Debunking Common Pet Food Myths

There’s a lot of confusion out there about pet food, leaving many of us questioning what’s best for our furry friends. Here are some myths and the scientific truths behind why we need to rethink what is truly best for our pets:

Myth 1: Grain-Free = Healthier for All Pets. Grain-free diets are often marketed as healthier, but here’s the truth: dogs and cats can digest grains just fine unless they have a specific allergy (which is rare). Grains like rice and oats can provide essential nutrients and energy for your pets. Instead of focusing on “grain-free,” prioritize foods with high-quality ingredients.

Myth 2: By-Products Are Bad for Pets. The term “by-products” often gets a bad rap, but not all by-products are created equal. Quality by-products like organ meats (liver, kidney, etc.) are packed with nutrients your pets need and are commonly included in the diets of animals in the wild. They’re not the “leftovers” many people imagine; they’re actually nutritious additions.

Myth 3: A Raw Food Diet is the Best Option. While raw diets have gained popularity, they come with risks. Raw meat can carry bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, which can pose health risks for both pets and their humans. Most recently, there is a strong concern of Avian Flu being transmitted to your pets through raw diets, and this can be deadly. Consulting a veterinarian before switching to raw food is crucial to ensure your pet is getting a safe and balanced diet.

Myth 4: Homemade Diets Are Always Better. We understand the appeal of knowing exactly what’s in your pet’s food, but not all homemade diets are nutritionally complete. Pets have specific dietary needs that can be easy to miss without guidance from a vet or pet nutritionist. A thoughtfully formulated commercial pet food often ensures your pet gets the right balance of nutrients.

Myth 5: Wet Food Causes Dental Issues. It’s a common belief that wet food leads to dental problems, but it’s not entirely accurate. The type of food alone isn’t the main culprit for dental health issues. Regular brushing of your pet’s teeth and providing appropriate chew toys can go a long way in maintaining oral hygiene, regardless of whether you feed wet or dry food.

Myth 6: Expensive Food Equals Better Quality. Price doesn’t always reflect the quality of pet food. Expensive brands may use premium marketing but they don’t necessarily provide better nutrition. Instead of focusing on cost, look at the ingredient quality and the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) nutritional adequacy statement to determine whether a food meets your pet’s needs. This statement should be located on the pet food product, near the nutrient list. If it doesn’t have an AAFCO statement, it isn’t approved for pets. Also, be sure to read the AAFCO statement. Some foods are created for regular daily feeding and others are for supplemental use only.

Myth 7: Pets Should Eat Like Humans. Pets are not little humans, and their nutritional needs differ significantly from ours. Foods like chocolate, onions, and grapes may be safe for you but are toxic to pets. Giving pets proper pet food ensures they’re getting the nutrients they need without the risk of harmful ingredients. Also consistency is best: changing their food options and flavors day-to-day for the sake of variety can play havoc on their gut.

The Right Choice for Your Pet

When it comes to your pet’s diet, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Always read labels, consult your veterinarian, and consider your pet’s specific needs, lifestyle, and health conditions. Educating yourself on these myths can help you make informed choices and keep your furry friend happy and healthy!

Boarding at Alameda Pet Hospital

Alameda Pet Hospital offers boarding for happy healthy dogs and cats. Our amazing kennel team loves and cares for your pets while you take time away to rest and relax. We also offer day-boarding. Our large, fenced backyard and one-on-one time with our caring team means your pet is getting tons of attention during their stay with us

Boarding pets must be established clients of Alameda Pet Hospital, and they must be current on their examination and vaccinations for boarding. Our staff will also perform a temperament test on new boarders or boarders who haven’t stayed with us for over one year. This is for their well-being, as we want to be sure they eat and drink properly during their stay and aren’t at risk of any self-harm due to stress. Extended stays and pets with ailments may be declined, as our boarding outfit focuses on healthy pets that are good boarding candidates.

Our team really gets to know your pet, and we do have our veterinary team available, should any surprise ailments or concerns surface during their stay.

Feel free to reach out to us for more information!

Our entire staff at Alameda Pet Hospital is proud to announce that we have passed our AAHA accreditation! Our hospital has been accredited for the past 19 years!

AAHA Accreditation for Veterinary Practices

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accreditation is a prestigious designation that certifies veterinary practices for meeting high standards of excellence. This accreditation is awarded to veterinary hospitals that successfully demonstrate adherence to over 900 standards, encompassing all aspects of veterinary practice.

The Benefits of Choosing an AAHA-Accredited Veterinary Hospital

1. Superior Care. Accredited hospitals are evaluated on stringent standards covering patient care, pain management, surgery, pharmacy, laboratory, exam facilities, medical records, and cleanliness.

2. Veterinary Team Excellence. The accreditation process encourages veterinary teams to adhere to best practices, engage in continuous learning, and remain updated on the latest advancements in veterinary medicine.

3. Trust and Assurance. Pet owners can feel confident knowing their pets are receiving care from a hospital that has been thoroughly vetted by an independent, third-party organization.

4. Comprehensive Services. Many AAHA-accredited hospitals offer a wide range of services under one roof, providing convenience and continuity of care for pet owners. For services not provided within the boundaries of our hospital, we are able to provide our clients top-notch recommendations for specialty services at other local practices.

How to Find an AAHA-Accredited Veterinary Hospital

If you need to find an AAHA-accredited hospital near you, visit the AAHA website’s “Hospital Locator” tool. Simply enter your location to access a list of nearby accredited facilities. When visiting a hospital that is AAHA-accredited, look for the AAHA logo. Veterinary hospitals that have successfully passed the accreditation process are very happy to display this placard within the building and on their website.

When you choose AAHA accreditation, you choose peace of mind for both you and your furry family members.

Appointments

Our lobby is now open for anyone not experiencing respiratory symptoms. If you or your pet are coughing, sneezing, have nasal discharge, or other cold, flu, or COVID-like symptoms, please call or text us at 510-523-1626 (option 1 if calling) to let us know you are here for your appointment and we will assist you curbside. Be sure to include your first name, last name, and your pet’s name. Everyone else is welcome to come inside and we will be with you as soon as we can.

Exams & Non-Urgent Questions

To schedule a non-urgent appointment, please text us to request an appointment. IF YOUR PET IS HAVING AN URGENT MEDICAL ISSUE, PLEASE CALL US AND CHOOSE OPTION 2 FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE.

We require 24-hour notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment to ensure we are able to provide care for as many patients as possible. If less than 24 hours is provided, there may be a late cancellation/no-show fee, even if we reschedule the appointment. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

New clients are required to pay a deposit for the first exam for each pet. If less than 24-hour notice is given to cancel or reschedule the first visit, the deposit will be waived. If more than 24-hour notice is received, the deposit will be applied to the first exam.

Prescription Refills

Prescription food and medication refills may be called in or texted to 510-523-1626 (option 3 if calling). Please allow at least 2 business days to process refills. If the medication or food is a special order, we will let you know when it is available for pick up. If the prescription is from another pharmacy, including online, please let us know and allow a week to process since we need to get doctor approval. We appreciate your patience.

Coronavirus Information

For the very latest information on COVID-19, you can check these sites:

CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
WHO – World Health Organization
WSAVA – World Small Animal Veterinary Association