Critical Canine Nutrition

Being a Critical Canine Nutrition Consumer

It is essential to approach the decision of what and how to feed your dog with a critical mindset. This approach can aid you in making informed choices for both you and your pet, as well as providing guidance to others. While nutritional knowledge is crucial, it is equally important to consider the emotional aspects of feeding your dog. Employing critical thinking can assist you in distinguishing between evidence-based advice and anecdotal or biased information. It is common to hear the phrase, "it works for me and my dog," but this does not necessarily hold true for everyone. It is imperative to ask questions and remain vigilant of the strategies and techniques that individuals or businesses may use to sway your opinion and influence your dog's diet. Becoming a critical consumer of canine nutrition is a vital step in ensuring the health and well-being of your furry companion.

‘I Feed You X Because I Love You’

The bond between humans and their canine companions is often characterized by deep emotional connections. As food is closely linked to expressions of care and affection, many dog owners derive great satisfaction from preparing nutritious, wholesome, and flavorful meals for their pets. Personally, I take pleasure in crafting special dishes for my dogs and observing their enjoyment, even if it is fleeting and lasts only a few seconds.

Choosing what and how to feed our dogs is as much about emotion as it is about nutritional knowledge.

Images on commercial dog-food can appeal to our emotions and desires to feed specific ingredients to our dogs, while also representing ingredients included.

Companies have the ability to effectively target our emotional connections with our dogs. This is evident in the imagery used on packaging for dog food, treats, and supplements. Often, specific dog breeds or types, hearts, and images of wholesome ingredients are used to suggest a natural and loving approach to feeding our dogs. It is important to note that the term "natural" has no clear definition beyond being used to describe components in pet food that have been processed to make it suitable for consumption. This does not necessarily mean that a product is healthier or safer than one that is not labeled as "natural." Rather, the use of natural imagery and wording is a clever way of tapping into our emotional bond with our dogs and potentially influencing our purchasing choices. The term "superfoods" is also commonly used on products containing ingredients such as blueberries, which are known to have some nutritional benefits. However, the term itself is essentially meaningless, and the inclusion level of these ingredients may not provide any significant nutritional value. Similarly, the phrase "chemical-free" is misleading, as nutrients are, in fact, chemicals. It is important to seek clarity in terms and definitions, such as the absence of artificial preservatives or additives, but these may be less attractive from a marketing perspective. As a responsible pet owner, it is important to make informed decisions when choosing products for our beloved pets.

Who is Providing Your Information?

When it comes to canine nutrition, it is important to assess the source of your information. Consider whether the source is independent or potentially biased, and take into account their experience and qualifications. It is worth noting that the term "nutritionist" is not a protected title, and therefore not all sources may have the necessary expertise. It is also important to consult with your veterinarian or veterinary nurse for advice, as they are well-equipped to consider your dog's overall health and wellbeing. While nutrition can be a valuable asset, it is not a cure-all solution and should be considered as part of a comprehensive management strategy. It may take time and experimentation to find the best fit for your individual dog and situation. Avoid being swayed by testimonials or "miracle cures," and instead focus on finding a balanced approach to your dog's care.

Be Alert to Slick Marketing

The pet-food industry is highly competitive, with companies vying to both retain and attract customers. As a result, manufacturers must ensure that their products are fit for purpose and capable of fostering customer loyalty or generating interest from new consumers. Marketing plays a crucial role in educating the public about these products, taking various forms, including product packaging, supplementary information, advertisements, and social media influencers.

Celebrity endorsements are a common marketing tactic, as they have been shown to be highly effective in influencing consumer behavior. The impact of these endorsements extends to the choice of dog breeds and types, with fashionable breeds experiencing a surge in popularity when associated with a celebrity. It is important to note that celebrities endorsing or promoting dog food may have a financial interest in the product, which can introduce an economic bias.

Marketing can also appeal to our desire for authority figures by suggesting that their products are recommended, used, or approved by breeders, high-profile canine competitors, vets, and para-veterinary professionals. While this can be a sign of a quality product, it can also be a way of manipulating the purchasing power of the canine consumer.

Be alert to clever marketing and cute images that can impact on your rational decision making when it comes to feeding your dog.

Marketing is an effective tool for promoting products and their unique selling points. In the case of dog foods, advertising campaigns are often utilized to introduce new products or enhancements to existing ones. However, it is important to acknowledge that marketing can sometimes lead to confusion and apprehension among caregivers. It is crucial to approach marketing with a discerning eye, particularly when claims of superiority are made without substantial evidence. This approach can help avoid costly purchases that fail to meet expectations. It is wise to exercise caution when something appears too good to be true.

