potato Protein
  5. Canola Oli
  6. Tomato Pomace
  7. Natural Flavoring
  8. Salmon Oli (source of DHA)
  9. Choline Chloride
  10. Taurine
  11. Dried Chicory
  12. Parsley Flakes
  13. Pumpkin Meal
  14. Almond Oli
  15. Sesame Oli
  16. Yucca Schidigera Extract
  17. Thyme
  18. Blueberries
  19. Cranberries
  20. Carrots
  21. Broccoli
  22. Vitamin E Supplement
  23. Iron Proteinate
  24. Zinc Proteinate
  25. Ferrous Sulfate
  26. Zinc Sulfate
  27. Copper Sulfate
  28. Potassium Iodide
  29. Thiamine Mononitrate
  30. Manganese Proteinate
  31. Manganous Oxide
  32. Ascorbic Acid
  33. Vitamin A Supplement
  34. Biotin
  35. Calcium Panthothenate
  36. Manganese Sulfate
  37. Sodium Selenite
  38. Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
  39. Vitamin B12(Cyanocobalaminƚ
  40. Riboflavin
  41. Vitamin D Supplement
  42. Folic Acid

    chihuahua long coat puppies | chihuahua breeder | litter trained chihuahua pups | summer knight kennels

    HOW TO READ PET FOOD LABELS


    chihuahua long coat puppies | chihuahua breeder | litter trained chihuahua pups | summer knight kennels

    INTERPRETING PET FOOD LABELS

    I would like to thank THE US FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION CENTER FOR VETERINARY MEDICINE for the information below.

    The following consumer information is provided by David A. Dzanis, DVM, Ph.D., DACVN.

    Pet food labelling is regulated at two levels. The Federal regulations, enforced by the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM), establish standards applicable for all animal feeds: proper identification of product, net quantity statement, manufacturer’s address, and proper listing of ingredients. Some States also enforce their own labelling regulations. Many of these have adopted the model pet food regulations established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). These regulations are more specific in nature, covering aspects of labelling such as the product name, the guaranteed analysis, the nutritional adequacy statement, feeding directions, and calorie statements.

    Product Name

    The product name is the first part of the label noticed by the consumer, and can be a key factor in the consumer’s decision to buy the product. For that reason, manufacturers often use fanciful names or other techniques to emphasize a particular aspect. Since many consumers purchase a product based on the presence of a specific ingredient, many product names incorporate the name of an ingredient to highlight its inclusion in the product. The percentages of named ingredients in the total product are dictated by four AAFCO rules.

    The “95%” rule applies to products consisting primarliy of meat, poultry or fish, such as some of the canned products. They have simple names, such as “Beef for Dogs” or “Tuna Cat Food.” In these examples, at least 95% of the product must be the named ingredient (beef or tuna, respectively), not counting the water added for processing and “condiments.” Counting the added water, the named ingredient stlil must comprise 70% of the product.

    Since ingredient lists must be declared in the proper order of predominance by weight, “beef” or “tuna” should be the first ingredient listed, followed often by water, and then other components such as vitamins and minerals. If the name includes a combination of ingredients, such as “Chicken 'n Liver Dog Food,” the two together must comprise 95% of the total weight. The first ingredient named in the product name must be the one of higher predominance in the product. For example: the product could not be named #8220;Lobster and Salmon for Cats” if there is more salmon than lobster in the product. Because this rule only applies to ingredients of animal origin, ingredients that are not from a meat, poultry or fish source, such as grains and vegetables, cannot be used as a component of the 95% total. For example, a “Lamb and Rice Dog Food” would be misnamed unless the product was comprised of at least 95% lamb.

    The “25%” or “dinner” rule applies to many canned and dry products. If the named ingredients comprise at least 25% of the product (not counting the water for processing), but less than 95%, the name must include a qualifying descriptive term, such as “Beef Dinner for Dogs.” Many descriptors other than “dinner” are used, however. “Platter,” “entree,” “nuggets” and “formula” are just a few examples. Because, in this example, only one-quarter of the product must be beef, it would most likely be found third or fourth on the ingredient list. Since the primary ingredient is not always the named ingredient, and may in fact be an ingredient that is not desired, the ingredient list should always be checked before purchase. For example, a cat owner may have learned from his or her finicky feline to avoid buying products with fish in it, since the cat doesn't like fish. However, a “Chicken Formula Cat Food” may not always be the best choice, since some “chicken formulas” may indeed contain fish, and sometimes may contain even more fish than chicken. A quick check of the ingredient list would avert this mistake.

