Vegetable Fad Is Out Of Step With Vets’ Advice (NAPSA)—A controversy may be brewing in the pet food market. Contrary to the advice of most veterinarians, a growing number of companies are pushing cat and dog foods that emphasize vegetables, like peas and carrots, and vegetable-colored kibbles. Some dog biscuits even offer apples and blueberries. In contrast, veterinarians argue that what is good for humans may not be good or natural for our four-legged friends. In a July 2002 survey conducted by Burke Marketing Research, four out of five veterinarians said diets rich in animal protein are the best way to feed healthy, adult dogs and cats. Animal proteins come from sources like chicken, lamb, fish and egg. Among the veterinarians recommending animalproteinsis Dr. Stanley L. Marks, an associate professor of small animal medicine at the University of California, Davis, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, and one of the nation’s leading experts on canine and feline nutrition. Dr. Marks said there are many good foods on the market, and suggests two simple steps to help consumers select foods that are rich in animal protein. Step 1: Check the ingredientlist. Is the first or second ingredient an animalprotein, like chicken, lamb,fish or beef? “In general, a diet that has an animal protein asits first or second ingredient would usually be superior to the same diet containing plant-based protein sources,” Dr. Markssaid. Step 2: Check the color and shape of the kibbles. Some dog and cat food diets may also feature vegetable-colored kibbles, in greens, oranges and yellows. This effort is wasted on cats and dogs since neither has useful color vision. “Certain manufacturers will make color-based diets and/or diets that mimic vegetables to entice the owner to buy that product. When that happens, we’re looking at marketing more than actual benefit for the dog or cat,” Dr. Markssaid. The Tale of Two Pyramids A Added Vitamins & Minerals Fats, Oils, & Sweets Milk, Yogurt, & Cheese Meat, Poultry, Fish, Dry Beans, Eggs, & Nuts about 45% of protein animal _from animal sources Fatty Acids & Skin-Nourishing Oils (No Sweets) , WholesomeGrains (Barley, Rice, Corn, etc.) Fruits Chicken or Lamb, Fish, & Eggs up to 90% of protein from Bread, Cereal, Rice, & Pasta HumanFood Pyramid Dog & Cat Food Pyramid i @
