Erica Tricarico, Senior Editor

Firstline, Firstline January/February 2021, Volume 17, Issue 1

Myth 1: Meat should be the primary ingredient in pet food.

Ingredients on pet food packaging are typically listed in descending order by weight, which means it is impossible to tell the true volume or quality of any ingredient. “We also cannot be sure how the ingredients are being used to provide nutrients or how available those nutrients are for absorption,” Saar said.

She warned that manufacturers can manipulate a diet formulation by setting multiple ingredients to the same weight, making the food seem more appealing to the buyer. “A package that lists meat as the No. 1 ingredient could be kind of fake because the meat could be providing a lower percentage of protein yet weigh the same as the next 5 to 10 ingredients,” Saar explained.

Myth 2: A high-protein diet is superior.

Pet stores often market diets with 25% to 35% protein, which is well over the 18% required by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). According to Saar, not only can excess protein turn into fat, but it can cause flatulence or intermittent bad stool (Stool that does not have ideal consistency. You should be able to pick up the stool easily without leaving a mess or wet spot) in some pets. “It’s the quality, not the quantity, of protein in the diet that matters,” she said. Eating more of a poor-quality protein is not better, and having higher protein doesn’t mean that the protein is digestible or that the food will be better for the pet, she added.

Myth 3: The more fruit and vegetable ingredients the better.

Although clients may think a long list of fruit and vegetable ingredients is healthier for their pets, what that ingredient list doesn’t reveal is which nutrients those fruits and vegetables are providing and for what purpose, said Saar. Some nutrients are used as antioxidants to help preserve the food. The fact is that fruits and vegetables don’t necessarily make pet food healthier. Owners must do their research to find out the quality of the ingredients and what exactly they add to the pet’s diet.

Myth 4: Organic and all-natural pet foods are healthier.

Words such as “natural,” “organic,” and “holistic” are trending right now, but are foods with these labels actually healthier for pets? Not necessarily, said Saar. There is no research to support claims that natural or organic foods provide better nutrients.

AAFCO defines natural as a product that is derived solely from plant, animal, or mined sources that have not been produced by a chemically synthetic process. The label must state “with added vitamins and minerals” because these must be synthetically synthesized. According to Saar, no product can be 100% natural.

As defined by AAFCO, pet foods labeled as organic have restrictions on the use of feed, antibiotics, hormones, and living conditions, as well as on pesticide use for crops. Although the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) certifies all ingredients that are going to be listed as organic and human-grade, it only certifies foods intended for the human food chain, says Saar. So, once the product goes into the pet food chain, it may no longer under the purview of the USDA.

Additionally, clients may think that pet foods with “holistic” stamped all over the packaging are made with wholesome ingredients. But because there is no definition for the word holistic when it comes to pet food, there’s no evidence that these diets are more beneficial to pets.

Myth 5: Byproducts are waste.

Its commonly believed that byproducts contain drugs and/or roadkill and other waste products. The fact is that byproducts are a highly digestible source of many nutrients that are missing in muscle meat, and they don’t include hair, horns, teeth, hooves, stomach or intestinal contents, drugs, or feathers, said Saar. (Hydrolyzed pet foods may contain feathers.)

What many clients may not know is that some byproducts are considered human grade (think pork and beef liver, tripe, spleen), and there are benefits to using as many parts of the animal as possible. Doing so decreases land waste, the release of nitrogen into the atmosphere, and the total number of sacrificed animals, said Saar.

Myth 6: Gluten and grains are bad for pets.

Gluten-free and grain-free diets are growing in popularity among pet owners, but are they all they’re cracked up to be? The answer, according to Saar, is a resounding no. “The carbohydrates and proteins provided by grains add nutritional value and structure to pet food,” she said, “and grains spare protein by providing energy that allows protein to be used to build or maintain muscles and tissue.” Saar also noted that sensitivity to gluten is rare in dogs and has never been reported in cats.

Myth 7: Raw food diets are superior to kibble.

Many pet owners think raw meats are best for their dogs and cats because that’s what they would eat in the wild. Well, maybe, but our pets are not living in the wild, and therefore may not be able to tolerate raw meats. Here are a few considerations Saar said you should share with clients thinking about making the switch to raw:

Contamination. Pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Clostridium, from raw ingredients, can lead to potential health risks for vulnerable individuals living in the household, including babies, elderly people, and those with a compromised immune system. Sources of contamination can include dishes used to prepare and feed raw foods, the food itself, and the pet’s saliva and feces.

Balance. Without an AAFCO label on the food, the owner does not know whether the diet is balanced, said Saar, and this can easily lead to a nutrient excess or deficiency for the pet. For example, raw liver fed to a cat daily as a main diet ingredient will cause vitamin A toxicity.

Bones. Uncooked bones in raw foods can fracture the pet’s teeth, or tear or block the esophagus, stomach, or intestines.

Myth 8: Cats can eat vegan diets.

“Cats are true carnivores, and they really need meat,” said Saar. Cats cannot process plant sources of taurine, only meat sources. Cats that are deficient in arginine can become deathly sick within hours, said Saar. “A vegan diet for cats is almost impossible to do.” You may need to opt for a veterinarian diet, which includes eggs and milk, she added.

Heidi Lobprise, DVM, DAVDC

Photo courtesy by Heidi Lobprise, DVM, DAVDC.

A recent study debunked the age-old credo that 1 year in the life of a dog is equivalent to 7 years of human life.¹

As veterinary professionals, we certainly recognize that the rate of aging depends on the size of the dog. But whether it’s a 5-year-old Great Dane or 10-year-old Chihuahua, certain ailments are more common in senior dogs. Here are the top 5 conditions to talk to your clients about.

1. Osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease

Although joint disease and pain can occur in younger dogs, they’re more common in seniors. A combination of underlying orthopedic issues, years of use/overuse, and obesity can contribute to discomfort associated with osteoarthritis. Owners may think their dog is “just getting old” when they start slowing down or are reluctant to jump, climb stairs, and exercise. These indicators occasionally can be acute—making them much more obvious to owners. More typically, the slow, gradual alteration may go unnoticed until the dog becomes clinically lame. Changes in behavior, from decreased activity to increased irritability, may be the primary indicator of pain.

A complete physical exam, body condition assessment, palpation of the skeletomuscular system to elicit discomfort, and thorough history can help determine if focal or generalized discomfort is present. Additionally, radiographs can reveal specific osseous structures and causative lesions. Management of degenerative joint disease is directed at pain relief and can include a combination of pharmaceuticals such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, supplements, therapeutic diets for both weight control and mobility, rehabilitation, appropriate exercise regimens, and complementary methods such as laser therapy, acupuncture, and targeted pulsed electromagnetic field therapy.

2. Cardiac disease

Cardiac diseases can impact dogs of all ages, but the most common (especially in smaller, older dogs) is myxomatous mitral valve disease. Clinical signs of congestive heart failure (CHF) can develop 3 to 4 years after hearing that initial mitral murmur. Age-related degeneration of the valve structures allows a backflow of blood through the valve, causing the murmur. This can lead to inefficient outflow and eventual dilation of the heart chambers (atria and ventricles). The first clinical sign of CHF that a pet owner may observe is coughing. This can be due to the enlarged chambers pushing on the bronchi or, in more severe cases, a buildup of fluid in the lungs.

Initial diagnostics may include the following:

• Pro–B-type natriuretic peptide levels (heart muscle stretch)
• Thoracic radiographs to determine cardiac enlargement (measuring vertebral heart score)
• Blood pressure
• Electrocardiogram
• Echocardiogram

Owners can measure the resting respiratory rate (RRR) when their pet is sleeping and should be concerned when the RRR exceeds 25 breaths per minute. Additionally, the ABCDs of canine cardiology help with classifying the level of disease and making treatment recommendations. Once mild changes such as heart enlargement start to occur, therapy is focused on managing blood pressure with pimobendan and angiotension-converting enzyme inhibitors.

Once clinical signs of CHF (eg, coughing, exercise intolerance, shortness of breath, and syncope) are present, diuretics are administered to remove excess fluid, either with oral medications in chronic cases or with intravenous diuretics and oxygen therapy in emergencies. Typically, the life expectancy is about 12 months after presenting with clinical signs.

3. Cancer/neoplasia

Many types of cancerous lesions are possible, from those in the skin or dermis to those hidden in the mouth, thorax, abdominal cavity, osseous structures, or another systemic form. Ask owners to monitor any visible masses (tumor map) by taking sequential pictures. Internal lesions, however, sometimes aren’t identified until the disease has advanced enough to cause significant changes in the patient. Early detection can be enhanced through semiannual physical examinations, radiographs, and regular diagnostic testing.

4. Behavioral changes and cognitive Issues

Almost any type of body system deterioration can impact an animal’s actions and behaviors, but often one of the toughest to accept and manage is cognitive dysfunction syndrome. Dog owners may compare this condition to dementia or Alzheimer disease in people and may be all too familiar with the challenges associated with dementia in an otherwise healthy individual. The impact on the relationship and the human-animal bond can be devastating.

Certainly, a complete medical workup needs done to rule out or to identify and manage other, often concurrent issues. Consider an assessment of that dog’s cognition when incontinence, restlessness, lack of interaction, or sleep disruptions are present.

Assessing mental acuity in dogs with DISHAA

DISHAA is a tool to help assess mental acuity in dogs.² Owners score their pet in the areas listed in the acronym. The newly added “A” at the end recognizes the increase in anxiety that many dogs experience, especially separation anxiety.

• D—Disorientation
• I—Social Interactions
• S—Sleep/wake cycles
• H—House-soiling, learning, and memory
• A—Activity
• A—Anxiety

Early detection of cognitive dysfunction provides the best probability that management may help. Pharmaceuticals such as selegiline may be paired with supplements and diets to help support cognition, as well as anxiety medication when necessary and environmental enhancement.

Thoroughly and carefully reviewing medications and supplements is essential when treating senior patients because issues with polypharmacy can cause additional problems, many of which are not well defined in dogs at this time.

5. Oral and dental problems

Studies show that the incidence of periodontal disease increases as the size of the dog decreases and their age increases. That means we have a lot of small, older dogs with significant periodontal problems. Many studies in human dentistry have shown that, in direct relation to aging, a significant inflammatory process such as ongoing periodontal disease can directly impact the health of the patient’s organ systems beyond bacteremia. Other than periodontal disease, the incidence of oral tumors also increases in older dogs of all sizes.

Yes, there are anesthetic risks for these senior patients with concurrent diseases, such as cardiac, renal, or hepatic problems. However, when patients are well managed pre- and perioperatively, the benefits of treating dental disease often far outweigh the risks. Anyone in general practice has seen the positive results—when that dog comes back 2 weeks after extensive extractions feeling like a puppy again!

References

1. Wang T, Ma J, Hogan AN, et al. Quantitative translation of dog-to-human aging by conserved remodeling of the DNA methylome. Cell Syst. 2020;11(2):176-185. doi:10.1016/j.cels.2020.06.006
2. Cognitive dysfunction syndrome evaluation tool. Purina Institute. Accessed November 5, 2020. https://www.purinainstitute.com/sites/g/files/auxxlc381/files/2018-08/DISHAA.pdf