Changes

==== Feed Materials ====

==== Feed Materials ====

Products of vegetable or animal origin, which are consumed by animals and contribute to energy and/or nutrients to the animal’s diet.   

Products of vegetable or animal origin, which are consumed by animals and contribute to energy and/or nutrients to the animal’s diet.   

Official names and definitions of permitted feed ingredients are given in the AAFCO Official Publication(1) for the US and in the European Feed Catalogue(2) for Europe respectively.  For declaration purposes, feed materials are allocated to specific categories(3) and can be collectively declared as a group (link to pet food labels), e.g. oils & fats.  

Official names and definitions of permitted feed ingredients are given in the AAFCO Official Publication<ref name="AAFCO">'''AAFCO (2015) Official Publication''', Champaign (IL), Association of Feed Control Officials</ref> for the US and in the European Feed Catalogue<ref name="EU Commission Regulation">'''Commission Regulation (EU)''' No 68/2013 of 16 January 2013 on the Catalogue of Feed Materials [2013] OJ L 29/1</ref> for Europe respectively.  For declaration purposes, feed materials are allocated to specific categories<ref name="Directive 82/475">''' Commission Directive 82/475 /EEC''' of 23 June 1982 laying down the categories of ingredients which may be used for the purposes of labelling compound feedingstuffs for pet animals [1982] OJ L 213/27</ref> and can be collectively declared as a [[Pet Food Labels - Nutrition|group]], e.g. oils & fats.  

==== Feed for Pets ====

==== Feed for Pets ====

==== Complete Pet Food ====

==== Complete Pet Food ====

Pet foods providing all the nutrients in the amounts and proportions pets need are considered complete. Only complete pet foods are suitable for daily feeding without adding further food products except water.   

Pet foods providing all the nutrients in the amounts and proportions pets need are considered complete. Only complete pet foods are suitable for daily feeding without adding further food products except water.   

Nutritional standards for pet foods are provided by AAFCO in the United States and by FEDIAF(4) in Europe. Nutritional standards for pet foods already established or under development in countries outside the US and Europe are largely based on AAFCO or FEDIAF recommendations.   

Nutritional standards for pet foods are provided by AAFCO in the United States and by FEDIAF<ref name="FEDIAF">'''FEDIAF (2014)''' Nutritional Guidelines for Complete and Complementary Pet Food for Cats and Dogs. Brussels: FEDIAF - European Pet Food Industry Federation </ref> in Europe. Nutritional standards for pet foods already established or under development in countries outside the US and Europe are largely based on AAFCO or FEDIAF recommendations.   

==== Complementary Pet Food ====

==== Complementary Pet Food ====

==== Therapeutic Pet Food ====

==== Therapeutic Pet Food ====

Therapeutic pet foods are products with a specific nutritional profile intended for therapeutic purposes such as support of cardiac, renal or liver function. Due to the specific intended use and functionality, products have to comply with particular nutritional characteristics and requirements for their declaration. In Europe, the range of application is laid down in a specific regulation (5). In other regions, products typically have to be individually registered by the manufacturer and approved by the local veterinary authorities before they can be put on the market.   

Therapeutic pet foods are products with a specific nutritional profile intended for therapeutic purposes such as support of cardiac, renal or liver function. Due to the specific intended use and functionality, products have to comply with particular nutritional characteristics and requirements for their declaration. In Europe, the range of application is laid down in a specific regulation<ref name="Commission Regulation 5/2014">'''Commission Regulation (EU) No 5/2014''' of 6 January 2014 amending Directive 2008/38/EC establishing a list of intended uses of animal feedingstuffs for particular nutritional purposes OJ L 2/3</ref>. In other regions, products typically have to be individually registered by the manufacturer and approved by the local veterinary authorities before they can be put on the market.   

==== Medicated Feed ====

==== Medicated Feed ====

==== Free From Gluten  (LINK to Grain free) ====

==== Free From Gluten  (LINK to Grain free) ====

Background: Gluten present in various grains such as wheat, rye or spelt may cause coeliac disease in humans, which is an auto-immune disease with a prevalence of less than 1%(6). Nevertheless, some people do increasingly avoid products containing wheat. The increased demand for gluten-free products in human nutrition even led to instances where products naturally free from gluten were marketed at higher price as being gluten-free. This demand and owner expectation has also extended to pet food although gluten-intolerance strictly speaking does not exist in cats and dogs.   

