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What Pet Food Do Vets Recommend?

It is no secret to us at Nurturing by Nature that some Vets are far from fans of Raw Pet Food.

Introduction

Welcome to Nurturing by Nature's exploration of question: "What pet food do vets recommend?"  to feed to our Cats & Dogs. In this comprehensive article, we'll look into the world of pet nutrition from our many years of experience, as pet owners, careers within veterinary practices and our experiences over two decades at the centre of our raw feeding community. Shedding light on the often-controversial topic of what our beloved Pets should eat.

At Nurturing by Nature, we understand that pet owners like you are deeply concerned about the health and well-being of your cats and dogs. You've likely heard conflicting opinions about what constitutes the best diet for your pets, and the role of veterinarians in this debate can be significant.

The Role of Veterinarians

Veterinarians play a crucial role in our pets' lives. They are the experts we turn to when our pets are sick or in need of medical attention. We trust them to provide the best care and guidance, but when it comes to pet nutrition, opinions can vary widely. Even within the profession depending on their subject area. For example small animal vet’s in practice often share different experiences with Vet teams who work with large animal or even zoological specialists.

Expertise in Pet Nutrition

Veterinarians undergo extensive training and education to become licensed professionals. Their knowledge encompasses a broad spectrum of animal health, from our sources, nutrition focus can be a very small part of their studies and often sponsored by Comercial Manufactures. However, it's essential to recognise the broad skill set that vet’s have to cover and that not all veterinarians specialise in pet nutrition specifically.

Much in the same way doctors specialise for the human body Vets often do the same but this is seldom covered by nutrition. It would be unlikely that you would be referred to a nutritionist in the same way that you would be referred to a referral practice for a joint issue. It’s just the landscape within the industry. 

The Conventional Approach

When you visit your local veterinarian, you may often receive recommendations for commercial pet diets. These diets are formulated by well-known pet food companies and are readily available in stores. They come in various forms, from kibble to canned food. Often heavily processed & supported by specialists recommendations. 

Nurturing by Nature does not disagree with these diets, nor would we ever argue about the claims they make on the packet. We just believe that raw pet food is a naturally healthier diet and just like with our own human diets when we eat a healthier diet we thrive. By ditching heavily processed foods for fresh, natural source of nutrition our bodies thrive.

Common Pet Food Recommendations by Veterinarians

Many veterinarians in our experience recommend commercial diets. Often it seems from a fear of safety and science. These diets often claim to be balanced and complete, providing all the essential nutrients your pet needs for a healthy life but as we have previously written about the term complete doesn’t necessarily mean the best. It is the minimum nutritional  requirements needed to sustain life. Nurturing by Nature was founded in 2004 & whilst the initial raw pet food meals, prepared in the family kitchen followed a basic recipe often with just 2 or 3 ingredients. We found that by feeding a variety of different proteins and meals over time we built a complete diet. Through our many years of research we believed that by feeding a raw diet, much like the food they would naturally eat in the wild they would thrive. As long as we provided a variety over time. Say a 10-14 day period. Believing in a balanced & complete diet over time instead of a complete meal.

Commercial Diets and Their Popularity

Commercial pet food is popular due to its convenience and widespread availability. It comes with feeding guidelines that make it easy for pet owners to provide their animals with what appears to be a well-rounded diet. These diets also undergo rigorous quality control, ensuring safety for pets & are supported with huge marketing budgets that boldly proclaim the benefits of each brand. Yet commercial pet foods are not without their controversies. They contain fillers, additives, and preservatives that aren't ideal for long-term pet health,spray on flavours, use low quality ingredients & did you know that some contain only 4% of meat!!!

In the next section, we'll shift our focus to the perspective of raw feeding, which is passionately supported by Nurturing by Nature and a growing community of pet owners. We'll delve into the reasons behind this approach and its impact on the lives of our beloved cats and dogs. 

The Raw Feeding Perspective

In the first section of this article, we discussed the conventional approach to pet food often recommended by many veterinarians, primarily commercial diets. However, there is another perspective that is gaining popularity among pet owners: raw feeding. A subject very close to our heart. A diet we believe in & a diet that we have served to hundreds of thousands of customers since our humble beginnings in 2004. 

Nurturing by Nature's Belief in Raw Pet Food

At Nurturing by Nature, we believe that a raw pet food diet is the best diet for our cats & dogs. What started as a hunch that Comercial pet food was not the best diet for her pet’s was that starting point of a fascinating journey into the world of pet nutrition. Our founder took this hunch & Nettie set about a journey of research & self study. 

The Turning Point: Fred's Diagnosis

One pivotal moment in our journey toward raw feeding was the diagnosis of cancer in our family boxer dog, Fred. This heart-wrenching event led our founder, Nettie to reevaluate the diet choices for her pets. The quest for a healthier, more natural alternative, along with a conversation with a Vet at the practice she worked at, brought raw feeding to the forefront.

