It is important to note that most of these diets do not have robust clinical feeding studies supporting their safety for long-term feeding or even for use in treating the various diseases they target.
On the contrary, we have plenty of evidence to show that feeding water-depleted, high carbohydrate, plant-based diets to carnivores does not honor their carnivorous make-up but, instead, promotes disease in this species.
It is also critical to understand that there is no independent agency overseeing these diets’ medical claims. None. Zero. Including the FDA.
The fox is definitely guarding the henhouse and the FDA shows no interest in remedying the situation.
The FDA has ‘punted’ the responsibility of scrutinizing these diets for efficacy, safety, and suitability to the veterinarian but most veterinarians are very poorly educated in the area of nutrition. This field of study is not emphasized in veterinary schools and the minimal course work that is required, is often taught by people who have strong ties to the pet food industry.
These are also usually the same people who are advising general practitioners on all matters of nutrition.
After recognizing this situation, you will see an obvious and very significant conflict of interest. In the end, the members of my profession allow Hill’s, Purina, Iams, and Royal Canin to dictate what ends up in our patients’ food bowls.
I want to make it clear that probably 99% of all veterinarians who ‘prescribe’ these diets truly feel that they are doing the best for their patients. The companies (Hill’s, Purina, Iams, Royal Canin) that manufacture the ‘alphabet’ diets have done a wonderful job marketing their products to veterinarians, making it difficult to refrain from falling into the trap of using them.
These companies make it very easy for us. If a cat comes in with kidney disease? We can just grab k/d, or NF, or LP without any critical thought. If a cat comes in with a urinary tract problem? Easy – take some c/d off the shelf.
Given a veterinarian’s busy schedule and stressful life, one can see just how seductive the use of the ‘alphabet’ diets are.
However, contrary to what is often believed by both the veterinarian and the client, the ‘therapeutic/prescription’ diets sold in veterinary hospitals are not formulated for optimal health of a carnivore and, in many cases, are actually detrimental to the patient’s health.
In addition, they are simply not necessary and do not optimally address the problems they claim to treat.
Add to this the very high price tag on these diets and we have what I consider to be a very big ‘black eye’ for the profession.
The only time I ever use a prescription diet (canned s/d) is discussed here on the Urinary Tract Health page. Canned s/d is occasionally used but only temporarily (~2-4 weeks) pending re-evaluation of the patient.
Instead of defaulting to the ‘alphabet’ diets, I can always find an over-the-counter diet or formulate a homemade recipe for my patients that leaves more money in the client’s wallet and much better nutrition in the cat’s food bowl.
Regarding making cat food: People often overestimate what it takes to make a nutritious meal for their cat and assume that it means slaving away in the kitchen every day. I can assure you, it is much easier than that. Since 2003, I have spent a few hours in the kitchen 4-6 times a year making food for my cats which is a very small price to pay for the control that I have over what goes into their food bowls.
I do not feed any commercial food to my own cats and I would definitely never feed them any “prescription” diets.
I would love to see veterinarians stop being so ‘married’ to the diets they reach for every day and learn the basics of optimal feline nutrition and start considering the use of higher quality, lower cost, over-the-counter – or homemade – diets. Their patients – and their clients’ bank account – will be a lot better off for it.
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