Nutritional Adequacy Statement or AAFCO Statement

Formulation method (Good):

“Brand ABC Cat Food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by AAFCO Cat Food Profiles for maintenance of adult cats.”

Feeding Trial Method (Better):

“Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that Brand X Cat Food provides complete and balanced nutrition for maintenance of adult cats.” 

Feeding tests using AAFCO procedures are a scientific way to evaluate pet food.  This is considered the gold standard and is better than simply coming up with a recipe that looks good on paper.

Ingredient list

The ingredients are listed on the side of the bag.  Unfortunately, these lists can be confusing and are easily manipulated.  For example, sometimes cuts of meat from different parts of the animal have to be listed as separate ingredients.  This can give the impression that there is less meat in the bag than if a single ingredient was used.

Trends

Human trends make their way to the pet food market.  For example, consumers may prefer potato or barley as a carbohydrate source over certain grains, like corn or wheat.  Pet food manufacturers will oblige by creating foods tailored to popular opinion.  There is nothing wrong with this process but it is important to remember that new foods should be tested using AAFCO procedures to make sure that they actually result in healthy animals under real world conditions.

Your cat’s unique physiology

It is also important to remember that cats are individuals and that there is no one universal food that is ideal for all cats.  What makes one cat thrive could result in illness in another cat.  There are dozens of good cat foods on the market and more choices than ever.

The post Choosing a Cat Food appeared first on Evesham Veterinary Clinic.

The following is intended as a feeding guide for a normal adult pet rabbit.  Young (<8 months old), sick, pregnant, or nursing rabbits have different requirements.  Any changes to a rabbit’s diet should be made slowly and under a veterinarian’s supervision.

Hay – Fresh “timothy” hay should be available in unlimited amounts at all times, and changed daily.  Rabbits tend to eat small amounts of food frequently throughout the day and withholding hay for long periods of time can lead to intestinal upsets.  Only “grass” hay, such as timothy, brome, or oat hay should be fed in unlimited amounts.  “Legume” hay such as alfalfa can be too nutrient-dense and have improper calcium/phosphorus ratios.

Pellets – A good quality rabbit pellet may be offered daily but in limited quantities.  Pellets are a rich source of nutrients, but most pellets are also very high in carbohydrates and low in fiber.  Unlimited feeding of a pelleted diet can lead to obesity and other health problems.  Make sure that you buy pellets high in fiber (18% or more), and that you buy small quantities.  Keep the pellets in a cool dry place or in the refrigerator.  Pelleted diets with extra colored pieces, seeds, or grains are not recommended because of the potential for selective feeding.

Rabbits under eight months old can have unlimited pellets.  Older than eight months should consult the following table:

Fresh Vegetables – Offer small amounts of fresh vegetables daily at a rate of 1 cup per 5 lbs. of body weight.  Variety is good but be careful not to make any sudden changes and always observe for signs of GI upset such as diarrhea or loss of appetite.  Introduce new vegetables in small quantities at first, and discontinue that particular vegetable if you notice a problem.  The following are all acceptable: Carrot tops, beet tops, dandelion greens and flowers (these are excellent, but no pesticides, please), kale, collard greens, escarole, romaine lettuce, (don’t give light colored leaf lettuce or iceberg lettuce), parsley, clover, cabbage, broccoli (don’t forget the leaves), carrot, green peppers, pea pods (the flat edible kind), brussel sprouts, basil, peppermint leaves, raspberry leaves, raddichio, bok choy, and spinach.

EVESHAM VETERINARY CLINIC

800 Route 73 South

Marlton, NJ 08053

(856) 983-9440

www.eveshamvet.com

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