DEBUNKING THE MYTHS BEHIND RAW DIETS

Myth: Dogs are related to wolves, therefore a raw diet is more natural.
Truth: Domesticated dogs are not directly related to current Wolf species. Dogs and wolves are “canids”, they share a common ancestor. Also remember, wolves only live for up to 5 years in the wild, out dogs will hopefully live for 10-15 years.

Myth: Dogs should eat an only meat based diet as they are carnivores.
Truth: Through evolution domesticated dogs are significantly genetically different to wolves – including 3 gene changes that facilitate the digestion and utilization of starches. The ability of domesticated dogs to digest and utilize grains (including starch) has been demonstrated in several studies. Grain / gluten allergies in dogs is actually extremely uncommon, your dog is more likely to be allergic to chicken than to grains.

Myth: The “nutritionist” at the pet store informed me that raw diets are nutritionally complete.
Truth: Nutrition is a very complex topic A high quality pet food requires a precise blend of ingredients to meet a specific nutrient profile based on a pet's life stage, lifestyle of disease condition. Unfortunately, there are several people who claim to be pet nutritionists despite having minimal training. Veterinary nutritionists are veterinarians who have undergone a medical specialization in all things related to your pet's dietary needs. Surprisingly, veterinary nutritionists are few and far between. Research the company making your dog’s food, and find out who has formulated the recipes. Make sure that a veterinary nutritionist is the one formulating all recipes, so you know your dog will be receiving an optimal diet.

The American College of Veterinary Nutrition provides a directory of all board certified veterinary nutritionists. They ensure that these nutrients are delivered to your pet in the right ratios for their stage of life. Analysis of raw food diets has shown significant nutritional deficiency (eg Calcium), imbalance (eg Calcium to Phosphorus ratio) and in some cases toxicity (eg Vitamin A). Raw diets have been linked to Dilated Cardiomyopathy in both dogs and cats.

Myth: There is no increased risk in feeding raw, commercial kibble has been recalled for pathogens as well.
Truth: When food-bourne infections are contracted from commercially cooked foods it is due to accidental contamination, whereas raw meats are known to carry pathogenic organisms. Feeding raw increases exposure to potentially poses potentially life threatening risks to pets and people.

Myth: By freezing the raw diet it makes it safe to eat.
Truth: Freezing raw food does not kill pathogens. Freezing does NOT kill Escherichia Coli, Listeria, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Clostridia, Norovirus, Bird Flu Virus. The FDA has issued public health warnings for handling raw diets. “To prevent infection with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes, it is best if you do not feed your pet a raw diet.”

Myth: I practice the same hygiene for when I prepare raw food for myself, why is it different for my dog?
Truth: Your pet lives a very different lifestyle from you. They groom themselves using their tongue which then contaminates their coat with the pathogens in raw diets. They also toilet on your lawn or sandbox where your children play. Your pet handles toys with their mouths, they drool, they lick your face all of these things can spread potentially life threatening pathogens around the environment. Confirmed transmission between humans and pets in families has been reported.

A big part of choosing the right diet for your pet is being able to accurately interpret the label on the back of the bag. You can't assume a pet food is right for your pet by simply reading the ingredient list, because the nutrients are just as important as the ingredients! Click here to read our article on how to interpret the dog food label and to learn the answer to some commonly asked questions about kibble.

We understand there is a lot of information available and all our clients want is the best for your pets. Pet nutrition is a very complex topic but it forms the foundation of your pet’s medical well-being. We are here to help you be an active and informed part of your pet’s medical health care. If you have questions about finding the correct diet for your pet, talk to us at 905 844 6786.

Sources:

Evidence-based Clinical Nutrition – Feeding RAW to Pets by Mike Davies BVetMed Cert VR Cert SAO FRCVS. RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Clinical Nutrition (Small Animal) www.webinarvet.com
https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/get-facts-raw-pet-food-diets-can-be-dangerous-you-and-your-pet

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Itchy Pet Awareness Month

By CY Mac • 03 Aug, 2023

August is Itchy Pet Awareness Month! This month was created to help unite pet owners and veterinarians in managing pets with skin conditions. We want to empower pet owners with the resources to identify signs of concern in their pets, and get the veterinary care they need to provide rapid and lasting itch relief. Did you know that allergic/atopic dermatitis (dry, itchy, inflamed skin) is the number one reason for veterinary visits? Even knowing this there are still an alarmingly large number of pets that go untreated by a veterinarian every year, often simply because owners are unaware of what to look for. Your pet’s itch could be caused by: Flea allergy Environmental indoor and outdoor allergens Food allergy Contact allergy Parasites such as fleas and mites Bacterial or yeast infections Remember, all pets will scratch, lick, bite, and rub. But if it is becoming more frequent or excessive, it may be a sign of an allergic itch. Signs of Itch Include: Excessive scratching. Biting, chewing, rubbing or scooting Frequent licking Recurrent ear problems Hair loss Body odor Skin changes Because the frequency at which something occurs is subjective and will vary depending on who you ask, we often refer to the Canadian Academy of Veterinary Dermatology Itch Scale . It is an incredibly helpful tool for us to be able to objectively measure the severity of itching. Early treatment is always preferred in these types of cases. Severe, prolonged scratching can damage the bond between pets and their owners by interfering with normal activities and increasing stress in pets themselves. It’s not uncommon that pet owners will experience stress, anxiety, and frustration about their pets itch. Especially when they know their pet is uncomfortable but aren’t sure how to help. Check out our Dermatology Page for more information and resources. If your pet is itching for help, don’t wait. Reach out to the M.A.C. team today at 905-208-9933 or at reception@macvets.com to see how to get help for your pet’s itch, fast.

Will My Pet Get Bored of Eating the Same Food?

By CY Mac • 20 Jul, 2023

Will My Pet Get Bored of Eating the Same Food?

Hot Weather Safety Tips

By CY Mac • 20 Jul, 2023

Many people love spending the long, warm days of summer outside with our canine companions, but being outside without the proper precautions in hot weather can be dangerous for our pets. Here are some of our top tips for keeping your pup cool in the heat: Adjust your walking routine Aim to go for walks either early in the morning, or later at night when it’s cooler. If you do choose to walk during the day, remember to check the temperature of the pavement. A good rule of thumb is that if it’s too hot for you to walk on it comfortably in bare feet, then it’s too hot for your puppy's paws! Provide lots of fresh, cool water Dogs can get dehydrated quickly, and it is therefore important to ensure there is always water easily accessible. Remember to take some on the go with you, even for just short walks. Provide cool surfaces to lie on A cool, damp towel is an inexpensive and easy solution. Reduce the amount of walking and exercise Even though it is tempting to keep our little ones' routine the same, their safety is more important. Providing activities indoors such as puzzle feeders or long lasting lick toys will help to keep them calm and occupied. Provide water playtime Try setting up a sprinkler or kiddie pool (preferably in the shade) to let them play in while supervised. Prevent sunburn Did you know that dogs can get sunburnt too? Those more prone are those with no hair, with white or thin coats, and dogs with light pigmented noses and eyelids. Applying a pet safe sunscreen or keeping them indoors is best.