16/10/2024

US: majority of pet owners still underestimate pet obesity

The latest data from market research firm Bloomberg Intelligence's (BI) Global Pet Economy 2024 report shows that dog obesity climbed to 59% in 2022, up from 43% in 2007. Similarly, 61% of cats were classified as obese in 2022.   BI also reports that a pet being overweight contributes to heightened risks of cancer, diabetes and heart disease.   Further supporting this trend, findings from the American Pet Products Association's (APPA) 2024 Cat & Dog Report reveal an increase in vet-diagnosed cat obesity, from 11% in 2018 to 17% in 2024. Weight loss prescription diets increased from 8% to 13% over the same period.   For dogs, obesity diagnoses rose from 8% in 2018 to 12% in 2024, while weight loss prescription diets increased from 8% to 11%.     Pet parents' attitudes   A survey conducted by Ollie, an American dog food firm, found that despite around 60% of dogs in the US being overweight or obese, three-fifths of surveyed pet owners believed their pets were at an ideal weight.   Over half of the respondents (53%) acknowledged that obesity has a 'significant' impact on their pets' health, while 35% believed it had 'some' effect.   The research also revealed a significant knowledge gap, as only a small percentage of pet owners recognized key indicators of a healthy weight in dogs. Just 30% knew that easily feeling their dogs' ribs by touch was a sign, while even fewer were aware that the same applies to the spine (20%) and hip bones (17%).   Among different generations, Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012) and millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) were most concerned about comments about their dogs' weight, with 47% and 46%, respectively, expressing worry.   These findings align with a 2023 study by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), which found that 84% of dog owners and 70% of cat owners assessed their pets' body condition as healthy despite many being classified as overweight by veterinarians.   Older surveys from APOP show that this awareness gap has persisted over time.   Source: GlobalPETS

