Treatment of lungworm infections in cats


Treatment of lungworm infections in cats

A abstrusus
Treatment of A abstrusus infection with off-label parasiticides has been described in research papers and textbooks. For example, the use of ivermectin for treating aelurostrongylosis is reported in single animals and limited case series, but this macrolactone has inconsistent activity. Two doses are described for off-label ivermectin, but care is required in kittens. Two doses of off-label abamectin, 300 µg/kg subcutaneously (SC), 2 weeks apart, have also been used for treating A abstrusus.
Several studies have evaluated the efficacy and safety of feline parasiticides against A abstrusus.
An oral paste containing 18.75% fenbendazole (Panacur; MSD Animal Health) is licensed in some countries (eg, UK) for the treatment of A abstrusus at a dosage of 50 mg/kg PO for 3 consecutive days, and this treatment regimen has an efficacy of 99.29%.
Two spot-on parasiticides, one containing imidacloprid 10% and moxidectin 1% (Advocate; Bayer Animal Health), and the other containing emodepside 2.1% and praziquantel 8.6% (Profender; Bayer Animal Health), were compared with the formulation containing oral fenbendazole in treating feline aelurostrongylosis.  The emodepside 2.1%/praziquantel 8.6% spot-on (Profender)  and the fenbendazole paste showed similar therapeutic performances (99.38% vs 99.29%), while the imidacloprid 10%/moxidectin 1% spot-on (Advocate) was 100% effective in stopping larval shedding and in curing clinical signs.  This formulation (Advocate) is licensed in some markets (eg, Australia) for the treatment of cat aelurostrongylosis. Additionally, the adulticidal efficacy of emo depside has been demonstrated in two randomised, placebo-controlled experimental trials to be up to 99.2%. These studies showed that two spot-on administrations of emodepside 2 weeks apart are safe and efficacious against cat aelurostrongylosis.  

Another macrocyclic lactone, selamectin (Stronghold; Zoetis), used topically at 18 mg/kg, reduced clinical signs after a single spot-on administration, while a second dose after 1 month ensured improvement in respiratory function and radiographic bronchial lesions.  Selamectin at a topical dose of 6 mg/kg was effective in eliminating larvae from the faeces of a cat after 30 days; the same drug was effective in producing a clinical recovery and stopping larval shedding in 9/10 cats infected with A abstrusus.   
Milbemycin oxime 4 mg/kg (plus praziquantel 10 mg/kg) (Milbemax; Novartis Animal Health) PO at 2 week intervals was also effective in stopping L1 elimination and resulted in resolution of clinical signs over a period of 6 weeks in a cat with clinical aelurostrongylosis.  

A novel topical formulation containing fipronil 8.3% w/v, (S)-methoprene 10% w/v, eprinomectin 0.4% w/v and praziquantel 8.3% w/v (Broadline; Merial) was evaluated for efficacy against larval and adult A abstrusus in experimentally infected cats. This formulation is licensed in some countries for the treatment of A abstrusus. Using treatment time points based on the life cycle of A abstrusus in the cat (ie, from inoculated L3s to adult stages), the study demonstrated that eprinomectin has high efficacy against all A abstrusus stages; for example, 99.6% efficacy against adult stages in the feline definitive host. In cats naturally infected with A abstrusus, this formulation showed 90.5% efficacy based on larval counts.

T brevior
Information on control options for troglostrongylosis in domestic cats is incomplete. The adminis - tration of imidacloprid 10%/moxidectin 1% (Advocate) in a cat appeared unsuccessful, but this may have been due to the severe clinical signs and extensive lung lesions already present at the point of referral. A kitten infected with T brevior returned negative scores upon both copromicroscopic and biomolecular examinations for 3 months after a single administration of Advocate and showed a corresponding improvement in severe cardiorespiratory signs.
A single administration of milbemycin oxime 2 mg/kg (Milbemax) was efficacious in stopping larval shedding in one cat with a subclinical mixed infection of A abstrusus and T brevior, but the same drug was effective only against A abstrusus in another cat from the same litter, which died due to infection with T brevior despite the treatment.
The topical formulation containing emodepside 2.1%/praziquantel 8.6% (Profender) recently showed promise in the treatment of two kittens with mixed lungworm infections (T brevior and either A abstrusus or C aerophila). Respiratory signs resolved after one or two administrations of the spot-on solution, and larval (T brevior and A abstrusus) and egg (C aerophila) shedding was also eliminated 2–4 weeks after treatment.
The spot-on containing eprinomectin (Broadline) proved 100% efficacious in stopping larval shedding in a few cats with natural T brevior infection. It recently showed 100% efficacy against developing larvae and adults of T brevior under experimental conditions.

