Raw Food/Homemade diets

What are some reasons one may choose a raw/home made diet?

To include or avoid specific ingredients, reduce additives, reduce animal “by product” consumption, avoiding contaminants from large companies, or food allergies in pets, enhance the human animal bond and improving palatability.

_{What is observed in cats with Taurine deficiency?}

cats may experience vision problems, heart issues, and reproductive failure due to Taurine deficiency.

What is the ideal carb to protein ratio for cats?

1:1 carb to protein

What is the ideal carb to protein ratio for dogs?

3:1 or 2:1 carb to protein

What is the most common mineral deficiency in home made diets?

Calcium

What type of meat has the highest taurine content?

organ meat

What are some concerns with feeding a raw food diet?

Pathogens such as salmonella, e-coli, and the potential for nutritional imbalances and human cross contamination.

What does the acronym HPP stand for?

High Pressure Processing

Which animals should specifically avoid Raw/Homemade diets?

Immunocompromised animals, puppies and kittens, animals with GI deficiencies, animals receiving chemotherapy and other immunocompromising treatments.

What are important topics to discuss with clients when talking about homemade and raw diets?

The importance of preventing cross contamination, the difference between pet raw food and human raw food, and the nutritional needs and reality of cost for their specific pet.

What is the difference between human grade raw food and pet raw food in terms of contamination regulation?

Items sold raw for humans are allowed some pathogens due to the assumption that there will be safe food handling and/or cooking of the meat involved. In 2011 the FSMA (food safety modernization act) let to a zero tolerance policy for any contaminant in pet food. In order to comply with FDA and FSMA, raw pet food companies must adhere to this zero tolererance policy

True or false: Most COMMERCIAL raw food diets have been through feeding trials

false

What are the essential components of a homemade diet?

Carb source, fiber source

Which vitamins are commonly added to pet food as preservatives?

Vitamin E and C

True or false: Feeding a home made diet is more cost effective

False: Many owners who prepare their own diets end up spending more money.

Why are milk products not a proper source of calcium?

Many animals do nor have the ability to process lactose, or lose that ability with age.

How do you determine true food allergies?

Through testing which isolates triggering proteins in the diet or via an elimination diet to identify reactive ingredients.

What should be added to home made diets to ensure adequacy of vitamins and minerals?

a veterinary specific multi vitamin

How must a commercial raw diet be marketed to ensure it meets AAFCO standards?

“Complete and balanced” as per AAFCO standards