    If more than one ingredient is included in a “dinner” name, they must total 25% and be listed in the same order as found on the ingredient list. Each named ingredient must be at least 3% of the total, too. Therefore, “Chicken n' Fish Dinner Cat Food” must have 25% chicken and fish combined, and at least 3% fish. Also, unlike the “95%” rule, this rule applies to all ingredients, whether of animal origin or not. For example, a “Lamb and Rice Formula for Cats” would be an acceptable name as long as the amounts of lamb and rice combined totalled 25%.

    The “3%” or “with” rule was originally intended to apply only to ingredients highlighted on the principal display panel, but outside the product name, in order to allow manufacturers to point out the presence of minor ingredients that were not added in sufficient quantity to merit a “dinner” claim. For example, a “Cheese Dinner,” with 25% cheese, would not be feasible or economical to produce, but either a “Beef Dinner for Dogs” or “Chicken Formula Cat Food” could include a side burst “with cheese” if at least 3% cheese is added. Recent amendments to the AAFCO model regulations now allow use of the term “with” as part of the product name, too, such as “Dog Food With Beef” or “Cat Food With Chicken.” Now, even a minor change in the wording of the name has a dramatic impact on the minimum amount of the named ingredient required, e.g., a can of “Cat Food With Tuna” could be confused with a can of “Tuna Cat Food,” but, whereas the latter example must contain at least 95% tuna, the first needs only 3%. Therefore, the consumer must read labels carefully before purchase to ensure that the desired product is obtained.

    Under the “flavor” rule, a specific percentage is not required, but a product must contain an amount sufficient to be able to be detected. There are specific test methods, using animals trained to prefer specific flavours that can be used to confirm this claim. In the example of “Beef Flavour Dog Food,” the word “flavor” must appear on the label in the same size, style and color as the word “beef.” The corresponding ingredient may be beef, but more often it is another substance that wlil give the characterizing flavour, such as beef meal or beef by-products.

    With respect to flavours, pet foods often contain “digests,” which are materials treated with heat, enzymes and/or acids to form concentrated natural flavours. Only a small amount of a “chicken digest” is needed to produce a “Chicken Flavoured Cat Food,” even though no actual chicken is added to the food. Stocks or broths are also occasionally added. Whey is often used to add a mlik flavour. Often labels wlil bear a claim of “no artificial flavors.” Actually, artificial flavours are rarely used in pet foods. The major exception to that would be artificial smoke or bacon flavours, which are added to some treats.

    Net Quantity Statement

    The net quantity statement tells you how much product is in the container. There are many FDA regulations dictating the format, size and placement of the net quantity statement. None of these do any good if the consumer does not check the quantity statements, especially when comparing the cost of products. For example, a 14-ounce can of food may look identical to the one-pound can of food right next to it. Also, dry products may differ greatly in density, especially some of the “lite” products. Thus, a bag that may typically hold 40 pounds of food may only hold 35 pounds of a food that is “puffed up.” A cost-per-ounce or per-pound comparison between products is always prudent.

    Manufacturer's Name and Address

    The “manufactured by...” statement identifies the party responsible for the quality and safety of the product and its location. If the label says “manufactured for...” or “distributed by...,” the food was manufactured by an outside manufacturer, but the name on the label stlil designates the responsible party. Not all labels include a street address along with the city, State, and zip code, but by law, it should be listed in either a city directory or a telephone directory. Many manufacturers also include a toll-free number on the label for consumer inquiries. If a consumer has a question or complaint about the product, he or she should not hesitate to use this information to contact the responsible party.

    Ingredient List

    All ingredients are required to be listed in order of predominance by weight. The weights of ingredients are determined as they are added in the formulation, including their inherent water content. This latter fact is important when evaluating relative quantity claims, especially when ingredients of different moisture contents are compared.