Buyer Beware

Our dog food, treat supplements, and any additional product or marketing material are subject to specific regulations that limit the scope of what can and cannot be claimed. This is to protect consumers from unsubstantiated claims. Any suggestion that a product can cure, prevent, or treat a specific condition is potentially in breach of these regulations, unless the product has robust supporting evidence and has met the requirements to make such claims. Therefore, much of the language around nutritional products includes wording such as "may support joint health" or similar, without any specific guarantee offered. If you have any doubts about the veracity of a specific product or claim, we encourage you to ask the manufacturer or supplier for more information. They should be more than willing and able to provide additional evidence and guidance where it exists.

How to Read Labels and What the Information Actually Means

As a critical consumer, it is important to read the labelling and supporting information for any product. Commercially available dog-food must declare the analytical constituents, including percentage values for crude protein (or protein), crude fat (or fat content), crude fibre, and ash (sometimes called incinerated residue or inorganic matter). While the wording is limited, this section provides basic nutritional information. It is important to note that this information does not provide any idea as to the quality or bioavailability of those nutrients. Additionally, the term 'crude' has no bearing on quality and is simply the terminology used as a result of laboratory analytical techniques used to identify the composition of the food. The ash fraction represents the mineral fraction of the food, and no manufacturer adds ash to their food, contrary to some common nutrition myths. The moisture content will be detailed on dog food if it exceeds 14 per cent, and can be found on wet, raw, and semi-moist food labels.

‘It’s All in the Name’

Product names are subject to regulations and guidelines that restrict their use. The quantity of a particular ingredient in a food can determine the name it can be given. For instance, a product labelled as ‘flavoured with chicken’ must contain more than 0 per cent chicken but less than 4 per cent. A product described as ‘with’ or ‘contains’ must contain at least 4 per cent of the named material, while a food labelled as ‘rich in’, ‘high in’ or ‘with extra’ must contain at least 14 per cent of the named material. If a food contains at least 26 per cent of a named material, it can be called that (e.g. lamb, beef or chicken) or ‘chicken menu’ or ‘chicken dinner’. The term ‘all’ on a product label indicates that there are no other feed materials, except for water and any other required additives to make the food nutritionally complete. Being discerning about labelling and naming can aid in making informed diet-related decisions for your dog.

What About Ingredient Lists?

The importance of ingredient lists may not be as straightforward as it first appears. Ingredient lists typically list major ingredients in descending order of weight inclusion, with the first ingredient being present in the greatest weight and decreasing in weight towards the bottom of the list. However, it is important to note that if fresh meat is the first ingredient, it may include the moisture component as well as the dry matter component, which could result in its actual contribution to the overall diet being less than initially perceived. Additionally, ingredients with inclusion levels that differ only slightly may be listed in a high or low placement on an ingredient list, but the amount may only be subtly different from another more or less desirable ingredient.

The naming of ingredients is also relevant, with some manufacturers providing exact ingredient and feed material names to add clarity and specificity to the ingredient list. On the other hand, category labelling terms for feed materials may be used, such as the controversial term "meat and animal derivatives." This term is defined by the FEDIAF Code of Good Labelling Practice for Pet Food as all fleshy parts of slaughtered warm-blooded land animals, fresh or preserved by appropriate treatment, and all products and derivatives of the processing of the carcass or parts of the carcass of warm-blooded land animals. It is important to note that this term does not include parts of animals that are diseased or otherwise undesirable.

If there are any questions or concerns about ingredients or the terms used, it is recommended to speak to the manufacturer/supplier for more information or access guidance from organizations such as FEDIAF, the trade body representing the European Pet Food Industry.

What About Additives?

Numerous additives are utilized in various types of dog food to support nutritional adequacy, as well as to provide additional safety, preservative, flavor, and texture benefits. The use of additives in our dogs' food and supplements is restricted to substances recognized as feed materials or feed additives, which are authorized and registered as such. Many vitamins and minerals added for nutritional benefit are classified as additives and are subject to specific labeling and inclusion-level guidance. Other additives, such as substances that help preserve food and maintain nutritional content over time, support the integrity of foods. However, some caregivers have concerns about their use in diets, especially long-term exposure. For instance, the artificial antioxidant ethoxyquin has been prohibited as an animal feed additive in the European Union (EU) since 2020. Tinned and other wet forms of food often contain gelling agents, some of which can impact digestion and fecal output. While many additives are useful and have critical nutritional, functional, and processing roles, there is growing interest in more "natural" alternatives, such as vitamin C as an antioxidant. The ongoing compilation of safety data and other information allows for continual review of additive suitability in our dogs' food.