C aerophila
Available data on the treatment of C aerophila infection in cats include reports on the efficacy of repeated administrations of a variety of dosages of injectable or oral levamisole and off-label abamectin.
Importantly, the spot-on formulation containing moxidectin 1% (Advocate), which was efficacious against aelurostrongylosis, demonstrated ~99.8% efficacy in stopping egg shedding and eliminating clinical signs in cats with lung capillariosis.
The safety and efficacy of the topical combination containing eprinomectin (Broadline) was evaluated against helminths, including Capillaria species, in domestic cats. An efficacy of 99.6% in reducing counts of Capillaria eggs was reported after treatment. Although no morphological identification of the eggs was performed, it was assumed that the vast majority were C aerophila. A very recent study has demonstrated that a single treatment with Broadline in naturally infected cats is able to reduce the C aerophila parasite burden and to lower or eliminate faecal egg shedding. Continued from page 14 Any respiratory sign in an at-risk cat (eg, free-roaming or kitten) should ring an alarm bell for clinicians working in lungwormendemic areas or with travelling pets.

In general, easy-to-apply topical parasiticides are a suitable choice for treating cat lungworms, because of safety and ease of administration, especially when multiple dosing is required.

Homeopatie veterinara pisici

https://www.doctorfiruti.ro/homeopatie-veterinara/

Homeopatie veterinara ?

Da! Animalele pot fi pacienti excelenti iar eficacitatea remediilor la animale este dovedita. Mai mult, claritatea cu care acestea raspund la remedii este o dovada in plus ca nu putem vorbi despre efect placebo in homeopatie. Remediile, administrate in mincare, pot rezolva abcese si alte forme de infectii, rani, probleme dermatologice,  afectiuni virale, pot grabi suturarea fracturilor dar si patologii interne, mai grave.
Tel. 0744.329999
Email: cabinet@doctorfiruti.ro
Program: L-Vi: 11-19
S: 10-14

Biografie Dr. IRINA FIRUTI Homeopatie Bucuresti - Adresa cabinet homeopatie

Scurt Wiki Medical dr. Irina Firuti


Dr. Irina Firuti este absolventa a Universitatii de Medicina si Farmacie “Carol Davila” Bucuresti.

Homeopatul Firuti este medic specialist Medicina de familie

Are atestat de studii complementare-Homeopatie

Irina Firuti este cercetator stiintific farmacologie

Detine titlurile de membru al Societatii Romane de Homeopatie si membru al Ordre des Medecins de France.
biografie dr irina firuti homeopatie bucuresti
CV dr. Irina Firuti - medic homeopat

Dr. Irina Firuti este absolventa al  International Academy of Homeopathy (Alonissos, Grecia) sub conducerea The Right Livelihood Award Laureate Prof. George Vithoulkas

Aurmat cursuri  internationale de homeopatie la Centro di Omeopatia (Milano, Italia) –sub conducerea Prof. Roberto Petrucci.

In Bucuresti o puteti gasi pe dr. Irina Firuti la cabinetul de homeoptaie din  Bd Corneliu Coposu 7, bl 104, sc 1, et 4, apt 14 – Bucuresti 3.

Sau puteti citi mai multe despre activitatea sa pe site-ul personal: www.drfiruti.ro

Iata si tarifele practicate la cabinetul de homeopatie al dr. Irina Firuti

1. Prima consultatie: 140 lei.

2. Control : 90 lei.

3. Consultatii in urgenta, in afara programarilor: 120 lei.

4. Consultatii prin corespondenta (email): 120 lei. (Sub rezerva unei eficacitati mai putin sigure)

5. Vizite la domiciliu: 150 lei

Homeopatia este un tip de medicina, mai veche decat medicina alopata cu circa 100 de ani. 