Background: Gluten present in various grains such as wheat, rye or spelt may cause coeliac disease in humans, which is an auto-immune disease with a prevalence of less than 1%<ref name="Gujral">Gujral, N., Freeman, H. J. and Thomson, A. B. (2012) '''Celiac disease: prevalence, diagnosis, pathogenesis and treatment.''' World J Gastroenterol 18(42):6036-59.</ref>. Nevertheless, some people do increasingly avoid products containing wheat. The increased demand for gluten-free products in human nutrition even led to instances where products naturally free from gluten were marketed at higher price as being gluten-free. This demand and owner expectation has also extended to pet food although gluten-intolerance strictly speaking does not exist in cats and dogs.   

A special case, known as gluten enteropathy, is found in the Irish setter, where a rare hereditary disease affected certain lines of Irish Setters in the past. Puppies after weaning showed diarrhea, small intestinal pathology, wasting and delayed growth. The symptoms settled and puppies grew normally when wheat gluten was removed from the diet. Many pet owners, therefore, still deem wheat gluten as being unhealthy although the disease is no longer prevalent and is also uncommon in other breeds. For the majority of dogs, it is not clear what benefits a gluten free diet really brings.  

A special case, known as gluten enteropathy, is found in the Irish setter, where a rare hereditary disease affected certain lines of Irish Setters in the past. Puppies after weaning showed diarrhea, small intestinal pathology, wasting and delayed growth. The symptoms settled and puppies grew normally when wheat gluten was removed from the diet. Many pet owners, therefore, still deem wheat gluten as being unhealthy although the disease is no longer prevalent and is also uncommon in other breeds. For the majority of dogs, it is not clear what benefits a gluten free diet really brings.  

Some owners are in favour of pet food without grains because, in their view, it reflects the original nutrition of dogs and cats in a more appropriate way. It is often claimed that dogs and cats are unable to digest grains and that feeding grains will cause various diseases such as allergies and cancer. Consequently, pet owners selecting grain-free diets believe that it is healthier for their pets.   

Some owners are in favour of pet food without grains because, in their view, it reflects the original nutrition of dogs and cats in a more appropriate way. It is often claimed that dogs and cats are unable to digest grains and that feeding grains will cause various diseases such as allergies and cancer. Consequently, pet owners selecting grain-free diets believe that it is healthier for their pets.   

Raw whole grains are indeed difficult to digest, but carbohydrates from properly cooked starch are a highly digestible source of dietary energy. Providing energy in the form of starch frees up dietary protein and fat to be used for tissue development and maintenance and metabolic processes. It has to be noted that manufactured grain-free diets are not usually starch- or gluten-free and contain alternative carbohydrate sources, such as potato starch. Grains are also a good source of dietary fibre, which are beneficial for a healthy digestive function.  

Raw whole grains are indeed difficult to digest, but carbohydrates from properly cooked starch are a highly digestible source of dietary energy. Providing energy in the form of starch frees up dietary protein and fat to be used for tissue development and maintenance and metabolic processes. It has to be noted that manufactured grain-free diets are not usually starch- or gluten-free and contain alternative carbohydrate sources, such as potato starch. Grains are also a good source of dietary fibre, which are beneficial for a healthy digestive function.  

The risk of allergies associated with grains is, in contrast to the perception of many pet owners, rather low. Grains rank below animal proteins as a primary cause despite being used much more often in pet food (7-10).   

The risk of allergies associated with grains is, in contrast to the perception of many pet owners, rather low. Grains rank below animal proteins as a primary cause despite being used much more often in pet food<ref name="Fiora">Fiora, P., Carlotti, D. and Viaud, S. '''A retrospective study on the prevalence and causative allergens of food-induced atopic dermatitis in France'''. In: ESVD congress, Valencia 2013.</ref><ref name="Verlinden">Verlinden, A., Hesta, M., Millet, S., et al. (2006) '''Food allergy in dogs and cats: a review.''' Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr ( 46):259-73.</ref><ref name="Roudebush">Roudebush, P. (2013) '''Ingredients and foods associated with adverse reactions in dogs and cats.''' Vet Dermatol 24(2):293-4.</ref><ref name="Roudebush 1">Roudebush, P. (2010) '''Adverse reactions to foods'''. In Small animal clinical nutrition, 5th, [M. S. Hand, R. L. Remillard, P. Roudebush and B. J. Novotny, eds.]. Topeka:  Mark Morris Institute.</ref>.   

