My Nutrition class ROCKS!!!

ORIGINAL: dyan
 it would seem that a vet will never acknowledge that and contribute to the possibility that it might be the best way to go for our pets.

What most people don't know is that a vets first priority should always be the people. We are for public health first, pets second. Thats why its acceptable to euthanize a pet when the family can't afford to treat it anymore, or when a pet is dangerous. If society decides to change that (guardianship vs ownership) it would be great for vets financially, but the majority of us are here for more than just the animals.

I PM'd you a resource that may help as you take the class - packed with info.  I'm glad to see a vet student get interested in this subject.  Too many vets have no idea about nutrition (other than what the major veterinary food companies tell them), so it's refreshing to see that you have an open mind.  The other thing vets often fall short with is behavior, so if you get the opportunity to take some behavior, or even training classes, it would help us trainers out a lot, since our clients often say "but our vet said...". [sm=lol.gif]  

the parents didn't want the cat, and nobody wanted to take home a chronic shedder.

What did the kitten eat? From what I've read, all animals shed ickiness in their poop, regardless of what they eat. And, of course, there's the arguement that kibble is often contaminated, as well....

I'm not arguing that raw is best for every, or even most situations (because, obviously, it's not. sometimes, there's safety concerns, or health concerns for the owner or the animal where it cannot be fed, especially if there are young children around). I'm just wondering why it is that raw gets blamed for causing all these germies. My friend's mom has two German Shepherds. She feeds mostly raw (with a light kibble meal at night). My friend's nine month old baby gets kisses from them every day. My dogs are on a mostly raw diet, too (with cooked root veggies). Yesterday, Emma kissed the baby's open mouth. Of course, the baby is kept away from poop. She's never had a problem (neither has the other grandchild, who is almost 2) with food borne illness, and neither have any of our dogs. I don't think it's as harmless or as dangerous as it's sometimes made out to be, and it *is* a serious decision to make.... But why is it always considered BAD?

It is true that cats have bacteria in their poop, which is why many doctors advise pregnant women not to clean litter boxes.   

I have been taught the same thing about raw diets.  Most vets just believe that it's not worth the risk. 

I have been taught the same thing about raw diets. Most vets just believe that it's not worth the risk.

 
Do the vets who advise against raw also advise against homecooked?
 
(Aside:  I'm really trying to cement some ideas in my mind.  I'm not trying to be argumentitive.  Or push this downhill like I've seen so many raw food discussions go.  THANKS!)

ORIGINAL: agilebasenji

Do the vets who advise against raw also advise against homecooked?

 
Depends on the vet and their experiences, which mostly depend on the clientele. There is a big difference between stay at home moms, or intelligent working adults who do a ton of research to make their home cooked diet versus areas where people feed scraps as "treats" and the treats make up half the diet. So it really depends...

I agree.  However, some vets don't advise homecooked because the average individual would not know how to balance the diet properly.  Even if they did, the average consumer is not going to want to put in the effort to do so, as it takes up more time than it would to cook your own meal! lol  Many years of professional research go into creating the optimal balance of nutrients and vitamins/minerals (down to the most minimal values) that it almost seems silly to want to do it yourself.

IMO it is much better to just add healthy, whole foods to a kibble diet than create your own.

I agree. However, some vets don't advise homecooked because the average individual would not know how to balance the diet properly. Even if they did, the average consumer is not going to want to put in the effort to do so, as it takes up more time than it would to cook your own meal! lol Many years of professional research go into creating the optimal balance of nutrients and vitamins/minerals

   LOL; when the Cooked Diet recipes booklet I ordered from Monica Segal came in the mail, I was stunned at how complicated the recipes are, and you have to follow them very closely or they won't provide the correct balance of nutrients. It really made me realize that providing a homemade balanced diet for dogs takes a lot of careful research. Jessie has been on a Rx potato and rabbit diet for several weeks to determine if she has any new food allergies; I won't know if I can use the 2 recipes in the booklet for her weight class for a while.

I believe its toxoplasmosis that makes doctors advise pregnant women to not go by cat litter or eat undercooked meat.

ORIGINAL: dyan

I believe its toxoplasmosis that makes doctors advise pregnant women to not go by cat litter or eat undercooked meat.

Yes, that is true--toxoplasmosis is caused by a bacteria in the cat feces []

We are for public health first, pets second.

That's a VERY good point. Something I had never thought of before, though I'm rarely one to blame a vet for getting antsy about raw. The only time I get really annoyed is when the vet has the office decorated in NeoSciDiet and recommends that brand for any reason. Toenails cracked? Treat it - and use SD TG (Toenail Grow). Coat matted? Trim it out and use SD NM (No Matts).

I don't know how that happens but I'm always a little startled when I actually see it.

Still, how is it that vets overseas can recommend raw bones to clean teeth and tripe/"dog mince" to help a picky dog eat? Do they not have the same sense of public responsibility?

ORIGINAL: brookcove

The only time I get really annoyed is when the vet has the office decorated in NeoSciDiet and recommends that brand for any reason. Toenails cracked? Treat it - and use SD TG (Toenail Grow). Coat matted? Trim it out and use SD NM (No Matts).

Still, how is it that vets overseas can recommend raw bones to clean teeth and tripe/"dog mince" to help a picky dog eat? Do they not have the same sense of public responsibility?

Thanks for the laugh... the sad part is that its almost true...

I'm not sure about vets overseas... I don't know how their philosophy differs from ours... especially considering the wide variety of philosophies within the US. Do ALL vets overseas recommend that?

Still, how is it that vets overseas can recommend raw bones to clean teeth and tripe/"dog mince" to help a picky dog eat? Do they not have the same sense of public responsibility?

Excellent point! In Germany i think most vets advocate a raw diet,in Australia rmb's are recommended for teeth cleaning before anything else,and ofcourse is the home of Billinghurst and Lonsdale.It seems to me that in these countries they are more for the animals than the people.Which is a statement i just do not understand,i thought vets first priority were the animals????

i thought vets first priority were the animals????

 
I kind of thought so too Edie, but when you really think of it,,,I guess first priority should be humans. 

The Veterinarian's Oath

Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health, the relief of animal suffering, the conservation of livestock resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.

I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics.

I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence.

This is the oath all veterinarians take as we enter veterinary school, and when we graduate. As you can see, the treatment of animals and "relief of animal suffering" is really only a very small part of the veterinary profession as a whole.