23/09/2024

Home-Cooked food for pets

This trend, like many others, is making its way into the pet food industry and driving consumers to adopt more process controlled feeding regimens for their pets such as home-cooked meals.2 
Home-cooked foods may serve many benefits for the pet but also require careful planning and consideration to ensure meals are nutritionally balanced and safe.   What constitutes a balanced diet?   Many home-cooked pet food recipes available online are unbalanced and do not provide adequate nutrition for the pet.3 A balanced diet must include the appropriate proportions of all nutrients: proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins and minerals, for a specific life stage and species. Similar to humans, the nutritional requirements for dogs and cats are quite specific and vary based on factors such as age, weight, spayed/neutered, and current health conditions. It is essential to seek advice from well-educated, credentialed individuals (such as a veterinary nutritionists or veterinary technician nutritionist) on these requirements to ensure adequate nutrition when preparing home-cooked pet diets.     Protein – Protein provides amino acids that dogs and cats need to maintain muscle mass and essential body functions. An essential amino acid cannot be synthesized and therefore are required in the diet and are required for maintenance, growth, gestation, and lactation. 4 Non-essential amino acids can be synthesized in the body from other amino acids and co-factors and may not necessarily be needed to be supplied through diet alone. According to AAFCO, the minimum protein requirement for dogs is 18.00% on a 100% dry matter basis (DMB) for adult dogs and 22.50% to support growth and reproduction. The minimum protein requirement for cats is 26.00% on a 100% DMB for adult cats and 30.00% to support growth and reproduction.5   Fat – Dietary fats are a source of concentrated energy for storage and utilization in the body and supply fatty acids that dogs and cats cannot synthesize (essential fatty acids).4 While some fat sources have been labeled as 'good' or 'unhealthy' it is important to select fats in a homemade diet that bring in an appropriate amount of fatty acids. Therefore, while some dietary fat sources sound better, they may not be the most ideal for the pet's requirements. According to AAFCO, the minimum fat requirement for dogs is 5.50% on a 100% DMB for adult dogs and 8.50% to support growth and reproduction. The minimum protein requirement for cats is 9.00% on a 100% DMB for adult cats and 9.00% to support growth and reproduction.5   Carbohydrates – Carbohydrates provide a good source of energy and dietary fiber for animals and are the primary energy source for omnivorous animals.4 Even though there is not a carbohydrate minimum requirement for cats and dogs according to AAFCO, it is important to note that glucose is the brain's preferred source of energy, which comes from the breakdown of carbohydrates. Additionally, carbohydrates, like fruits and vegetables, may also add notable amounts of vitamins and minerals to the diet.   Vitamins and Minerals – Adequate and balanced amounts of vitamins and minerals are essential to support normal physiological and metabolic functioning in animals.4 Vitamins and minerals are often supplemented in pet diets to ensure nutritional adequacy.   Advantages of home cooked meals   Customization – Home-cooking meals for a pet allows for customization specifically for a pet who has specific dietary needs or has food intolerances.   Control – Home-cooking meals for a pet allows the owner a greater control over what ingredients go into the meal, as well as what ingredients are not included. However, 'diet drift' can be just as dangerous as the benefits of knowing what all is in a pet's diet. Diet drift is a term used to describe the shifts over time to a pet's homemade diet that can lead to nutrient imbalances.   Bonding – Preparing a pet's meal can provide a sense of bonding between the pet and their owner.   Potential risks and how to mitigate them   Nutritional Imbalances – One of the most significant risks associated with homemade pet foods is having a diet that is not complete and balanced. As stated above, a balanced, home-cooked diet includes adequate levels of protein, fat, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals according to AAFCO for the animal, which is vital to follow to ensure proper nutrition for the animal's optimal health. Providing an appropriate balance of these requirements may be difficult to navigate for the average consumer, so one may consider consulting with a veterinary nutritionist or a veterinary technician who specializes in nutrition to help design a diet that meets all the necessary nutritional requirements for a pet. Unless the diet is sent off to a third-party laboratory for testing, it is truly unknown if the diet meets all nutrient requirements.   Food Safety – When cooking at home for a pet, safe food handling and proper cooking techniques are critical to prevent the potential for foodborne illness. Not only are foodborne pathogens dangerous for the animal, but they will cause serious illness in the owner as well. Like checking nutrients, diets can be sent to third-party laboratories to test for microbes that may be present in the food. Similar to human food, the FDA has established a zero-tolerance policy on levels of Salmonella bacteria in pet food.6   Time and Cost – While the potential for bonding is present, home-cooking meals for a pet can be time-consuming and often more expensive than purchasing a commercial pet diet. One should consider the time, cost, and storage required before beginning to cook for their pet.   Practical tips for starting   Consult Your Veterinarian – Always consult with a Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist or a veterinary technician who is specialized in nutrition before changing a pet's diet. These individuals can be located online or through a local veterinarian but will require a consult and review of medical records before any diets are formulated.   Start Slowly – When transitioning a pet to a new diet, start slowly. Gradually introduce new foods into the pet's diet to avoid gastrointestinal upset. This is true for all diet transitions whether commercial or homemade.   Keep Records – When introducing a pet to a new food or diet, it may be helpful to document recipes, ingredients, and the pet's reaction to the new diet. This can be useful for monitoring health over time and can help inform whether changes to a diet would benefit the pet. It is also important to document the recipe in grams to keep log of any variations to minimize diet drift.   Consider Pre-Made Fresh Foods – Preparing home-cooked meals can be a daunting task for any pet owner and is a huge task to take on. Therefore, if pet owners still would like to have a gently cooked option they can consider pre-made fresh, gently cooked meals instead. Many options available on the market also offer customization if the pet has specific dietary needs or preferences.   Conclusion   Home-cooking meals for a pet can be a rewarding way to cater to their dietary needs; however, it requires a significant commitment to ensure nutritional balance and safety. By educating oneself and seeking professional advice, pet owners can provide meals that not only satisfy but also contribute to the health and well-being of their pet. Whether planning to supplement with home-cooked meals or fully committing to them, it is important to remember that these efforts have a direct impact on a pet's health.   Source: BSM Partners   References International Food Information Council. 2024 Food & Health Survey. June 20, 2024. https://foodinsight.org/2024-foodhealth-survey/ Phillips-Donaldson, D. (2024, January 4). 5 more human food trends for pet food to keep top of mind. Pet Food Industry. Fell, A. (2013, July 15). Homemade dog food recipes can be risky business, study finds. UC Davis. https://www.ucdavis.edu/news/homemade-dog-food-recipes-can-be-risky-business-study-finds National Research Council, Division on Earth, Life Studies, Committee on Animal Nutrition, Subcommittee on Dog, & Cat Nutrition. (2006). Nutrient requirements of dogs and cats. National Academies Press. Official Publication; Association of American Feed Control Officials: Champaign, IL, USA, 2024. Phillips-Donaldson, D. (2021, May 3). Will zero tolerance for salmonella in pet food ever change?. Pet Food Industry. https://www.petfoodindustry.com/pet-food-market/blog/15467710/will-zero-tolerance-for-salmonella-in-pet-food-ever-change

27/08/2024

Hill's Pet Nutrition Invests in Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine with $1 Million Endowed Clinical Nutrition Professorship

