US pet owners are increasingly feeding fresh food to their dogs and cats, but some veterinarians question the trend, saying established products are backed by decades of research.
In this March 15, 2019, photo Dr. Lindsey Bullen pets Benko, a golden retriever with weight issues, during a visit at the Veterinary Specialty Hospital in Cary, N.C. Bullen says she gets several questions a day from clients interested in fresh and homemade pet food.
Proponents say fresh foods preserve nutrients better than canned or dried ones, mimic ancestral diets and improve pets’ health. Bullen says about 20 percent of her clients feed their pets fresh food. When they do, she said, she questions them about the recipes they’re following to make sure they’re providing essential nutrients. Canine and feline supplements can help round out fresh meals.
Deb Colgan was initially hesitant when she caught her husband feeding raw meat to their two German shepherds seven years ago. But after researching the benefits, they started buying raw meat and bones from the grocery. She works with her vet and adds supplements like vitamin E, salmon oil, probiotics and a joint supplement.
Colgan spends $300 a month on three 10-pound rolls of meat plus vegetables, fruit, fish and freeze-dried dog treats. By comparison, 30 pounds of Freshpet Vital brand turkey, peas carrots and rice, which is sold in refrigerated tubes, costs around $85. A 31-pound bag of Purina One Smart Blend dry dog food costs $33.79 on Amazon.com.
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