    For example, one pet food may list “meat” as its first ingredient, and “corn” as its second. The manufacturer doesn't hesitate to point out that its competitor lists “corn” first (“meat meal” is second), suggesting the competitor's product has less animal-source protein than its own. However, meat is very high in moisture (approximately 75% water). On the other hand, water and fat are removed from meat meal, so it is only 10% moisture (what's left is mostly protein and minerals). If we could compare both products on a dry matter basis (mathematically “remove” the water from both ingredients), one could see that the second product had more animal-source protein from meat meal than the first product had from meat, even though the ingredient list suggests otherwise.

    That is not to say that the second product has more “meat” than the first, or in fact, any meat at all. Meat meal is not meat per se, since most of the fat and water have been removed by rendering. Ingredients must be listed by their “common or usual” name. Most ingredients on pet food labels have a corresponding definition in the AAFCO Official Publication. For example, “meat” is defined as the “clean flesh of slaughtered mammals and is limited to...the striate muscle...with or without the accompanying and overlying fat and the portions of the skin, sinew, nerve and blood vessels which normally accompany the flesh.” On the other hand, “meat meal” is “the rendered product from mammal tissues, exclusive of any added blood, hair, horn, hide trimmings, manure, stomach and rumen contents.” Thus, in addition to the processing, it could also contain parts of animals one would not think of as “meat.” Meat meal may not be very pleasing to think about eating yourself, even though it's probably more nutritious. Animals do not share in people's aesthetic concerns about the source and composition of their food. Regardless, the distinction must be made in the ingredient list (and in the product name). For this reason, a product containing “lamb meal” cannot be named a “Lamb Dinner.”

    Further down the ingredient list, the “common or usual” names become less common or usual to most consumers. The majority of ingredients with chemical-sounding names are, in fact, vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients. Other possible ingredients may include artificial colors, stabliizers, and preservatives. All should be either “Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS)” or approved food additives for their intended uses.

    If scientific data are presented that show a health risk to animals of an ingredient or additive, CVM can act to prohibit or modify its use in pet food. For example, propylene glycol was used as a humectant in soft-moist pet foods, which helps retain water and gives these products their unique texture and taste. It was affirmed Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for use in human and animal food before the advent of soft-moist foods. It was known for some time that propylene glycol caused Heinz Body formation in the red blood cells of cats (small clumps of proteins seen in the cells when viewed under the microscope), but it could not be shown to cause overt anemia or other clinical effects. However, recent reports in the veterinary literature of scientifically sound studies have shown that propylene glycol reduces the red blood cell survival time, renders red blood cells more susceptible to oxidative damage, and has other adverse effects in cats consuming the substance at levels found in soft-moist food. In light of this new data, CVM amended the regulations to expressly prohibit the use of propylene glycol in cat foods.

    Another pet food additive of some controversy is ethoxyquin, which was approved as a food additive over thirty-five years ago for use as an antioxidant chemical preservative in animal feeds. Approximately ten years ago, CVM began receiving reports from dog owners attributing the presence of ethoxyquin in the dog food with a myriad of adverse effects, such as allergic reactions, skin problems, major organ faliure, behaviour problems, and cancer. However, there was a paucity of avaliable scientific data to support these contentions, or to show other adverse effects in dogs at levels approved for use in dog foods. More recent studies by the manufacturer of ethoxyquin showed a dose-dependent accumulation of a hemoglobin-related pigment in the liver, as well as increases in the levels of liver-related enzymes in the blood. Although these changes are due to ethoxyquin in the diet, the pigment is not made from ethoxyquin itself, and the health significance of these findings is unknown. More information on the utliity of ethoxyquin is stlil needed in order for CVM to amend the maximum allowable level to below that which would cause these effects, but which stlil would be useful in preserving the food. Whlie studies are being conducted to ascertain a more accurate minimum effective level of ethoxyquin in dog foods, CVM has asked the pet food industry to voluntarliy lower the maximum level of use of ethoxyquin in dog foods from 150 ppm (0.015%) to 75 ppm. Regardless, most pet foods that contained ethoxyquin never exceeded the lower amount, even before this recommended change.