The professorship, officially named the Hill's Pet Nutrition Clinical Nutrition Professorship, is designed to enhance the educational experience of veterinary students and contribute to the advancement of veterinary nutritional science. This initiative underscores Hill's long-standing commitment to improving the health and well-being of pets through education, research, and practical application.   "The new endowed professorship builds on the legacy of an exemplary veterinary medicine program Kansas State University is already known for," said Dr. Jolle Kirpensteijn, Hill's global chief veterinary officer. "It's important that vet students receive comprehensive education in pet nutrition, which will be a critical aspect of promoting lifelong overall health in pets. We look forward to a continued partnership to create a future generation of veterinarians, fully knowledgeable and confident in making nutritional recommendations."   Enhancing Veterinary Education and Research   The Hill's Pet Nutrition Endowed Clinical Nutrition Professorship will significantly enhance the college's capacity to deliver cutting-edge education and conduct groundbreaking pet nutrition research. The appointed professor will be responsible for developing and teaching courses that cover all aspects of small animal nutrition, from basic dietary requirements to advanced therapeutic nutrition strategies.   In addition to teaching, the professor will lead research initiatives aimed at improving nutritional practices and developing new dietary solutions for common and complex health issues in small animals. This research will not only benefit the academic community but also have practical applications in veterinary practices around the world, ultimately improving the lives of countless pets.   "This professorship will enhance our educational capacity in small animal nutrition, strengthening the preparation of our graduates for success in any role they take in veterinary medicine," said Bonnie Rush, DVM, MS, DACVIM, Hodes family dean of the college. "We are grateful to Hill's Pet Nutrition for their generosity, support and vision for supporting veterinary medical education at Kansas State University. Our partnership has provided tangible several benefits for our students and for clients of the Hill's Pet Health and Nutrition Center in the Veterinary Health Center, and will continue to do so grow with the establishment of this new professorship."   A Legacy of Support and Collaboration   Hill's Pet Nutrition has a rich history of collaboration with Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. In 2018, Hill's contributed $2.4 million to establish the Pet Health and Nutrition Center, which serves as a primary care clinic within the College for the community and beyond.   "Hill's Pet Nutrition's investment in Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine is a testament to the company's unwavering commitment to pet health and well-being," said John Hazlin, president and CEO of Hill's. "By supporting the education and development of future veterinarians, Hill's is helping to ensure that pets receive the best possible care throughout their lives."   About Hill's Pet Nutrition
Founded more than 75 years ago with an unwavering commitment to science-led pet nutrition, Hill's Pet Nutrition is on a mission to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. Hill's is dedicated to pioneering research for dogs and cats using a scientific understanding of their specific needs. As a leading veterinarian recommended pet food brand, knowledge is our first ingredient with 220+ veterinarians, PhD nutritionists and food scientists working to develop breakthrough innovations in pet health. Hill's Prescription Diet therapeutic nutrition plus our everyday wellness product line, Hill's Science Diet, are sold at vet clinics and pet specialty retailers worldwide. For more information about our products and nutritional philosophy, visit HillsPet.com.   About Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine   The Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, established in 1905, is dedicated to scholarship through innovation and excellence in teaching, research, and service to promote animal and human health for the public good. We are committed to creating an environment that is fulfilling and rewarding, being recognized for good communication, productive collaboration, mutual respect, diversity, integrity, and honesty. To carry out this mission, the college's nationally recognized instructional and research programs provide the highest standards of professional education.   Contact: 
Ariana Brancato 
[email protected]    Source: Hill's Pet Nutrition

12/06/2024

Next-generation foods: Microbiome, nutrition, animal health and wellbeing

By Juan Gómez Basauri, Ph.D.

