Originally published November 1 2008
Veterinary Medical Association Meeting Shows Pet Safety Is Not a Priority
by Susan Thixton
(NaturalNews) Recently the AMVA (American Veterinary Medical Association) held its annual meeting; reports of the topics discussed are discouraging. Per an article reported in MedicalNewsToday.com several veterinary speakers clearly continue to support major pet food manufacturers. Dr. Sally C. Perea a veterinarian who consults with the pet food industry stated that smaller, specialty pet food companies may not be as safe as the larger pet food companies "because they may not have the same number of safety checks as a larger company." Dr. Jeannie Perron stated the 2007 pet food recall -- the largest pet food recall in the history of the world -- prompted a "knee jerk" reaction from Congress and the new mandated pet food safety regulations might "not necessarily be well thought out reaction, to add to pending legislation provisions directed at pet food."
Come on Doctors! For one, there is no evidence that smaller pet food manufacturers are not just as safe as the 'big dogs'. In fact, history has proven they are more safe. Smaller pet food companies that do not have the extreme high profit margins, that cannot afford a multi-million dollar a year advertising budget, must rely on word of mouth advertising for their continued success. Their existence depends on continued quality products. Many of these folks are doing a fantastic job producing quality human grade, no import, health promoting pet foods. And... excuse me? Congress's plan to reform the safety of human and pet food a 'knee jerk reaction'? That is clearly an endorsement of major pet food manufacturing wishing to continue to keep the pet owning public in the dark. Nope, that doesn't float either.
Many vets are deep in the pockets of major pet food producers. And it's a shame. For any veterinarian to recommend a dog food or cat food that is full of by-products and chemical preservatives -- there is no excuse. If veterinarians would stand up to the pet food companies that produce these less than quality foods and insist on healthier options, changes would happen in the industry. Every practicing veterinarian could choose to offer their clients a line of premium dog foods and cat foods (human grade, no risky imports, no risky chemicals), and in turn provide their clinic with a nice additional income.
Unfortunately most don't. This leaves their faithful clients who have learned the 'truth' about by-products, imports, and chemical preservatives in a quandary; to follow their vet's advice or go it alone with their pet food choices. For many pet owners, that is a struggle. Many even hide from their vet the fact they have changed their pet's diet to healthier options. It's tough to challenge the 'Doc'. If your pet is on an Rx diet that was prescribed to address the needs of an illness, you must stay on that diet regardless of the quality of the pet food. The only other alternative would be -- with your vet's approval -- find a qualified pet nutritionist who can develop a home made diet that still addresses the concerns of the illness. But remember, illness comes first -- nutrition second. Your goal is to fend off illness with quality nutrition long before there is an issue.
Wishing you and your pet the best,
Susan Thixton
About the author
Susan Thixton has an international pet people following providing dog and cat lovers a trusted source for pet food and pet food ingredient information. She's been called courageous, perseverant, even "the Caped Crusader for Pets" for her 16 year study of pet food. Susan Thixton is the author of hundreds of pet industry articles and the 2006 released book Truth About Pet Food (currently being updated for a second edition). She developed and publishes the pet product consumer magazine Petsumer Report and is a frequent speaker and radio guest all over the U.S. and Canada with more than 70 appearances in the last 2 years.
If you are looking for straight forward pet food information that can have an almost immediate impact on your pet's health - subscribe to the free newsletter, and subscribe to Petsumer Report to see reviews of close to 700 dog and cat foods and treats (adding 40+ each month). Susan Thixton's 'truth' will help you find a safer, healthier dog or cat food that could add years to your pet's life. http://www.TruthAboutPetFood.com
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