Actul de nastere a homeopatiei a fost un experiment, realizat la 1790 de catre medicul german Samuel Hahnemann, asupra efectelor scoartei arborelui de chinina.

Homeopatia este un mod simplu de a gandi suferintele pacientului, cautand un remediu care sa se potriveasca cat mai exact cu starea in care se afla el. Pentru aceasta, consultatia la homeopat este una extrem de amanuntita
-------------------------------------------------------------

Contact:
Dr. Jakab Ferenc
medic veterinar
medic veterinar homeopat
Site: http://www.homeopatieveterinara.ro
E-mail: homeopatieveterinara@gmail.com

Adresa cabinetului veterinar din Ungaria:
7100 Szekszárd, Rákóczi u. 92.
Ungaria
Site-ul cabinetului (in limba maghiara) : http://www.feheragyar.hu

Constipation in cats (Proceedings)

Constipation in cats (Proceedings)

source: http://veterinarycalendar.dvm360.com/constipation-cats-proceedings


source-image
Apr 01, 2010

Constipation is a frequent complaint middle aged to older cats. In some cases the disease becomes refractory enough to treatment that either subtotal colectomy or euthanasia have to be considered. The problem is thought to be caused by underlying metabolic problems in some patients such as kidney disease or other issues that generally result in dehydration. These are however relatively rare and do not generally cause clinical signs. Most clinical cases of recurrent constipation/obstipation are idiopathic in nature. Pelvic abnormalities and strictures represent some of the occasional causes of this problem that can be identified with work up as is nerve trauma to the sacral region. Megacolon represents the extreme manifestation of obstipation/constipation. In cats with megacolon abnormal smooth muscle cell function of the colon has been detected though this was in cats with advanced disease so it is uncertain if this was truly the cause or a manifestation of chronic constipation.
The consequences of constipation/obstipation usually are metabolic derangements. With prolonged problems endotoxemia and even death can occur. Long term this can also lead to megacolon, though in many cases megacolon can occur without a clear history of constipation/obstipation.
Treatment
A variety of treatments have been recommended for the constipated/obstipated cat as well as the cat with megacolon.
Initial management
When initially presented relieving the constipation is indicated. This can be done with a variety of ways, whereby manual disimpaction is the least "nice" of the options and should be reserved for refractory cases. Enemas can often be helpful to help to moisten dried out feces. In general 5 to 10 ml/kg of warm water can be given as an enema. Alternatively smaller volumes of DSS (5 to 10 ml total dose) can be given, though this is more irritating. This can be supplemented with oral lactulose and fluid therapy to maximize efficacy.
Recently we have adapted the use of PEG solutions administered via NE tube to help relieve obstipated/constipated cats. This is similar to methods used in humans. We give PEG solution as a slow trickle via NE tube (4 to 18 hours). This generally results in defecation within 6 to 12 hours. Obviously before embarking on this therapy it is wise to rule out obstructions of the GI tract that would make passing feces difficult or impossible. To date we have not had any significant adverse side effects and have not had to resort to manual disimpaction. In some cases enemas were given concurrently, thought this does not appear to be necessary. There is always concern about giving PEG solutions to cats as oxidative injury to RBCs could occur, though we have not documented this to date.
Long term management
Ultimately in those cats where the problem constantly recurs, surgical intervention may be needed. Medical therapy (life-time) can in many cases avert the need for surgery or significantly delay the need for surgery.
Diet is an important part of management and it is difficult to be sure which diet is best in each individual case. Increased fiber and low residue diets are the most popular.
Fiber has been recommended for many years. This can be a psyllium product (Metamucil 1-4 tsp per meal), pumpkin pie filling or wheat bran. Fiber has been shown in humans to be only moderately effective as a laxative.
Lactulose is also a very good option for maintaining soft stools. The dosage is 0.5 ml/kg two to three times daily. Dosage is adjusted to obtain the stool quality desired. In humans this product is known to cause flatulence and GI cramping. Recently PEG containing laxatives (Miralax) have been recommended for use in cats. In humans PEG laxatives have been shown to be safe and effective with few adverse side effects. Rarely severe hyponatremia has been reported because of SIADH. These products have been recommended in cats though there is no published data showing efficacy or safety. Our own studies show that PEG is well tolerated in healthy cats and consistently leads to very soft stools. Dosage needed is relatively variable between cats so individual dose titration is a necessity. Starting off at ¼ teaspoon twice daily is a good starting point.
Prokinetic medications are vital to managing the chronically impacted cat. Cisapride (2.5 to 5 mg/cat q8 to 12 hours) has helped many cats avoid surgery for megacolon. It can be obtained from many compounding pharmacies. Other medications are available as well, however in most cases Cisapride is adequate.
References
Candy DCA, Edwards D, Geraint M. Treatment of faecal impaction with polyethylene glycol plus electrolytes (PGE + E) followed by double-blind comparison of PEG + E versus lactulose as maintenance therapy. Journal Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition 2001; 43:65.
Ramkumar D, Rao SSC. Efficacy and safety of traditional medical therapies for chronic constipation: systematic review. Am J Gastrorenterol 2005;100:936.
Washabau RJ, Holt DE. Diseases of the large intestine. In Ettinger SJ, Feldman EC (eds): Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 6th ed. St. Louis, Elsevier, 2005.