The Microbiome
  With this interest, the term 'microbiome' may be confusing, particularly to a person who is not a trained microbiologist. For instance, one reference may tell us that the microbiome is the complete set of microbiota (microorganisms, bacteria, fungi), its genes, and the metabolites they produce in the microenvironment in which they reside (habitat) either inside or on the body of an organism (e.g. the intestinal tract, the mouth, the skin, the reproductive system) and sometimes the term microbiome and microbiota are used interchangeably though they are different.
One way to grasp the term microbiome is by using a sports analogy. Imagine a football stadium filled with fans from diverse backgrounds and origins. Similarly, the gut microbiome (the football stadium) consists of a diverse population of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and more. What's more, each fan in the stadium has their own unique characteristics and preferences, as do the different microorganisms present in the gut microbiome.
We can expand this analogy further. Inside the football stadium (the gut microbiome), fans communicate and interact with each other and with the players during the game. Similarly, the microorganisms in the microbiome communicate and interact with each other and with the host (human, dog, or cat) through chemical signals and interactions.
This communication results in a strong association between the microbiome and the health of the gastrointestinal tract and other organs such as the brain, liver, skin, and others. And just as a successful football team requires a balance between offense and defense, the microbiome relies on a delicate balance of its microorganisms to maintain health. In contrast, an imbalance or unprepared team can lead to poor performance on the field, and a disruption of the balance in the gastrointestinal tract known as dysbiosis, can lead to health problems for the host.
While there are numerous factors that influence the composition of the microbiome (e.g. host genetics, age, environment), diet plays a fundamental role in the growth and function of certain microorganisms so they can thrive in their respective niches. Nutritional intervention through diet provides a daily opportunity to enhance the health of the microbiome and ultimately the health of the host. Studies show that phyla in the gut microbiome and the composition of bacteria and microorganisms respond predictably to dietary changes – high protein diets, and different types of fiber, to mention a few - in both humans and "healthy" dogs and cats.
It is not only important to know the specific phyla and strains, but also their functionality: what types of metabolic processes take place and what metabolites are generated. Metabolites that have been extensively discussed and researched are short-chain fatty acids, butyric, propionic, and acetic acids. It's important to note that the composition of the microbiota in the intestinal tract is unique to every person, and every dog, cat, and even human also has a unique microbiota profile.
What's next: New generation of foods
For some time now, customized and personalized food has been thought of as a way to tailor dietary recommendations and optimize food choices according to an individual's unique physiological needs for health and wellbeing.
What we already know about the microbiome gives us the starting point for truly personalized nutrition. We should be able to develop personalized food with the desired nutritional outcomes for specific cases and conditions. A study of an individual's microbiome can provide insights into its unique microbial profile and provide personalized dietary recommendations to modulate the gut microbiome to improve and enhance digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall gut health.
Modulating the gut microbiome to enhance wellbeing may seem like a tall order but discovering the secrets that the microbiome holds is key to a long and healthy life not only for our companion animals but also for us humans.   By: Juan Gómez-Basauri
Source: All Pet Food Magazine

11/03/2024

Are Vegetarian Diets for Cats and Dogs Safe?

 A Vegetarian Diet for Cats The cat is an obligate carnivore and has highly exacting nutritional needs, for this reason we advise owners to think very carefully before providing a vegetarian diet for their cats, and to ensure they get advice from a veterinary nutritionist. There is some commercial 'complete' vegetarian cat food available on the market. If a cat owner is intending to feed one of these products, we would recommend the owner discusses this option with their vet in the context of the individual needs of their cat. Cats have high requirements for protein and amino acids which their bodies breakdown very rapidly. If resources run low they're unable to reduce the rate of breakdown which makes them particularly sensitive to deficiencies. The particular importance of taurine (an amino acid exclusively found in animal-based proteins) in cat nutrition is well documented. It is an essential nutrient for cats and deficiency can lead to blindness and/or heart failure. Cats have minimal ability to synthesise su­fficient taurine to meet their needs and therefore require a dietary supply which is found exclusively in animal derived materials. Whilst synthetic supplements are available, these can vary in bioavailability and there is no margin for error. Arachidonic acid (an essential fatty acid) is another example of a nutrient required by cats only available from animal sources, along with preformed vitamin A (retinol) as cats cannot utilise sufficient quantities from the pro-vitamin A of vegetables. Cats also need to sustain good levels of vitamin B12 found naturally in meat. A Vegetarian Diet for Dogs Dogs are omnivores and can adapt to a well-balanced vegetarian diet. There is a wider range of commercially prepared 'complete' vegetarian dog foods available and for the majority of owners this is the safest way to feed a vegetarian diet. Once again, we advise that these feeding options are discussed with the vet or animal nutritionist.   Vegan diets for Pets Vegan foods (no animal products) should be carefully checked by a vet or animal nutritionist as they may be deficient in arginine, lysine, methionine, tryptophan, taurine, iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin A and some B vitamins2,3. Meticulous attention to detail would be needed to assure nutritional adequacy and palatability.   Home Prepared Vegetarian Diets for Cats and Dogs Studies have shown that nutritional errors are commonplace in many homemade diets1; providing a nutritionally balanced, homemade vegetarian diet is a complicated task that would require meticulous planning and a specific formulation from a vet or animal nutritionist – particularly for cats. A survey of 86 vegetarian dogs in Germany, Switzerland and Belgium found that over 50% of the dogs were fed diets deficient in protein, essential amino acids, calcium, zinc and vitamins D and B122. Dietary deficiencies can have a significant impact on long term health and well-being.
Source: FEDIAF   1 University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine 'Homemade dog food recipes can be a risky business, study finds' (15 July 2013) 2 A Field Study on the Nutrition of Vegetarian Dogs and Cats in Europe. Jan 1998-Dec 1999. E. Kienzle, R Engelhard. 2 Dwyer JT. Nutritional consequences of vegetarianism. Annual reviews of nutrition 1991: 11: 61-69. 3 McDonald P, Edwards RA, Greenhalgh JFD, et al. Evaulation of foods – protein. In: Animal Nutrition, 5th ed. Harlow (Essex), UK: Longman Scientific and Techincal, 1995.