Question:
A local pet store is careful about the animal food it recommends and sells. People in this discerning town relied on this store during the horror of the animal-food poisoning a couple of years ago. It recently took many high-quality foods off its shelves when it was learned that a widely used preservative was shown to induce cancer. Who or what organization is testing ingredients on an ongoing basis? What is a reliable source to turn to for staying on top of what to avoid? Many animal owners relied on a home diet for their pets during that uncertain period and continue to supplement dry food with food they prepare. However, I am uncertain about which foods are toxic to pets. I generally add raw or steamed vegetables and certain fruits like apples and bananas along with cheese, yogurt and peanut butter to my dog's dishes. Are there some fruits and vegetables that one should avoid? Which nuts or grains are questionable?
P.F., Takoma Park, Md Oct 17, 2010
Answer:
There is no reliable source to turn to with regard to pet-food safety. The same is true for manufactured human foods. The FDA has no legal authority to prohibit certain food ingredients or to demand a recall, which is only officially requested on a "voluntary" basis. The FDA is also understaffed and underfunded to effectively monitor food safety, which is enormously complex because many food items and ingredients in manufactured/prepared foods are imported from countries like China. When feeding dogs, all things in moderation; and be alert to individual and breed hypersensitivity (for instance, wheaten terriers are allergic to wheat). Go easy on fruits and sweet potato (yams) with diabetic dogs. Onions are not safe for dogs, nor are macadamia nuts. A little garlic is safe for most dogs. Buy organically certified produce where available, and avoid all genetically modified corn, soy and other crop foods that have been altered. For more details and documentation, check my website and related links at TwoBitDog.com/DrFox/.
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