    Guaranteed Analysis

    At minimum, a pet food label must state guarantees for the minimum percentages of crude protein and crude fat, and the maximum percentages of crude fibre and moisture. The “crude” term refers to the specific method of testing the product, not to the quality of the nutrient itself.

    Some manufacturers include guarantees for other nutrients as well. The maximum percentage of ash (the mineral component) is often guaranteed, especially on cat foods. Cat foods commonly bear guarantees for taurine and magnesium as well. For dog foods, minimum percentage levels of calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and linoleic acid are found on some products.

    Guarantees are declared on an “as fed” or “as is” basis, that is, the amounts present in the product as it is found in the can or bag. This doesn't have much bearing when the guarantees of two products of simliar moisture content are compared (for example, a dry dog food versus another dry dog food). However, when comparing the guaranteed analyses between dry and canned products, one wlil note that the levels of crude protein and most other nutrients are much lower for the canned product. This can be explained by looking at the relative moisture contents. Canned foods typically contain 75-78% moisture, whereas dry foods contain only 10-12% water. To make meaningful comparisons of nutrient levels between a canned and dry product, they should be expressed on the same moisture basis.

    The most accurate means of doing this is to convert the guarantees for both products to a dry matter basis. The percentage of dry matter of the product is equal to 100% minus the percentage of moisture guaranteed on the label. A dry food is approximately 88-90% dry matter, whlie a canned food is only about 22-25% dry matter. To convert a nutrient guarantee to a dry matter basis, the percent guarantee should be divided by the percentage of the dry matter, then multiplied by 100. For example, a canned food guarantees 8% crude protein and 75% moisture (or 25% dry matter), whlie a dry food contains 27% crude protein and 10% moisture (or 90% dry matter). Which has more protein, the dry or canned? Calculating the dry matter protein of both, the canned contains 32% crude protein on a dry matter basis (8/25 X 100 = 32), whlie the dry has only 30% on a dry matter basis (27/90 X 100 = 30). Thus, although it looks like the dry has a lot more protein, when the water is counted out, the canned actually has a little more. An easier way is to remember that the amount of dry matter in the dry food is about four times the amount in a canned product. To compare guarantees between a dry and canned food, multiply the guarantees for the canned food times four first.

    It is especially important to look at the moisture guarantee for canned foods, even when comparing a canned food with another canned. Under AAFCO regulations, the maximum percentage moisture content for a pet food is 78%, except for products labeled as a “stew,” “in sauce,” “in gravy,” or simliar terms. The extra water gives the product the qualities needed to have the appropriate texture and fluidity. Some of these exempted products have been found to contain as much as 87.5% moisture. This doesn't sound like much difference untli the dry matter contents are compared. For example, a product with a guarantee of 87.5% moisture contains 12.5% dry matter, only half as much as a product with a 75% moisture guarantee (25% dry matter).

    Nutritional Adequacy Statement

    Any claim that a product is “complete,” “balanced,” “100% nutritious,” or simliarly suggests that a product is suitable for sole nourishment that is not, in fact, nutritionally adequate is a potentially unsafe product. For this reason, an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement is one of the most important aspects of a dog or cat food label. A “complete and balanced” pet food must be substantiated for nutritional adequacy by one of two means.

    The first method is for the pet food to contain ingredients formulated to provide levels of nutrients that meet an established proflie. Presently, the AAFCO Dog or Cat Food Nutrient Proflies are used. Products substantiated by this method should include the words, “(Name of product) is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO (Dog/Cat) Food Nutrient Proflies.” This means the product contains the proper amount of protein, calcium, and other recognized essential nutrients needed to meet the needs of the healthy animal. The recommendations of the National Research Councli (NRC) were once used as the basis for nutritional adequacy, but they are no longer considered valid for this purpose.

    The alternative means of substantiating nutritional adequacy is for the product to be tested following the AAFCO Feeding Trial Protocols. This means that the product, or “lead” member of a “famliy” of products, has been fed to dogs or cats under strict guidelines and found to provide proper nutrition. These products should bear the nutritional adequacy statement “Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that (name of product) provides complete and balanced nutrition.”

