Veterinary Services Peninsula Veterinary Services is a full-service, AAHA-accredited hospital located in Long Neck, Delaware. Owner Dr. April Reid moved from Brooklyn, New York in 2015 to start a practice in this area after spending summers in Rehoboth growing up. Dr. Reid is a graduate of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. She previously owned a thoroughbred racetrack practice for 14 years before making the move to small animal practice. Dr. Reid works closely with several local rescue organizations. She is currently serving as the vice president of the Delaware Veterinary Medical Association and pursuing board certification in veterinary practice. In her spare time, Dr. Reid enjoys spending time with her two Great Danes, Ambrose and Amelia, and her three cats.
What Should I Feed My Pet?? That is the number one question a veterinarian is asked, especially lately with numerous recalls and studies that have implicated certain foods with heart disease. Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to this as there is no one-size-fits-all food for our pets. Here are several areas to consider when choosing a food. Life Stage This one would seem to be obvious but it can be confusing depending on the breed of your dog. Puppy foods tend to be higher in calories because growing requires energy. The age at which your puppy should be switched to an adult food is when they have reached 80% of their adult size. This occurs earlier in small dogs than in large dogs. Large breed puppies are more prone to developmental bone diseases so they should normally eat large breed puppy food due to the calcium to phosphorus ratio. Senior dog foods usually contain increased protein and fiber but fewer calories, as older dogs tend to eat less but also are not as active, so obesity can become an issue. In addition, there are “All Life Stages” foods, which most dogs can eat throughout their lives no matter their age. This is a good choice when there are multiple dogs in the household and it is impossible to separate them for feeding. Grain-Free? While grain-free dog food sounds healthier, the truth is that only a tiny percentage of dogs (less than 1%) are actually allergic to grains. Grains serve as a source of carbohydrates for dogs, which they need for energy. Grains also provide a source of fiber, which is
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important for gastrointestinal health. Grain-free food therefore must use other ingredients as a carbohydrate source and these are usually potatoes. Chickpeas, lentils, or peas. These alternative carbohydrates can be higher in calories and lead to weight gain. In the recent FDA investigation into the increased rate of heart disease in dogs eating grain-free diets, 93 percent contained peas or lentils and 42 percent contained potatoes or sweet potatoes as the carbohydrate source.
package that the food is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only. Consumers can call the dog food manufacturer and find out which method was used by the company to verify nutritional adequacy. Food Allergies Food allergies or food sensitivity in pets can manifest as digestive problems, skin problems and even behavioral problems. The most common allergies are to chicken, beef or dairy products. Elimination
diets or allergy testing may be needed to obtain an absolute diagnosis to determine the culprit. If the sensitivity is to a certain protein, the options are to switch to another protein source or to a hydrolyzed protein. Hydrolyzed proteins are those that have been broken down chemically so the immune system does not recognize them as a protein to which it is sensitive. These foods are often prescription foods.
By-Products and Marketing By-products are not evil. By-products are just a secondary product derived when a primary product is produced. Chickens are prepared for human consumption and by-products are everything that isn’t in the package sold in the grocery store. The byproducts are high in essential amino acids and have high bioavailability for our pets. These by-products are now being sold in pet food stores as dehydrated treats or cleverly marketed as exotic ingredients in boutique-brand foods. AAFCO The Association of American Feed Control does not regulate pet food. Its mission is to protect the consumer through labeling guidelines. In order for a food to be labeled as “complete and balanced” it must meet nutritional standards established by AAFCO in one of two ways-feeding trials or nutrient content analysis. The current FDA investigation is exposing the fact that the nutrient content analysis may not be enough to ensure a food is safe for your dog. If a food has not met AAFCO standards it must state on the
32038 Long Neck Road • Millsboro Delaware 19966
302-947-0719 phone 302-947-0707 fax www.peninsulaveterinaryservices.com
The County Woman’s Journal