The 7 greatest concerns in 2011 for commercial pet foods, treats, and supplements

Dr. Gary Pusillo

As the worries of 2010 turn into a reality of 2011, what are the commercial pet food, treats, and supplements major concerns you and your professional pet health and nutrition advisor need to review and prioritize for 2011:

1. Excessive bone fragments (and mysterious substances) in some canned and dry pet foods.
2. Drug and heavy metals in some pet products from China, Indonesia, Thailand, India, Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, Argentina, Mexico, Honduras, South Korea,  et al.
3. Ethical issues regarding cloned animals, and wildlife species (Kangaroos, wallabies, used for pet foods.
4. The definition of “natural” hijacked by deceptive marketing campaigns.
5. A proliferation of “fresh” or raw diets that are not scientifically fortified for proper pet nutrition and health.
6. The use of novel ingredients that negatively challenge a pet’s immune system resulting in more allergies and GI tract upsets.
7. Convenience of a pet food vs. completeness of its nutritional benefits.

The 2010 introduction of pet foods, treats, and supplements; “untouched by relevant science, and over touched with synthetic masking devices ;”  is bound to create a new generation of pets suffering from debilitating metabolic abnormalities, joint dysfunctions, obesity, cancers, and neurological anomalies.

A synthetic masking devise is any chemical agent or manufacturing technology that unrealistically covers-up, hides, or disguises the true nature of an ingredient that would not be normally palatable, desirable, or even safe for a pet.

Before the 2011 blitz of “new” pet food supplements, treats,  and foods start to impress your emotions, take time to access the products and services provided to your pet in the past.; Did they do all they promised to do? Or did they do more harm than good? Even more importantly ask yourself if you can identify the presence of an additive or process that seems to be a synthetic masking devise.

The coming new year is a great time to review priorities and strategies for you and your pet’s most basic needs, joys, and long term goals.

Prepare now, prior to the proliferation of the new crop of 2011 pet food , treat, and supplement promises.