Why is pet food so confusing? Are corn, raw, and brands really good?

Question

I'm taking a pet nutrition course. And I'm so very confused. It says that corn, meat meal & grains are good, but I thought corn was bad? Don't some food have fillers? I work at a vet clinic and the vet there said Merrick is bad and purina is good? But it's purina the same as pedigree? And hills as well is good? I feed my dog instinct cuz I thought it was good. not sure anymore. I was also criticized cuz I feed my pets raw with the kibble. I've seen a positive improvemen in thier coat and energy.

Anna M., DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello! All great questions and comments - and you're right, there's a lot of conflicting information out there regarding food. Some of the information you're going to find is based on personal preference or a value bias. Corn is a good source of digestible carbs, fatty acids, and protein - but these things are better digested in dogs than in cats (who are obligate carnivores), and some people prefer to minimize grains, so those people might state corn is "bad".... in my opinion, the focus on grains is based more on trends in human nutrition than evidence-based pet nutrition. Statements regarding what pet foods are "good" vs "bad" will also come from personal preference...your vet can probably explain what made them state that Purina is better than Merrick, and another vet might have their own input on the matter. I do personally like both Purina and Hills because I find their products consistent, reliable, and I like that those companies put a lot of their profits back into nutrition research to work on creating good foods - but that doesn't mean they're the only good foods out there. Raw food is another hot topic. I have worked extensively with dog mushers, and raw meat is a very common component to their food - and I'm fine with that. However, I also have a degree in Public Health, and know that raw foods increase the likelihood of foodborne illness such as salmonella both in the pets themselves, and in the humans who are in contact with them. So, again, there are going to be different sides to the conversation. It's confusing when there's conflicting information! Try to sort through what's based on research and evidence, and what is based on the personal opinions and biases of the speaker. Good luck! Hope this helps.

Why is pet food so confusing? Are corn, raw, and brands really good?

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