Exploring Pet Nutrition Myths with Dr. Siobhan

July 29, 2024
pet nutrition

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the conflicting information about pet nutrition, you’re not alone. In this final part of our interview series with Dr. Siobhan Bridglalsingh, DVM, MHEd, PhD, DACVIM (Nutrition), renowned Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist (BCVN), we address the most common concerns and misconceptions about pet nutrition. Dr. Siobhan shares her method for evaluating pet food and debunks widespread myths to help you make the best nutritional choices for your pets. Missed Part 1? Catch up on her journey and groundbreaking research here.

1. What are the most frequent concerns voiced by pet owners regarding their pets’ nutrition?

In my experience, most pet parents are concerned about highly processed foods being the main diet. They would like to feed/incorporate grocery-bought ingredients that have been cooked at home and have been formulated to be complete and balanced by a BCVN.

2. What are some common misconceptions about pet nutrition that you often encounter?

I think some common ones in my experience have been:

  • Dogs need to be fed only once per day.
  • Pork is bad for pets.
  • Cats need to be fed in bowls.
  • Raw/minimally processed foods are bad and will lead to illness.
  • All eggs have Salmonella contamination.
  • All pets are lactose intolerant.
  • Commercial processed food is better than homemade food.
  • Animal by-products are bad and should not be fed to pets.

3. When evaluating pet food, what criteria are most important to you? What factors would make you choose or avoid a particular product?

I think this can be looked at in two ways. The first is from a more general perspective. For example, does the product have an AAFCO statement of nutritional adequacy? If that statement is on the label, then I know it was designed as a complete and balanced meal and can be fed to a pet as the main meal. If it does not have a statement, then it can be used as a topper or treat. Other general things that I look for would be the general distribution of macronutrients. I have a personal protein bias, so I prefer products that are higher in protein. This brings me to my second viewpoint – who am I trying to feed? Higher protein is not always best for example, for patients with late-stage chronic kidney disease. In that case, I need to find a product with less protein but has a good quality source of carbohydrates and fats.

4. What advice do you have for pet owners who want to provide the best nutrition for their companion animals?

Pet parents can definitely discuss their concerns with their primary veterinarian. If they are happy with the information and guidance, then they can proceed from there. If they feel they need more or would like to do a homemade diet recipe, then seeking out a BCVN is absolutely an option. Pet owners should be aware that BCVNs do not offer primary care, so they will still need to have an active relationship with a family veterinarian who will attend to the pet’s general health and wellness.

Conclusion:

Dr. Siobhan’s passion for pet nutrition is obvious as she shares what she loves most about her work, how she carefully evaluates pet food and clears up common nutrition myths. Her practical tips can help you make informed decisions for your pet’s health. If you want to learn more or schedule a consultation with Dr. Siobhan, visit her website.