Should I Use Nutritional Supplements for My Dog?

The dog-food industry is vast, and the supplement industry is also expanding. However, the supplement industry is not as well-regulated as the animal-feed industry. Supplements are classified as complementary feeds and do not provide all the necessary daily nutrient intake. Ideally, if a dog is healthy and consuming a nutritionally complete and balanced diet, additional supplementation is unnecessary. In some cases, supplementing specific nutrients can even be associated with potentially harmful or toxic outcomes, so seeking professional advice is recommended before using any supplements. This is especially crucial if your dog is on treatment or medication for certain conditions, as supplements may interfere with these.

Supplementation may be beneficial in cases where a specific condition or nutritional inadequacy is identified. However, as with food, it is essential to be aware of the ingredient list, inclusion levels, and supporting information about the bioavailability and suitability of the product. While some nutritional supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, have supporting evidence about efficacy and value, evidence of the value of many supplements is lacking.

If you are using a supplement, it is always worth monitoring your dog's health and well-being carefully for four to six weeks after first using it. This allows your dog time to adapt and potentially benefit from it. If no specific changes are observed, then the supplement may not be as useful as you hoped, and an alternative strategy should be adopted. One word of caution is to never use supplementation as an alternative to good veterinary care or advice for your dog, especially if your dog suffers from painful conditions. Always seek veterinary advice in the first instance.

A range of nutritional supplements and options are available for our dogs, offering different potential benefits. Always consider what you are trying to achieve in using supplements and be critical about their value.

How to Choose Well

When determining the appropriate diet for your dog, it is important to take a holistic approach and consider all relevant factors, such as your dog's individual needs, your living situation, lifestyle, and expectations. One crucial consideration is your budget, as it will ultimately determine what is feasible and sustainable for you and your pet. Prioritizing nutritional consistency will ultimately benefit your dog's health and wellbeing. By selecting a diet that meets both of your needs, you can ensure that your pet receives the proper nourishment they require.

Nutritional information on supplements can give a clear indication about value and the amount of nutrients supplied.

It is important to remember that you should never feel obligated to change your dog's food if you are satisfied with the results of their current diet. If your dog appears healthy and performs well, then it is evident that you are doing something right. If you are content with the food you are providing, have the financial means to continue, and have no issues with storage or supply, then it is advisable to stick with what works for you. Nutrition is a crucial factor in supporting your dog's health, performance, and overall well-being. However, it is not a magic solution, and while dietary changes can have positive effects, sometimes the results can be neutral, and in some cases, negative. It is essential to base your feeding decisions on facts rather than trends or fads.

How to Advise Well

As a professional in the field of canine care or simply a dog enthusiast, it is highly likely that you will engage in discussions regarding nutrition with clients or acquaintances. Providing sound advice with empathy, respect, and compassion is crucial. It is important to be mindful of the potential for "food shaming," a contemporary phenomenon often observed on social media platforms, where individuals are criticized and occasionally ridiculed for their dog food choices, even if made with the best of intentions but ill-informed. Understanding the intricacies of human behavior, the complexity of the caregiver-dog relationship, and nutritional science are all necessary to provide effective guidance and support.

Recognizing the diversity of needs and desires for each dog and caregiver is essential. By asking questions and coaching the caregiver, you can identify the critical factors that are important in their unique situation. It is important to challenge personal biases and expectations, as one size does not fit all. While you may not prefer a particular food, ingredient, brand, or manufacturer, it may be appropriate for others.

It is also important to acknowledge professional or knowledge limitations. For example, clinical nutrition advice should be provided in consultation with a veterinary surgeon. If there is a health concern, the first recommendation should be a comprehensive health check.

Effective advice considers the individual situation, and this is also true for nutritional advice.

Summary

• Be alert to marketing language and how it can affect purchasing behaviour, especially appealing to our emotional bonds with our dogs.
• Understanding the information on the pack and any supplementary material and what it means are important for effective decision-making – this information is subject to regulation and specific guidance.
• Analytical constituents and ingredient lists provide a level of information about the nutritional value of food, but you might need more detail in order to fully assess the quality of a given diet.
• Choosing a diet for your dog well means looking at the bigger picture and assessing all the variables.
• If you are advising, be empathetic, respectful and compassionate, and remember that one size rarely fits all in canine nutrition.