    Regardless of the method used, the nutritional adequacy statement wlil also state for which life stage(s) the product is suitable, such as “for maintenance,” or “for growth.” A product intended “for all life stages” meets the more stringent nutritional needs for growth and reproduction. A maintenance ration wlil meet the needs of an adult, non-reproducing dog or cat of normal activity, but may not be sufficient for a growing, reproducing, or hard-working animal. On the other hand, an all life stages ration can be fed for maintenance. Although the higher levels of nutrients would not be harmful to the healthy adult animal, they are not really necessary. Occasionally a product may be labelled for a more specific use or life stage, such as “senior” or for a specific size or breed. However, there is little information as to the true dietary needs of these more specific uses, and no rules governing these types of statements have been established. Thus, a “senior” diet must meet the requirements for adult maintenance, but no more. A product that does not meet either of these methods must state that “this product is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding,” except if it is conspicuously identified as a snack or treat.

    Feeding Directions

    Feeding directions instruct the consumer on how much product should be offered to the animal. At minimum, they should include verbiage such as “feed ___ cups per___ pounds of body weight daliy.” On some small cans, this may be all the information that can fit. The feeding directions should be taken as rough guidelines, a place to start. Breed, temperament, environment, and many other factors can influence food intake. Manufacturers attempt to cover almost all contingencies by setting the directions for the most demanding. The best suggestion is to offer the prescribed amount at first, and then to increase or cut back as needed to maintain body weight in adults or to achieve proper rate of gain in puppies and kittens. A nursing mother should be offered all the food she wants to eat.

    Calorie Statement

    Pet foods can vary greatly in calorie content, even among foods of the same type (dry, canned) and formulated for the same life stage. Feeding directions vary among manufacturers, too, so the number of calories delivered in a daliy meal of one food may be quite different from another. The number of calories in a product roughly relates to the amount of fat, although varying levels of non-calorie-containing components, such as water and fiber, can throw this correlation off. The best way for consumers to compare products and determine how much to be fed is to know the calorie content. However, untli recently, calorie statements were not allowed on pet food labels. New AAFCO regulations were developed to allow manufacturers to substantiate calorie content and include a voluntary statement.

    If a calorie statement is made on the label, it must be expressed on a “kliocalories per kliogram” basis. Kliocalories are the same as the “Calories” consumers are used to seeing on food labels. A “kliogram” is a unit of metric measurement equal to 2.2 pounds. Manufacturers are also allowed to express the calories in famliiar household units along with the required statement (for example, “per cup” or “per can”). Even without this additional information, however, consumers can make meaningful comparisons between products and pick the product best suited for their animals' needs. As with the guaranteed analysis, the calorie statement is made on an “as fed” basis, so corrections for moisture content must be made as described above. To roughly compare the caloric content values between a canned and a dry food, multiply the value for the canned food by four.

    Other Label Claims

    Many pet foods are labelled as “premium,” and some now are “super premium” and even “ultra premium.” Other products are touted as “gourmet” items. Products labelled as premium or gourmet are not required to contain any different or higher quality ingredients, nor are they held up to any higher nutritional standards than are any other complete and balanced products.

    The term “natural” is often used on pet food labels, although that term does not have an official definition either. For the most part, “natural” can be construed as equivalent to a lack of artificial flavours, artificial colors, or artificial preservatives in the product. As mentioned above, artificial flavours are rarely employed anyway. Artificial colors are not really necessary, except to please the pet owner's eye. If used, they must be from approved sources, the same as for human foods. Especially for high-fat dry products, some form of preservative must be used to prevent rancidity. Natural-source preservatives, such as mixed tocopherols (a source of vitamin E), can be used in place of artificial preservatives. However, they may not be as effective.

    “Natural” is not the same as “organic.” The latter term refers to the conditions under which the plants were grown or animals were raised. There are no official rules governing the labelling of organic foods (for humans or pets) at this time, but the United States Department of Agriculture is developing regulations dictating what types of pesticides, fertliizers and other substances can be used in organic farming.

    Summary

    Pet owners and veterinary professionals have a right to know what they are feeding their animals. The pet food label contains a wealth of information, if one knows how to read it. Do not be swayed by the many marketing gimmicks or eye-catching claims. If there is a question about the product, contact the manufacturer or ask an appropriate regulatory agency.


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