MediCat - O abordare revoluţionară a colectării probelor feline de urină / nisip

MediCat - O abordare revoluţionară a colectării probelor feline de urină


Se poate cumpara de pe amazon:

sau cautand pe Google " sand collection of urine samples"



(01.12.2011) Pisicile sunt predispuse bolilor renale şi ale tractului urinar inferior. Obţinerea unor probe de urină de la pisici este stresantă şi dureroasă atât pentru pisică cât şi pentru proprietar.

Metodele clasice de colectare consumă timp medicului veterinar şi de cele mai multe ori procesul de colectare este scump.

În vederea efectuării examenului de urină, se poate recurge la:
  • Recoltarea în urma micţiunii spontane;
  • Compresiunea abdominală manuală;
  • Cateterismul uretral;
  • Cistocenteză.
Recoltarea în urma micţiunii spontane
  • Avantaje: cea mai puţin stresantă pentru animal (şi pentru proprietar!)
  • Dezavantaje: majoritatea motanilor urinează NUMAI în litieră, urina este contaminată şi nu se pretează examenului bacteriologic.
Compresiunea abdominală manuală
  • Avantaje : metodă non-invazivă ce permite recoltarea unei urine similare din punct de vedere calitativ cu cea obţinută în urma micţiunii spontane.
  • Dezavantaje : prezintă riscul de producere a rupturii vezicii urinare, mai ales dacă distensia acesteia este importantă (blocaj uretral vechi).
Cistocenteza
  • Avantaje : permite recoltarea urinei în condiţii de sterilitate perfectă, aceasta pretându-se pentru urocultură; de asemenea, permite decomprimarea vezicii urinare în situaţiile în care cateterizarea uretrei este imposibilă.
  • Dezavantaje : este o manoperă invazivă, adesea percepută negativ de către proprietar; dacă este efectuată incorect, poate duce la deşirări ale peretelui vezical, hematoame şi uroperitoneu.
MediCat este noua metodă non-invazivă folosită pentru colectarea probelor de urina feline necesare testelor de laborator şi examinării vizuale, facilă medicilor veterinari şi iubită de pisici şi proprietarii lor. MediCat nu este toxic, respinge apa, este lipsit de bacterii, se comportă ca un nisip normal şi este prietenos cu mediul înconjurător.

