The Importance of High-Quality Pet Food
Dr Tessa earned her Animal Science degree in the Netherlands, after which she moved to South Africa to study Veterinary Science. After graduating in 2014, she worked with various wildlife species in Lydenburg and Hoedspruit.
Between 2018 and 2020, Dr Tessa opened the Family Vet Clinic in Centurion, as well as the Family Vet Hazeldean, in Silverlakes.
How does a pet’s diet contribute to their health?
“The phrase you are what you eat is applicable to humans and pets alike. Pets should receive a diet, which is suited for their species, breed, age, metabolism, and activity level. A high-quality diet which is balanced and fits your pets’ requirements will ensure your pet remains healthy.”
What are the distinctions between effective nutrition and mere fillers?
“Fillers are ingredients, which do not add nutritional value. Sometimes corn is described as a filler. However, if it is processed (cooked) correctly, corn has an excellent nutritional value. It contains many amino acids and vitamins, and it’s a source of protein and carbohydrates. Some true fillers are fibres, which are added to pet food to increase bulk and water in the intestinal contents to help promote and regulate normal bowel functions. This can be beneficial for pets with intestinal tract diseases. Furthermore, this fibre can be added to weight loss diets to help the pet to feel fuller. With the right composition, fillers can be beneficial.
It’s better to discuss high-quality and poor-quality pet nutrition. High-quality pet food will use human-grade ingredients. They have strict and regular quality controls before, during, and after production. These controls ensure the quality and consistency of the food. All ingredients are completely traceable during the entire production system. All nutrients, vitamins, and minerals are balanced and based on extensive scientific research. Not only is protein important, but fats, carbohydrates, fibre, and other ingredients as well.
Poor quality pet foods often have a variable ingredient content and a lower meat content. The ingredients of these foods are often adapted to the market prices of the ingredients. These foods also contain artificial additives and preservatives. Higher protein levels don’t mean that a food is of higher quality. Too high levels of dietary protein can even be problematic for dogs and cats, especially when they get older.”
How can pet parents strike a balance between specially formulated pet food and homemade food?
“If you want to spoil your pet with some homemade food in addition to your pet’s specifically formulated diets, then always remember that you must decrease your pet’s normal food intake. This is to ensure your pet doesn’t receive too many calories per day. Obesity in pets can lead to diabetes, joint problems, heart disease, anal gland issues, and chronic inflammation. High quantities of soft food can result in increased plaque build-up, which results in dental disease.
Most home-cooked diets alone do not provide proper and complete nutrition for the longevity of your pets. These diets have deficiencies of the vitamins A, Bs, D and E, and minerals such as copper, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, selenium, and zinc. These deficiencies can result in various health problems. Based on various studies, it’s recommended to always ensure that animal-based protein is pathogen-free before it’s fed to your pet. This can occur by cooking, pasteurisation, or even irradiation.”
What are the variables that could impact a pet’s dietary needs?
“Pets should receive a diet which is suited for their species, breed, age, metabolism, and activity level. For instance, large-breed puppy diets have a different calcium-phosphorus content and ingredients suited for a higher energy level compared to small and medium-breed puppy diets. This ratio ensures that large dog breeds have a slow and steady development of their skeleton. The kibble size of the diet should also be adjusted to the size of the dog. Larger kibble is more suited for larger jaws, helps to slow down the speed of eating and helps to keep their teeth clean.”
Learn More About Our Vet of the Month (VOM):
Dr Tessa loves working as a veterinarian, as she never knows what will come through the door. She enjoys working with a variety of species, especially the small, furry, exotic animals.
When did you decide to become a vet?
“I always wanted to work with animals. During my studies in the Netherlands, I was able to work in zoos and wildlife rescue centres, and study as a veterinary nurse. I was very fortunate to be accepted to the Onderstepoort Faculty of the University of Pretoria to study as a veterinarian.”
Do you have any pets?
“We have a Rhodesian Ridgeback, two German Shorthair Pointers, a guinea pig, a rabbit, and a hamster. Most of them are rescues.”
Any last thoughts on the topic?
“Remember to slowly transition your pet to a new diet. For dogs, the transition period is approximately seven days and for cats it’s 14 days. The transition can take up to two months. You want to transition your pets slowly onto a new food to ensure they will not have an intestinal tract upset.
You should always check that your pet’s food does not contain added salt. Too much salt can result in kidney disease or bladder stones.
Some websites will say that carbohydrates can cause skin allergies in pets. However, research shows that animal proteins such as beef, dairy products, chicken, egg, lamb, or soy are more prone to cause allergies in dogs.
Please, always discuss your pet’s nutrition with your veterinarian.”
