Cat food ingredients aren’t fit for cats

Dear Readers: The labels on pet foods are often in such small print that a magnifying glass is needed. I read the contents of one widely marketed canned food that indicated, in bold print, “Prime Filets” and “Turkey Dinner with Gravy” and claimed “100 percent Complete and Balanced Nutrition for Adult Cats & Kittens.”

The main ingredients, in descending order, were: turkey liver (not turkey meat), meat byproducts, wheat gluten (not good for cats), soy flour (cheap protein, not good for cats), chicken (very small percentage), corn starch (not good for cats), modified natural and artificial flavors (probably monosodium glutamate), and Red 3 (not good for any animal, possibly carcinogenic).

“Meat byproducts” are defined by the pet food industry as the non-rendered parts, other than meat, derived from slaughtered mammals (mainly pigs and cattle).

They include, but are not limited to, lungs, spleen, kidneys, brain, livers, blood, bone, and stomachs and intestines emptied of their contents.

Turkey livers may contain residues of drugs used to prevent disease and stimulate growth, including antibiotics and ractopamine, a drug that stresses animals and makes them grow more lean muscles — widely used by pork producers.

This kind of food is not appropriate for cats, which are carnivores.

As per the book I coauthored with two other veterinarians, “Not Fit for a Dog: The Truth About Manufactured Cat and Dog Foods,” these foods are likely to contribute to a variety of health problems — from diarrhea /inflammatory bowel syndrome to a host of other conditions, including skin disease and constant hunger, which gives the caregiver the false impression that the cat really likes the food.

Consumers beware.

Vets Hail England’s Ban On Electric Shock Collar Use

Environment Secretary Michael Gove’s announcement banning the use of “cruel” electric shock collars in dogs and cats in England has been applauded by the British Veterinary Association. It is time for such an initiative in other countries where these devices cause much suffering and are no substitute for proper training.

Write c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106 or email animaldocfox@gmail.com. Visit Dr. Fox’s Web site at www. DrFoxVet.com.