Are Commercial Pet Foods responsible for the rapid deterioration of pet's health since the 70's?

Question

Vets report more disease and much greater level of dental decay in pets over the last 20 years.

This coincides with the introduction of the widespread use of commercial dry and canned food.

I understand some toxic metals eg lead are found in pet food.

Answer 1

Just because there is the technology to prolong life does not mean it is better!! The increase in diabetes, pancreatic disorders and skin conditions cannot just be blamed on longer life spans. If 80% of dogs fed a commercial diet (kibble AND canned) have periodontal disease how can we say that this food is what dogs are designed to eat.

If you read anything by Tom Lonsdale, a vet who advocates for raw feeding, (among others) it is apparent that what we have been feeding these animals has been misguided to say the least. The advertising budget of the pet food companies is huge and many of us have been influenced by these products.

There is no need to make feeding your dog a scientific exercise - just make friends with your local butcher.

Dogs are CARNIVORES - this is a physiological fact. The only reason that dogs are not fed a more natural diet is due to the fact that meat, edible bones and offal can't be patented!! Most people, including a lot of vets, get their ideas of canine nutrition directly from the pet food companies!!

Answer 2

I definitely believe commercial dogs foods are the number one cause of health problems with dogs and cats since the 70's. Even the pricier commercial foods such as Science Diet and Iams have such high corn, grain and meat-by-product additives that they are slowly killing our beloved pets. Even most vets will not tell their patients of the dangers of certain foods. I remember last year, Diamond Dogs pet food was actually found as the cause of death for several dogs because of the mycotoxins in the corn meal in the dog food. My dogs definately love the commercial food, the cheaper the better, but I have them accustom to eating at least corn and grain free, human grade food to help give their immune systems a break. The only other suggestion is to make and feed them a raw food diet, but even then, owners have to make sure they provide food that covers all nutrional needs.

Answer 3

I think there has been a shift to greater care for pets. Meaning, 30-50 years ago, pets were put down at the first sign of illness, and people didn't spend as much, or even pay as much attention to sick pets as we do today. (that's why the numbers "back then" are low)
I don't think there has been an increase in illness, I think there has been an increase in PATIENTS. Where before, people wouldn't take a dog to the vet, or if they did, they wouldn't pay to have them fixed, now we think nothing of paying a lot for our "babies". (which hiked the numbers for reported illnesses)

My mom is an example of this. She loves her dog, but thinks it's silly to give her heartworm medicine and have her teeth cleaned. She says that you distroy any animal that "doesn't pay for itself" or costs money.
That's just the mentality of her generation and background.

Yes! I take proper care of her dog!

Back in the day, dogs ate only what was considered un-fit for human consumption. And that was AFTER they made sausage and hotdogs (made from assorted nastiness left over from butchering the animals)
Not super nutritious.

Foods today carry on that tradition, and worse ones.

Basically, you have to put as much time and energy into their diets as you do yours. Find out what they need, read labels and pick the best you can.

Answer 4

Speaking from experience, I can say, People are more prone to put the vaccines in their animals which, some by law are NOT required. The diseases are bound to happen when you keep putting the viruses in the animals over a period of time.

Instead of going the cheapest route, do Titer and atigen tests on your animals. Check to see if they are still protected against distemper, parvo, etc, instead of putting some of the "live" vaccines in them. Granted some of the vaccines are 3 yr but you are told they are 1 yr vaccines which only makes it worst, this allows the veterinarians to make more money off of you. Instead of you bringing your animal back every 3 yrs for a vaccine, they tell you to bring it back every year, making them more money in the long run. It also brings up the case of cancer at the injection sight of the vaccines.

Rabies is the only mandatory shot by law. I'm not saying not to do puppy shots, this is a must. You must educate yourself as to where you live and what is best for your situation. Do not take the cheap way out, do antigen and titer tests, yes they are more then just the shot itself, but it won't expose your animal to over vaccinating your animal which goes right to the brain.

As for the widespread use of commercial food, Studies have shown that it's the use of more hormones in table food then the use of commercial pet foods. They also changed the aging table of our pets, hmmm i wonder why that was, LOL!!! Even in our human counterparts, we are growing up way faster then we did 20 yrs ago vs today and i highly doubt we eat commercial pet food, LOL!!!

Answer 5

I would have to say yes, with the amount fillers and preservitives they add it wouldnt suprise me if commercial pet food deteriorated your pets health along with the air pollution and even the snacks on the side we feed them