Pet food under fire – again
Detail:
11 February 2010: by Sandra Pearce
If there is one thing you can be sure of, it’s that every now and then some newspaper somewhere will bang on about processed pet food killing pets. And this time it’s the turn of the Daily Mail.
The paper related how a kitten, Jaggers, was fed processed dried food and died at seven as a result of kidney disease. Owner Fiona MacMillan later came across a website by pet nutritionist Lisa Pierson (UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, California), who asserts that processed dried cat food is linked to urinary and kidney problems.
However, apart from the obvious rebuttals one can make – including the massive investment and years of R&D that strong brands invest in their products – what I find of even more concern is the Daily Mail’s allegation of a conspiracy: “And part of the problem, as a Mail investigation can reveal, is that much of the veterinary industry is inextricably linked to the pet-food manufacturers.” As proof, it cites how lectures at schools and at practices are often paid for and taught by these manufacturers, so “it’s hardly in vets’ interests to promote a more natural diet for pets”.
A similar situation occurs in the pet industry – look at the nutrition clinics run by pet food manufacturers. The bottom line is that many manufacturers are at the leading edge of research into pet nutrition and they are obviously in the best position to transfer this knowledge to retailers and the veterinary profession. Anything else would be unprofessional.
Unfortunately, the popular press too often unearths a particular incident and then attributes it to a universal truth, with the usual misconceptions and falsehoods. Sadly, the truth does not make sensationalist headlines.
If there is one thing you can be sure of, it’s that every now and then some newspaper somewhere will bang on about processed pet food killing pets. And this time it’s the turn of the Daily Mail.
The paper related how a kitten, Jaggers, was fed processed dried food and died at seven as a result of kidney disease. Owner Fiona MacMillan later came across a website by pet nutritionist Lisa Pierson (UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, California), who asserts that processed dried cat food is linked to urinary and kidney problems.
However, apart from the obvious rebuttals one can make – including the massive investment and years of R&D that strong brands invest in their products – what I find of even more concern is the Daily Mail’s allegation of a conspiracy: “And part of the problem, as a Mail investigation can reveal, is that much of the veterinary industry is inextricably linked to the pet-food manufacturers.” As proof, it cites how lectures at schools and at practices are often paid for and taught by these manufacturers, so “it’s hardly in vets’ interests to promote a more natural diet for pets”.
A similar situation occurs in the pet industry – look at the nutrition clinics run by pet food manufacturers. The bottom line is that many manufacturers are at the leading edge of research into pet nutrition and they are obviously in the best position to transfer this knowledge to retailers and the veterinary profession. Anything else would be unprofessional.
Unfortunately, the popular press too often unearths a particular incident and then attributes it to a universal truth, with the usual misconceptions and falsehoods. Sadly, the truth does not make sensationalist headlines.
By:
Sandra
Date/time :
11/02/2010
Replies to this topic...
By:
newshound
Date/time :
21/02/2010 16:45:07
Detail:
I did read the Daily Mail article and I thought it would have been better in comic by hans christian anderson.
By:
landofholisticpets
Date/time :
18/02/2010 09:17:03
Detail:
I have not read the article in the Daily Mail and do not believe there is a conspiracy as such among manufacturers or vets. I do believe however that many pet food, including those produced by those at the so called 'leading edge of research', do cause urinary and kidney problems. The assumption that they don't is likely based around the idea that it is conducted in the best interests of the pet. I believe that the research is actually based around maximising profits.
It is well documented that excess levels of protein, for example, may contribute to kidney failure over time. The excess protein should be converted to nitrogen waste and excreted urine. The problem may arise when the nitrogen waste is retained in the body and in turn converts to ammonia. The ammonia is toxic to every cell in the body and in particular the kidneys.
In conjunction with the above, the inclusion of poor quality ingredients including chemical flavourings and preservatives put extra strain on the kidneys on a daily basis. Unfortunately, 2/3rd of the kidneys are damaged before the problem will show up.
While the Daily Mail may be inaccurate in its overall accuracy, it does non-the-less make pet owners more aware of the importance of diet and might lead owners to do the sensible thing and learn to read and interpretate pet food labels.
It is well documented that excess levels of protein, for example, may contribute to kidney failure over time. The excess protein should be converted to nitrogen waste and excreted urine. The problem may arise when the nitrogen waste is retained in the body and in turn converts to ammonia. The ammonia is toxic to every cell in the body and in particular the kidneys.
In conjunction with the above, the inclusion of poor quality ingredients including chemical flavourings and preservatives put extra strain on the kidneys on a daily basis. Unfortunately, 2/3rd of the kidneys are damaged before the problem will show up.
While the Daily Mail may be inaccurate in its overall accuracy, it does non-the-less make pet owners more aware of the importance of diet and might lead owners to do the sensible thing and learn to read and interpretate pet food labels.
By:
PetShopRob
Date/time :
16/02/2010 17:53:03
Detail:
Sadly this badly researched article could result in pets being fed inferior products. Thankfully it was in the Mail and not a paper with a good reputation.