DIN GRIJA PENTRU PISICI

MediCat este soluţia non-invazivă şi lipsită de bacterii dezvoltată pentru medicii veterinari şi proprietarii de pisici pentru colectarea probelor de urină pentru testele de laborator şi examinarea vizuală.
Foloseşte MEDICAT împreună cu banda de testare a urinei pentru a obţine rapid şi eficient rezultatele testelor de care ai nevoie!
Un test de urină (strip sau banda de testare urină) este un instrument de diagnosticare  folosit pentru a determina modificări patologice ale urinei feline. Strip-ul te va ajuta să determini următoarele analize: 
  • sânge
  • bilirubină
  • nitriţi
  • glucoză
  • densistate
  • urobilinogen
  • proteine
  • cetone
  • PH
  • Leucocite
Împreună cu MEDICAT poţi monitoriza uşor şi fără să apelezi la proceduri complicate starea de sănătate a pisicilor. Foloseşte MEDICAT împreună cu strip-ul de testare a urinei pentru pisici SĂNĂTOASE şi stăpânii sunt FERICIŢI!
Distribuitor: A.B.A.D. Vet.
Str. Agricultori, nr 60, Sector 2, Bucuresti / Tel/Fax: 021-327.00.65 / 021-327.00.75


What should I feed my kitten?

What should I feed my kitten?

Article ID: 267
Last updated: 28 Oct, 2015
Revision: 12
print  Print
share  Share
Views: 467946
Kittens are essentially baby carnivores with specialised needs. Kittens naturally wean off their mother's milk at around 8-12 weeks of age. In the wild.  When young cats are old enough (around 8 weeks old) they start to eat food on their own whilst simultaneously decreasing the amount of milk they suckle from their mother.

Basic Kitten feeding guide:
  • Talk to your veterinarian for advice
  • Feed a high quality balanced premium commercial kitten food that is appropriate for the life stage and health status of your kitten. Check that it complies with the Australian Standard:Manufacturing and Marketing Pet Food AS5812:2011.
  • You can offer some natural foods to provide some variety
  • Natural foods include human-grade raw meat such as diced up raw lamb meat, pieces of raw chicken meat. Raw food offered to cats should always be fresh. Avoid feeding too much raw meat until the kitten is 20 weeks of age (unless the meat is on the bone e.g. raw chicken wing.) This is important to help avoid certain nutritional deficiencies during growth.
  • First check with your vet that raw meaty bones are suitable for your particular kitten (e.g. some kittens with misshapen jaws may have difficulty chewing on raw bones) 
  • Choose human-grade raw meat and raw meaty bones because some pet meat/pet mince/pet rolls/pet meat and bone products can contain preservatives that can be detrimental to the kitten's health (e.g. sulphite preservative induced thiamine deficiency which can be fatal). However avoid human sausages, sausage meat and cooked manufactured meats as these may contain sulphite preservatives.     
  • Provide some moist foods in the diet regularly e.g. wet can food
  • Cooked meat such as boiled chicken can also be fed occasionally. Please ensure there are no cooked bones, onions/onion sauces or other toxic substances present (see below)
  • Between four to six months of age kittens cut their permanent teeth and grow rapidly
    • Introducing raw meaty bones such as raw chicken necks and raw chicken wings, at around 12 weeks of age ensures they are chewing actively around the time their permanent teeth are erupting.
    • This chewing is important to alleviate "teething" issues and also provides several important health benefits including healthy teeth and gums
    • Bones must always be raw
    • Raw bones should be introduced gradually. The bone must be large enough so that the kitten cannot fit the whole bone in it's mouth or swallow the bone whole.
    • Too many raw bones can cause constipation. One raw bones per week is generally well-tolerated
    • Always supervise your kitten when eating raw bones.
    • Avoid large marrow bones, large knuckle bones or bones sawn lengthwise as cats may crack their teeth on these
    • Never feed cooked bones as these may splinter and cause internal damage or become an intestinal obstruction
  • Different types of fish such as tinned sardines in springwater, tinned tuna and tinned salmon may also be offered as a treat occasionally (care with any fish bones). Please avoid feeding fish constantly.
  • A small amount of vegetable matter may be offered
  • Provide access to grass (avoid chemically treated grass and toxic plants) - kittens will sometimes eat grass which may be a source of vegetable matter and nutrients.
  • Calcium powder supplements should not be given (unless directed by a veterinarian)
  • Please ensure fresh drinking water is available at all times
  • Kittens should be offered food at least 4 times per day
  • Take care not to overfeed or underfeed your kitten. Your vet will be able to weigh your kitten, assess your kitten's body condition score and provide advice
  • Do not feed the following (note this is not an exhaustive list): onions, onion powder, garlic, chocolate, coffee or caffeine products, mouldy or spoiled foods or compost, bread dough, yeast dough, avocado, grapes, raisins, sultanas (including those in Christmas cakes etc), currants, nuts including macadamia nuts, fruit stones (pits) e.g. mango seeds, apricot stones; fruit seeds, corncobs; tomatoes, mushrooms; fish constantly, cooked bones, Salt, small pieces of raw bone or fatty trimmings/fatty foods. Also ensure you pet cat does not have access to string wrappings around rolled roasts or the absorbent pad found under meat when wrapped on trays.

