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Prescription Diets
Frequently asked questions: I thought I could compare pet foods by comparing labels. Based on the 'Guaranteed Analysis' and ingredient list, it appears to me that diets sold through veterinary hospitals are the same as diets sold elsewhere. You are absolutely right - it appears to be so. This is frustrating for many of us and in many ways unfair for the consumer. The 'Guaranteed Analysis' is a chemical analysis measuring crude quantities of ingredient classes. It tells us nothing about ingredient quality. For example, shoe leather, hair, feathers, beaks, and chicken feet would be high in crude protein, but the value of the protein source would be insignificant. If you look at any class of diet, the Guaranteed Analysis is essentially the same even though the price of the foods can differ. Even more confusing is the fact that there are several grades of ingredients. Poultry is in a number of pet foods of which there are several grades. Top grade poultry meal is often double the cost of regular poultry meal. Of course, the digestibility and nutrients provided to your pet will be significantly better in top grade poultry meal. Unfortunately you are not able to determine the grade or quality of ingredients used in pet foods based on information on the label. This same principle applies to any ingredient used in diets (corn, lamb, fish etc...) The the diets our hospital carries are proud to use top quality ingredients which is in return reflected in the health and well being of your pets. Diets we recommend have extensive information on digestibly and have gone through animal feeding trials to support their claims and efficacy. If I can't compare food based labels, how can I decide what's best for my pet? Talk to us! We are determined to help your pet excel and provide you with the most enjoyment possible from your special friend. Nutrition will be an important part of keeping your pet as healthy as possible. To best evaluate a diet, you need to feed it for at about 8 weeks. Wean your pet slowly onto the diet (over a week or so). Often your pet's stool will become smaller and will be easier to pick up. Watch for improvements in skin and coat quality. What about price? Diets sold through veterinary hospitals seem to be significantly higher in cost than other diets I buy! We know it can certainly look that way. However, there are several things to keep in mind. The digestibility and quality of the diets we recommend are excellent. As a result we often feed less (and scoop less!!). Most importantly we need to look at cost per day feeding. We encourage you to think about it - we can feed our pets exceptional diets for a cost equivalent to or substantially less than the cost of cup of coffee, a chocolate bar or even a can of pop. Cost per day breakdown: Example #1 Medi-Cal Feline Preventive Formula (Suggested feeding recommendation for 9-12lbs cat is 2/3 cup)
4kg bag (contains 42 cups) = $24.38 If you are feeding 2/3 cups per day the 4kg bag will last you for 63 1/2 days. Cost per day = $0.39
Example #2 Medi-cal Canine Weight Control Formula (Suggested feeding recommendation to maintain weight of 60lbs dog: 2 ¼ - 3 ½ cups per day)
4kg bag (contains 42 cups) = $17.93 If you are feeding 2 ¼ cups per day the 4kg bag will last you for 18 ½ days. Cost per day = $0.97
Why choose dry vs. canned? Dry diets cost significantly less per day to feed your pet. They can be left in the bowl for longer periods of time and stay fresh. Canned diets tend to be more palatable for the fussy eater, or your pet may be developed a distinct preference for moist food. Canned food has a higher moisture comment which helps with water consumption. Combining a little bit of canned with dry food is ideal. I've noticed that some of the prescription diet canned food has poultry by-products. I thought that by-products were bad? Yet another misconception - there are good and bad by-products. For example, chicken skin would be a good by-product. Bad by-products are heads, feet or feathers. The word by-product isn't necessarily a bad thing if you're finding it listed for a reputable prescription diet.
Homemade Treat Recipe Snack-Canned Form 1. Take 1/2 a can of your pet's prescription diet and cut into 1/2 inch triangles. 2. Place the triangles on a cookie sheet at 350F for 15 minutes. 3. Flip the triangles over and cook them for another 15 minutes.
Snack-Dry Form 1. Grind kibbles into flour using a blender and mix with enough warm water to form dough. 2. Shape into a "cookie" and bake them on a cookie sheet for approximately 30 minutes at 350F until crispy.
Gravy 1. Take 1/2 a can of your pet's prescription diet and crumble into glass measuring cup. 2. Add 1/3 cup of water and stir into a gravy.
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