Question:
Regarding the letter from M.W., whose cat suffered from itchy skin and hot spots, I would like to share my experience with a similar situation, although my cat (one of six) had a urinary-tract infection as well.My veterinarian, who specializes in cats, asked me what my cat was eating. At the time, I was feeding all my cats Meow Mix, which was by far their favorite. My vet told me to stop feeding them any foods with dye in them. I did so immediately, and the skin and urinary-tract problems cleared up in a couple of weeks.Even though I am allergic to red dye No. 40, it never occurred to me that a cat could also be. There are many brands of cat food without dye in them, and my cat hasn't had any further problems.
S.H., Norfolk, Va Jun 11, 2006
Answer:
Your veterinarian's advice is worth noting by all people with cats and dogs, and especially by the pet-food industry.The beneficial consequences of giving your cat a diet that contains no artificial coloring are indeed dramatic. Many holistic veterinarians follow the principle of wholesome natural food first, which they insist upon as the first step in treating a variety of prevalent health problems in their animal patients. Dyes are not the only chemical additives and adulterants in many commercial pet foods. Common sense dictates these additives should be avoided because of potential risk.
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