MYTHS of pet food

Read on to learn out the real facts of common myths such as: By products are bad inedible & discarded animal parts, corn is a filler and is sickly digested, raw food is better than dry food, corn drives allergic reaction, dry food causes bloating, extraordinary protein causes hot spot and etc.

MYTHS of pet food

Myth 1: By-products are bad, uneatable & unwanted animal parts Fact 1: By-products are sometimes taken in pet food as it is a very well source of protein. It is not rotten and spoilt meat but actually comprises of animal body parts like feet, neck, kidney, stomach etc. These are common animal body parts that are commonly eaten by Chinese (Eg. Kway Chap & Pig Stomach soup).

Myth 2: Corn is a filler and poorly digested Fact 2: Corn can be poorly digested if given in its physical form. In fact, if you give your pet a bit of fresh corn, it would most likely be indigestible and reappear in its stools. However, the corn seen in pet food is “Ground Corn” which means that it is finely grounded and handled carefully to help determine digestibility. Ground corn can be more than 98% digestible. Corn is an greatest source of complex carbohydrates, comprises linoleic acid for healthy skin and coat, provides for necessary amino acids and has fiber.

Myth 3: Corn Gluten meal is bad Fact 3: Corn gluten meal is not corn. It is a acceptable source of protein (60%-64%) and also it is a effective urine acidifier to prevent/help urinary tract problems in our pets

Myth 4: Animal origin proteins are better than proteins from plants and grains Fact 4: No one root of protein is ideal and no single source comprises all essential amino acids. Animal and plant origins are good sources of protein. For instance, soyabean meal (high in methionine) complements chicken (low in methionine). The difference is that real meat is a highly palatable protein source. The number one ingredient for all PRO PLAN cat and dog products (except urinary tract health formula for cats-first ingredient is corn gluten meal as it is a good urine acidifier) are true chicken, turkey, lamb or salmon. This is why PRO PLAN is highly palatable and we assure that your dog/cat will enjoy it.

Myth 5: BARF (Raw Food) is better than dry food Fact 5: Raw food diets Normally are not complete and well-balanced Danger of infection and contamination - Salmonella is very hazardous to both pets and humans and can be seen in the stools of pets. Bones can get stuck in your pets mouth

Myth 6: Cooking destroys enzymes and nutrients Fact 6: Cooking is beneficial. Cooking: Changes the digestibleness of nutrients Changes structure of amino acids Breaks down non-nutritional elements to increase digestibility Kills bacteria and parasites Dogs make up their own enzymes required to stomach food and use nutrients like protein. Also producers of superior quality pet foods maintain safety margins developed into formulations. Any nutritional loss in PRO PLAN during making and reposition is reported for and will always be added back to ensure high quality in our pet food.

Myth 7: Corn drives allergies Fact 7: 10 different studies, representing 253 dogs Roundebush, Guilford , Shanely(2000) Adverse Reactions to Food, Small Animal Clinic Nutrition (4 th edition) Beef, dairy products and wheat account for 65% of all reported events of food allergic reactions Chicken, egg, lamb and soy account for 25% of all reported cases of food allergies Only 6 confirmed (2.4%) cases of allergic reactions to corn

You can find more articles on “Caring For Your Dog” at http://www.purina.com.my