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Fact: Every ingredient used in our diets has nutritional value. Corn is packed full of valuable nutrients that help the skin and coat, such as antioxidants (part of the vibrant yellow colour), vitamins A & B, selenium, zinc, amino acids cysteine, methionine and fatty acids.
Fact: Whole corn is covered by a protective fibrous layer called the hull. When this layer is broken (our diets contain corn that has been finely ground), it allows digestive enzymes to break down the fat, carbohydrates and protein. Studies have shown that grinding corn allows greater digestibility.
Fact: A grain-free formula does not mean it is a starch free formula or that it is more nutritionally aligned to your pet’s precise needs. Many new “grain-free” alternative ingredients such as sweet potatoes and tapioca still contain starch, often in higher levels. Starch is required to create a kibble and gives it its pillow-like appearance (think of popcorn).
Fact: An allergy can be caused by any ingredient with a protein. Food allergies do occur but less than commonly perceived, amounting to 1% of all dermatological cases. Grains have shown to be no more allergenic than any other ingredient (fruit, vegetables or animal protein).
Fact: Making a diet is never easy. Unless you have a scientific lab to measure every ingredient’s digestibility and nutrient levels. Many studies have shown homemade diets are not nutritionally balanced. In a 2013 study, 200 home prepared recipes were analyzed and 95% were found to be deficient in at least one essential nutrient. Some recipes actually exceeded the safe upper limit in certain nutrients.
Fact: When dealing with raw and home prepared diets the chances for bacterial contamination are significant. While your pet may be able to deal with these different pathogens, humans usually cannot. You may take every precaution in your kitchen for safety, but your pet can carry these pathogens and potentially contaminate anyone who comes in contact with your pet or pet’s feces. Raw diets are considered a community health issue, not supported by our hospital, the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association or the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Fact: By-products are a secondary product in addition to the principal product. Numerous ingredients can actually be considered a by-product by this standard such as wheat bran, tripe, salami, beef liver, etc. The term by-product is not an indication of the nutritional quality.
Fact: By-products are as safe as any other meat ingredient. Any meat by-product, when sourced from a high-quality facility, is selected from clean, fresh parts of a healthy animal. Sometimes by-products are incorrectly associated with diseased animals but this is absolutely not the case with reputable pet food manufacturers. That is why we partner with reliable pet food companies who take precautions with all their raw materials.
http://www.canadianveterinarians.net/documents/raw-food-diets-for-pets
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681 Stewart Blvd. Brockville, ON K6V 5T4
Phone: 613-345-3401 Email Us
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Limited hours of operation. Please call for details.
26 Water Street, East Brockville, ON K6V 1A1
Phone: 613-345-3401 Email Us
For emergencies outside of regular office hours please call 613-345-3401 to reach our after hours emergency triage service.
For emergency care after 8:00 p.m. or Statutory Holidays please call:
Ottawa Animal Emergency & Specialty Hospital: 613-745-0123 or contact one of these emergency veterinary hospitals.
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