Fred's transformation, after switching to a raw diet, was nothing short of remarkable. His improved health, energy levels, and overall well-being were a testament to the potential benefits of this approach. Inspired by Fred's recovery, our founder decided to make raw pet food available to a broader community of pet owners.

The Nurturing by Nature Community

Since that moment, our community of like-minded pet owners has grown from strength to strength often just by word of mouth as pet owners see for themselves the benefits, be it poo, sensitive tummies or allergies pet owners who make the switch to a raw pet food diet are proud to share their success with others. More and more people are recognising the positive impact that raw feeding can have on the lives of their cats and dogs. A community that Nurturing by Nature can proudly boast being at the centre of. First with a delivery round & then with stores supporting an every growing community of pet owners & now fellow business owners.

Experiences with Raw Feeding

Members of our community have shared their own experiences with raw feeding, and the stories are nothing short of inspiring. Many report improved coat quality, increased energy levels, and reduced allergies and digestive issues in their pets.

A Healthier and Happier Lifestyle

Raw feeding is not just about what goes into your pet's bowl; it's about the holistic transformation of your pet's life. Many raw feeders describe a profound sense of fulfilment as they witness their cats and dogs becoming healthier, happier, and more vibrant.

The Vet vs. Raw Feeding Debate

It's essential to acknowledge that the debate between veterinarians and proponents of raw feeding is ongoing. While some veterinarians may still hold reservations about this diet choice, the ever-growing community of raw feeders serves as a powerful testament to the belief that a more natural diet is the most appropriate for our beloved pets.

We've seen how the personal journey of one family's dog, Fred, led to a profound change in diet choices and how this change has positively impacted the lives of many others. Both pets & their owners. The debate between conventional veterinary wisdom and the raw feeding community continues, but one thing is clear: pet owners are increasingly looking for more natural, holistic options for their four legged family companions. Making their own choices for their pet's health, happiness & their own.

Nutrition Qualifications

In the previous sections of this article, we've explored the different perspectives on pet nutrition, from conventional commercial diets recommended by many veterinarians to the passionate support for raw feeding, as championed by Nurturing by Nature and its community. 

Vet Qualifications in Pet Nutrition

Veterinarians are undoubtedly experts in animal health, and their knowledge extends to nutrition. During their education and training, they learn about the basics of pet nutrition, which includes understanding the dietary needs of various species. However, it's crucial to recognise that not all veterinarians specialise in pet nutrition. The veterinary field is vast, covering a wide range of specialties, from surgery to dermatology. While they receive fundamental training in nutrition, some may not have the in-depth knowledge required to make nuanced dietary recommendations.

Evidence-Based Decision-Making

When it comes to choosing the right diet for your pet, it's essential to consider evidence-based decision-making. This means evaluating the scientific research and studies available regarding different dietary options. Not just the glossy marketing claims we all see in the adverts.

Veterinarians who have a particular interest in pet nutrition and actively engage in ongoing education are more likely to provide informed recommendations & there are now many groups who are choosing to understand dietary choices of their client base more & more. They stay updated with the latest advancements in the field and can offer valuable insights into the best dietary choices for your pet's specific needs. Just like many pet owners are refusing to accept the old school conventional approach in favour of more educated & rational approach to feeding their pet’s some vets are too.

A Holistic Approach

In the quest for the best pet food, we believe it’s crucial to adopt a holistic approach to pet care. This means considering not only what goes into your pet's bowl but also their overall well-being & at Nurturing by Nature we believe that by feeding a natural raw diet you are able to offer your pet a well balanced enrichment approach to nutrition from which your pet & you thrive naturally. 

Balancing Traditional Veterinary Care

Traditional veterinary care remains essential for keeping your pet healthy. Regular check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive measures are all part of responsible pet ownership. However, it's worth noting that a holistic approach doesn't necessarily mean disregarding conventional veterinary wisdom. Google should be approached with care & qualified experts should always be sought.

Personalised Pet Diets

We understand that just like us humans every pet is unique, and what works well for one may not work for another. A holistic approach to pet nutrition involves tailoring your pet's diet to their specific needs & considering factors like age, breed, activity level, and any existing health conditions.

Investing time in your pet to truly understand them is an investment that you will reap the rewards with a well balanced, well rounded pet. It’s the journey that we personally went on & it’s one we can not recommend enough. Adopting a balanced holistic approach to pet care. Understanding veterinarians play a crucial role in our pets' lives but so too do you. 

The debate over pet nutrition will likely continue, and it's perfectly reasonable for pet owners to explore various options and consult with experts who align with their beliefs and values. Ultimately, the well-being of your pet is of paramount importance, and the choices you make should reflect your commitment to providing them with a happy and healthy life.

At Nurturing by Nature, we stand by our belief in raw pet food as a natural and holistic choice, but we also respect the diversity of perspectives in the pet care community. As you embark on your journey to find the best food for your beloved cats and dogs, may you be guided by a commitment to their well-being and a passion for their happiness.

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