Dr. Ernie Ward
Pet owners and veterinarians are always looking for that one tip, trick or advancement that will help pets live longer, healthier lives. Me, too. And I found it.
The most important decision you make each day for your pet is what you feed it. Same goes for us. Of all the variables in life we can control, diet and nutrition have the greatest influence on health. Want your pet to live longer? Feed it well. You want to be functional well into your eighties? Start with how you’re fueling your body.
Everyone knows this. It’s no secret. The problem is it’s no fun. It’s not exciting or ground-breaking. It’s eat your veggies. It’s exercise daily. It’s stay lean and fit. That’s not going to grab any headlines.
In my book “Chow Hounds” I laid this all out in plain English backed by hundreds of peer-reviewed scientific studies. If you want your pet to live longer, feed it a high-quality diet and keep it thin. Of course it’s more complicated than that, but that’s a big part of it.
In these trying economic times, I’ll tell you straight up if you want to save money on your pet’s medical bills, feed it better and exercise it more. Sure, this may mean spending a little more on cat chow than you’re used to, but odds are you’ll save money over your pet’s life. Earlier this year I calculated the annual cost of treating a diabetic cat for Good Housekeeping magazine. If you do it bare bones, internet-special cheap, it’s going to run about $1320 a year. That’s a lot of cat food. Remember that most (if not 99%) type 2 diabetic cats are due to excess weight. Yep, we caused our cat’s diabetes. The same is true for humans. It’s our own fault the vast majority of the time. Now back to the cost of feeding a good diet. One of the better cat foods is Orijen. Feeding ½ cup a day will set you back about $175 a year or $15 a month. Way cheaper than dealing with diabetes. Just as important is not to overfeed your pet. Too much good food still results in obesity and we’re back to more in medical bills. Measure each meal with a measuring cup. Skip junk-food treats and substitute with raw veggies.
I generally prefer low or no-grain diets with a high protein percentage. I’m partial to fish-based organic diets as an alternative to factory-farmed livestock. Low-glycemic index foods are ideal. I typically look for at least 35% protein as a starting point for most pets, higher for cats. I also like some of the new high pressure pasteurized raw foods such as Nature’s Variety. If you’re considering a raw diet for your pet, I urge you to look at these safer options.
A lot has changed in pet foods since the 2007 recall. If you haven’t kept up with advances in pet food, maybe it’s time. The next time you pour that kibble or crack that can, think about how important that choice is for your pet. It’s the most important decision you’ll make all day.
On a personal note, it’s one month until my next Ironman, Ironman Florida in Panama City Beach, Florida on Saturday, November 5. An Ironman triathlon consists of a 2.4-mile swim followed immediately by a 112-mile bike and ends with a 26.2-mile full marathon. A busy day. If you’re not already following the conversation on Facebook, check it out. In addition to all sorts of pet and veterinary medical questions and tips, I’ll be posting info on my final Ironman preparations and race-day updates. Click here for my Facebook page. 
