Question:
Sadly, I must take issue with some of your advice. You stress a good diet for our pets, yet you invariably tell people about adding supplements without first explaining what a good diet entails.A dog should be on a regular feeding schedule consisting of natural, nutritionally balanced dog food.Good food can cure a number of common problems. Please alert your readers to the fact that there are good commercial dog foods available. The savings on vet bills and supplements will offset the difference in price. If the dog has problems that are not food-related (such as joint and hip pain), then the inclusion of supplements is appropriate.Forcing pills and powders down after bad or inadequate food will not fix the root problem. Giving a daily allergy pill to an animal who is allergic to his food is tantamount to cruelty.A commercial for a given brand of food may show a dancing dog. That means they made a good commercial. However, it doesn't necessarily mean they make a good dog food.
Experienced, Shelton, CT May 16, 2004
Answer:
No commercial pet food company pays me to mention their name, but I will specify one brand because my dogs do well on it as part of their daily diet: Flint River Ranch. You can visit their Web site at www.flint-river-ranch.info/home.htm for more information.You are right that there are good commercial dog foods, but no one food can be guaranteed to be complete and balanced for each individual animal. So I advise feeding a variety of foods of different types and brands.Supplements (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, omega fatty acids, etc.) are important for us and for our animals, because nutrient-deficient soils mean nutrient-deficient crops and nutritional deficiencies in our food -- and in what we feed our animals. Consult a holistic veterinarian before giving any supplements to your pet, since over-supplementation can cause health problems. Whole foods that are certified organic are likely to contain more nutrients because organic farming improves soil quality.
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