RAW DECEPTIONS

The foods all creatures are designed to eat are natural and raw. That is the archetypal model, the model that should be the guide to the best pet food.

In response to a potential market, some pet food companies seed their advertising with allusions to "raw," "gently processed," "just like raw," and "cold processed." But manufacturing a raw, shelf stable, dry pet food, although possible, is very difficult, labor intensive, expensive, and technologically challenging. So, instead of actually going the route of honestly producing such foods, some companies just use insinuation.

For example, "cold processed" implies raw. But when companies using this phrase are queried as to what temperature is used, they either do not respond or give temperatures above the raw 118 degree threshold.

Be skeptical of claims of "raw," "just like raw" and "cold processed." If the product is an extruded or baked starch-based kibble, or canned dog food or cat food, it is not raw.

Before purchasing any raw pet food, determine if the product has been subjected to temperatures above 118 degrees Fahrenheit at any point in the production process. Anything heated above that temperature is no longer raw since that is the point at which enzymes are destroyed and other important components are denatured.

Also, determine if the most important component, meat, is raw. Some companies include a few relatively inconsequential raw vegetable ingredients in an otherwise heat processed product, and then pass the whole product off as a raw food. Your pet needs raw meat, not just a bit of raw rutabaga.

Of course you can take uncertainty out of this equation if you want the best pet food. Simply buy raw meats, organs, and bones from the grocer and feed that, at least in rotation.

Video: Cuddling Elephant Seal

A woman receives unexpected cuddles and affection from an elephant seal...

Thought for the day: The greatest danger to consumers is that they become credulous and ignore the duty to test and critique.

Phrase for the day: 'periodontal disease' - an infection and inflammation of the gums where they meet the teeth. The infection causes pain, halitosis, and loss of teeth. More importantly, since it is a chronic infection, it can seed the body systemically and cause infections in organs such as the kidneys and heart valves. Kidney disease and heart disease in older animals is virtually always associated with a long standing periodontitis. Proper nutrition, supplements and raw bone chewing help prevent and reverse the disease. Keep the teeth clean. If intractable, dental intervention is necessary.