A Guide to Understanding Cat Food Ingredients


FOOD AND DIET

A Guide to Understanding Cat Food Ingredients


shutterstock_125776931-min
What exactly is Ethylenediamine Dihydriodide, and why is it my my cat’s food?
If you’re feeding your cat a commercial food, chances are he’s getting a daily dose of some ingredients that read less like a food label and more like gibberish! While this guide is not all-inclusive, it defines the worst of the worst of the most commonly used ingredients in commercial cat and dog foods, explains their purpose for being there, and details the possible side-effects as a result of regular or continual ingestion.
Although many of these ingredients may be fine in the occasional treat or meal (many of them are in the processed foods we eat, too), cats are, more often than not, fed the same exact meal, day after day, year after year.
To many pet owners, this may (and should) read as a list of ingredients to avoid. When choosing the right food for your furriest friend, look for real named meats (rather than just the term “meat” which could include any variety of animal), whole ingredients, things you recognize. If there are more questions than answers when reading your pet food label, look elsewhere.
Common Pet Food Ingredients (Listed Alphabetically):
*Note: Several ingredients indicate that they may come from “4-D” sources. This means the ingredient can be legally sourced from Dead, Dying, Disabled, or Diseased sources – this can, and sometimes does, include animals that died of natural causes, disease, or were euthanized, and may explain the recent pet foods recalled due to the presence of the barbiturate Pentobarbital, also known as the euthanasia drug.
animal fat Non-descriptive source indicates 4-D fat chemically preserved, difficult to digest, potentially carcinogenic.
animal digest Rendered, by chemical and/or enzymatic process, non-descriptive animal tissues used for flavor.
beef tallow One of the worse kinds of fat, chemically preserved with potential carcinogen. Often produces allergies.
beef by-products Can include any internal part of the cow other than the meat, often from 4-D, rancid sources.
beet pulp Fiber/filler, stills contains enough sugar for rush/addiction to food and hyperactivity.
BHA (a preservative) Chemical. Highly carcinogenic preservative.
blue 2 An artificial coloring meant to enhance a food’s appearance. Offers no nutritional value. Carcinogenic.
bone meal (Non-digestible source of calcium can lead to digestive upset. Can be from 4-D sources.
brewer’s rice Waste product from breweries, cheap, non-nutritive filler can be harsh on intestines and lead to diabetes.
brewers yeast Waste product (used for flavoring, protein, B-vitamins) which can become very toxic to the liver causes allergies and arthritis.
brewers yeast extract (saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation solubles) Liquid left over from brewery process, condensed. Can become toxic to the liver.
calcium chloride (Used as a source of calcium but can cause digestive upset, heart issues.
calcium propionate (a preservative) Chemical. Potentially carcinogenic, antifungal.
calcium sulfate Firming agent.
cellulose Harsh on bowels, suspected to include recycled cardboard. Can also be crushed peanut hulls.
chicken by-product Ground up carcasses, diseased internal organs, beaks and feet.
chicken by-product meal Ground up carcasses, internal organs, beaks, feet. Concentrated.
corn This controversial cereal grain typically used in pet food is feed-grade (not for human consumption) and can include mold or fungus. Corn is typically considered a cheap filler which is both difficult for dogs and cats to digest and can increase a pet’s blood sugar, leading to diabetes, weight gain, and joint dysfunction.
corn gluten Highly allergenic, adds sugar, is a poor protein source, interferes with digestion.
corn gluten meal Waste product, cheap, non-nutritive filler but used as protein source — can cause allergies and sugar imbalance.
corn oil (preserved with TBHQ) TBHQ contains petroleum-derived butane, can be carcinogenic.
corn starch Terrible filler, causes several health issues including allergies.
