The Visiting Vet - Food



Food is something you, as a caregiver, have control over. Good food and good nutrition is something that makes THE MOST difference in preventing, as well as treating illness in your pet.

Read Labels!!!

Traits of a good food:

  1. Animal protein first
    • must be a named animal protein i.e. chicken, beef, duck, fish, not just "meat"
    • animal protein “meals” should also be from a named species but not "meat meal" or "poultry meal".
  2. Whole vegetables, fruits and grains.

Avoid these traits:

  1. Meat by-products or poultry by-products
  2. Generic fat source for example "animal fat"
  3. Added sweeteners – they may persuade animals to eat food mainly comprised of grain fragments
  4. Artificial colors, flavors and preservatives (i.e. BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin)
  5. Wheat gluten, corn
  6. Mystery Ingredients - Do you know what "animal digest" is?

Forms of food that I prefer (in this order):

  1. Home made from "real" human grade food
  2. Pre-packaged Raw
  3. Dehydrated Raw – you just add liquid
  4. Canned
  5. Dry Kibble

Closing Thoughts

The above is only meant as a guide. No matter how good a food you pick for your pet, it still may not be enough. Your loved one might need some additions to their diet. The only real way to meet your pet's dietary needs is to do VAET. Another key point to keep in mind is your pet's dietary needs may change over time. What works for them at 2 years of age might not be right at 5. For existing clients, Dr. Rice will help you narrow down your choices.