Remillard Rebecca L
MSPCA Angell Animal Medical Center, Boston, MA 02130, USA.
Top Companion Anim Med. 2008 Aug;23(3):137-42. doi: 10.1053/j.tcam.2008.04.006.
At one time, it was estimated that the majority of dogs and cats in the United States received 90% or more of their nutrition from complete and balanced commercially prepared foods, and this estimate was reaffirmed in a 2004 survey. However, 4 years and several pet food and treat recalls later, fewer pet owners are feeding commercial pet food products exclusively and more are asking questions and looking for alternatives. As in any market-driven economy, there are many more alternative diets and food products available today from which pet owners may select. A difficult to measure but growing number of clients are feeding homemade diets that provide 100% of their pet's nutrition, while a larger number are feeding a combination of products, treats, and home prepared meals. Most practitioners can attest to this increase in their client's interest in homemade meals and to having insufficient knowledge to assist them. At a time when motivated clients are considering homemade for their pets as an alternative, veterinarians are less than adequately versed in canine and feline nutrition and dietary options. The article addresses the two most important health issues concerning pet owners and veterinarians about homemade diets: nutritional integrity and food safety.
曾经有人估计，美国大多数犬猫90%或更多的营养来自完全均衡的商业制备食品，2004年的一项调查再次证实了这一估计。然而，4年后，经历了几次宠物食品和零食召回事件后，越来越少的宠物主人只给宠物喂食商业宠物食品，更多的人开始提出疑问并寻找替代品。在任何市场驱动的经济中，如今可供宠物主人选择的替代饮食和食品更多了。越来越多难以衡量但数量不断增加的客户给宠物喂食自制饮食，这些饮食能提供宠物所需的100%营养，而更多的人则是将各种产品、零食和自制餐混合喂食。大多数从业者都能证明，客户对自制餐的兴趣在增加，而他们自己却缺乏足够的知识来帮助客户。在积极的客户考虑给宠物喂食自制食品作为替代方案的时候，兽医们对犬猫营养和饮食选择的了解却不够充分。本文探讨了宠物主人和兽医在自制饮食方面最关注的两个重要健康问题：营养完整性和食品安全。