corn starch-modified Poor source of nutrients, protein, filler, binder.
dextrose Sugar, feeds cancer, causes hyperactivity, weight gain.
dicalcium phosphate Can become toxic to body — texturizer in can food.
DL-alpha tocopherol acetate Synthetic source, non-nutritive.
dried animal digest Flavor enhancer. Non-descriptive, or un-named animal digest is rendered animal tissue, including rancid or diseased parts.
dried beet pulp Waste product. Cheap filler/fiber-causes sugar rush/addiction to food, hyperactivity and allergies.
dried beet pulp (sugar removed) Waste product. Cheapest, most common filler used, still contains enough sugar residue to cause problems such as hyperactivity and blood sugar imbalances.
dried brewers yeast Can become toxic to liver, waste product of beer and ale industry.
dried capsicum Cayenne powder, can burn stomach.
dried cellulose Very harsh on digestive tract, suspected to include cardboard or peanut hulls.
dried meat by-product Can include tumors and diseased tissues, rancid trim pieces and innards of various animals.
dried plain beet pulp Pure sugar filler — leads to weight gain, hyperactivity and feeds arthritis.
dried whey Can encourage allergies, cheap protein source from cow’s milk.
egg product Cheap source of protein, waste product of egg industry, free of shell.
ethoxyquin (a preservative) The most carcinogenic preservative, most in industry have stopped using it except very cheap, poor quality foods.
fish oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols) Non-descriptive, cheap “fish” source, often rancid prior to preserving with Vitamin E (gimmicky to cover poor quality oil).
food starch Nondescript source can be from any grain, causes allergies, weight gain and poor digestion, cheap filler.
glycerin Sweetens food, used as humectant (keeps food moist), interferes with nutrient assimilation.
glyceryl monostearate An emulsifier (breaks down fats), lethal to lab rats, still under investigation by FDA.
glycine Non-essential amino acid used as antacid, indicates very poor quality food.
ground rice Filler — has been linked to diabetes, always indicates white rice, not whole grain but usually floor sweepings from rice industry.
hydrochloric acid Corrosive ingredient used as modifier for food starch, gelatin, as a pH adjuster and conversion of corn starch to syrup.
iron oxide Can be cultivated from rust.
L-alanine Non-essential amino acid used as supplement in heavy grain-based foods, known carcinogen in lab mice.
L-lysine monohydrochloride Poor source of Lysine (essential amino acid found in meat), cheaper to use for food enrichment for grain-based foods.
lamb by-product Can contain everything internal but the muscle meat including diseased tissue, tumors, etc.
lysine Indicates heavy soy-based food which dogs can die from unless they have lysine to help digest it, best to avoid this diet unless soy is missing.
magnesium oxide Has caused tumors in lab rats, antacid.
manganous oxide calcium iodate Often used in bleaching tallow.
meat and bone meal (natural source of calcium) Non-descriptive indicates 4-D meat, cheapest source, can include diseased tissues plus bone meal can not be digested and assimilated as calcium.
meat and liver meal Can include tumors and diseased tissues, rancid trim pieces and liver of various animals, concentrated.
meat by-products Non-descriptive indicates 4-D meat, cheapest source, can include diseased tissues (tumors) and organs.
menadione dimethylpyrimidinol bisulfite Least beneficial source of Vitamin K activity needed for proper blood clotting.
monosodium phosphate Used as emulsifying agent.
natural and artificial flavors Poor quality of flavor additive, artificial flavors can be carcinogenic.
partially hydrogenated soybean oil Causes digestive upset, premature aging.
peanut hulls 10.8% (source of fiber) Can harm the digestive tract, cheap fiber.
petrolatum Mild laxative effect when ingested. Petroleum is a carcinogen.
phosphoric acid A sequestering agent for rendered animal fats — implies poor quality fats are used, source of phosphorous.
poultry by-product meal Ground up carcasses, can include dead, diseased foul, all internal parts void of healthy meat, includes feet and beaks, concentrated.
