Vets disagree on veggies for Fido

Contrary to the advice of most veterinarians, a growing number of companies are pushing cat and dog foods that emphasize vegetables such as peas and carrots. Some dog biscuits even offer apples and blueberries.

But the vets argue that what’s good for humans may not be good or natural for our four-legged friends.

In a recent study, four out of five veterinarians said diets rich in animal protein are the best way to keep your dog or cat healthy.

Animal proteins come from sources like chicken, lamb, fish and egg. Among the veterinarians recommending animal proteins is Dr. Stanley L. Marks, an associate professor of small animal medicine at the University of California, Davis and one of the nation’s leading experts on canine and feline nutrition.

Marks says follow these simple steps when choosing the food to give to your pet.

Step 1: Check the ingredient list.

Is the first or second ingredient an animal protein, like chicken, lamb, fish or beef?

"In general, a diet that has an animal protein as its first or second ingredient would usually be superior to the same diet containing plant-based protein sources," said Marks.

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," said Marks.

This story was provided by the North American Precis Syndicate.