powdered cellulose Cheap filler/source of fiber, suspected to include cardboard, causes irritable bowel problems.
propionic acid (a preservative) Potentially harmful mold inhibitor.
propylene glycol Adds sweetness to food, used in some antifreezes. Some preservative action, possible carcinogen.
propyl gallate and citric acid Chemical preservative, can cause digestive upset, stomach irritation, deceptive adding with natural Vitamin C.
rice flour Cheap filler, causes bowel distress and can lead to diabetes in dogs.
rice gluten Can encourage diabetes, a poor protein source/filler.
rice hulls Cheap filler, can be harsh on intestines.
rabbit by-products Includes tumors, ears, carcass, etc.
red 3 Carcinogenic color.
red 40 Artificial color, carcinogenic.
smoke flavor Indicates flavor which can potentially become carcinogenic, retards bacteria on rancid meat.
sodium bisulfate Used as disinfectant.
sodium carbonate Neutralizer for rancid fats, similar to lye.
sodium chloride Table salt — flavor enhancer, preservative, used to cover up rancid meat and fat, can cause kidney and heart disease, hypertension — used to encourage cats to drink.
sodium hexametaphosphate Cheap source of phosphorus can become deadly to dogs — emulsifier, texturizer.
sodium nitrite (for color retention). Potentially highly carcinogenic.
sodium phosphate Non-digestible source of phosphorous (vital to maintaining acid/alkalinity pH).
sodium tripolyphosphate Used as rancid meat preservative.
sorbic acid (a preservative) A mold and yeast inhibitor.
sorbitol Sweetener and binder.
soybean hulls Cheap filler, harsh on intestines.
soybean mill run This is the sweepings off the floor-cheap filler, poor source of protein.
soy flour Cheap source of grain protein, filler, can cause bloat/death in dogs.
starch Cheapest form of carbohydrates causes weight gain and poor digestion, filler.
tallow Causes poor health, disrupts digestion, can include rancid restaurant grease. Very bad fat source.
tetra sodium pyrophosphate rust stain remover used in cleaning products. Used in pet food for emulsification of rendered animal fats. Very toxic, causes nausea and diarrhea.
thiamine hydrochloride Cheapest, poorly assimilated source of Thiamine, Vitamin B-1, needed for nervous system and mental attitude.
titanium dioxide Potentially carcinogenic artificial color used as white pigment.
trace minerals (potassium chloride) Source of potassium to balance pH, small intestinal ulcers may occur, indicates lack of well-rounded supplementation.
trace minerals (sodium tripolyphoshate) Cheap, potentially harmful source of phosphorous indicates lack of well-rounded supplements.
wheat bran Indicates poor quality food, can cause allergies, best to have whole wheat.
wheat flour Poorly digested filler, can cause allergies and bowel problems.
wheat gluten Poor protein source, used as a cheap, non-nutritive filler — causes allergies.
wheat middlings Sweepings off the floor causes allergies and digestive upset.
wheat mill run Sweepings off the floor, causes allergies, digestive upset and feeds arthritis, leads to premature aging.
wheat starch Poor carbohydrate source causes allergies.
yeast culture Flavoring, source of protein, potentially toxic to the liver.
yellow 5 Artificial color, a salicylate which can be become deadly to cats with extended use.
yellow 6 Artificial color, potentially carcinogenic food colorant.
Take a look at your own pet food labels and compare. How many of these common ingredients did you find? Are you comfortable with the explanation for why it’s there?
Did you find any unusual or hard-to-pronounce ingredients not listed above? Leave a comment below and we’ll research that ingredient and add it to the list.
Many pet owners complain that the industry doesn’t always have our pet’s health and vitality as their top priority. And, while this may be true in some cases, it’s ultimately up to us, as pet parents, to make the best choices when it comes to our companions. And, when enough of us are educating ourselves and making better choices, the industry will be left with no option but to follow our lead.