In summary, there is nothing known currently about potential health-benefits of grain-free diets or their preventative usage to reduce the risk of allergy development   

In summary, there is nothing known currently about potential health-benefits of grain-free diets or their preventative usage to reduce the risk of allergy development   

Free from additives is a trend from human nutrition. The use of additives is increasingly criticized by owners because some believe them to be a primary cause of diarrhea, allergies, cancer or pseudo-allergies.  

Free from additives is a trend from human nutrition. The use of additives is increasingly criticized by owners because some believe them to be a primary cause of diarrhea, allergies, cancer or pseudo-allergies.  

Important: Additives are not toxic or harmful based on levels approved for their use in either pet foods or human foods. All additives have to be assessed on safety and registered prior to use. Expert panels at EFSA (European Food Safety Authority; http://www.efsa.europa.eu) for example are carefully evaluating the safety and efficacy of additives as part of the authorization process. ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) levels are derived from animal testing, which provides safe levels for daily long-term consumption.  

Important: Additives are not toxic or harmful based on levels approved for their use in either pet foods or human foods. All additives have to be assessed on safety and registered prior to use. Expert panels at EFSA (European Food Safety Authority; http://www.efsa.europa.eu) for example are carefully evaluating the safety and efficacy of additives as part of the authorization process. ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) levels are derived from animal testing, which provides safe levels for daily long-term consumption.  

Functional groups (based on European legislation(11)) of additives comprise  

Functional groups (based on European legislation<ref name="Commission Regulation 1831/2003">'''Commission Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003''' of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2003 on additives for use in animal nutrition OJ L 268/29</ref>) of additives comprise:

*Technological additives, e.g. antioxidants, preservatives, emulsifiers etc.  

*Technological additives, e.g. antioxidants, preservatives, emulsifiers etc.  

*Sensory additives, e.g. colorants, flavour components etc.  

*Sensory additives, e.g. colorants, flavour components etc.  

Humans have been genetically modifying food through selective breeding processes for thousands of years.  The “GMO” label identifies organisms that have undergone Genetic Engineering (GE) techniques in order to obtain desirable characteristics.  However, it has to be noted that organisms that have been developed through other techniques such as chemical or radiation mutagenesis are not considered GMO.   

Humans have been genetically modifying food through selective breeding processes for thousands of years.  The “GMO” label identifies organisms that have undergone Genetic Engineering (GE) techniques in order to obtain desirable characteristics.  However, it has to be noted that organisms that have been developed through other techniques such as chemical or radiation mutagenesis are not considered GMO.   

There is no scientific evidence to support any issues with consuming GMOs or consuming animals that have eaten GMOs. Nevertheless, many consumers are concerned about GMOs in their food and, given the choice, would select a GMO-free food.     

There is no scientific evidence to support any issues with consuming GMOs or consuming animals that have eaten GMOs. Nevertheless, many consumers are concerned about GMOs in their food and, given the choice, would select a GMO-free food.     

In Europe, pet food  manufactured with GMO materials has  to be labelled “contains GMO” or “produced from GMO”; if not labeled, a GMO contamination of up to 0.9% is tolerated (12, 13). This is regarded as being unavoidable due to global handling and shipping of raw materials.  However, when claiming ‘free from GMO’ the 0.9% tolerance is replaced by zero tolerance.   

In Europe, pet food  manufactured with GMO materials has  to be labelled “contains GMO” or “produced from GMO”; if not labeled, a GMO contamination of up to 0.9% is tolerated<ref name="Regulation 1829/2003">'''Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003''' of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2003 on genetically modified food and feed OJ L 268/1</ref><ref name="Regulation 1830/2003">'''Regulation (EC) No 1830/2003''' of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2003 concerning the traceability and labelling of genetically modified organisms and the traceability of food and feed products produced from genetically modified organisms and amending Directive 2001/18/EC OJ L268/24</ref>. This is regarded as being unavoidable due to global handling and shipping of raw materials.  However, when claiming ‘free from GMO’ the 0.9% tolerance is replaced by zero tolerance.   

    

    

== B.A.R.F. ==

== B.A.R.F. ==

   

   

B.A.R.F. stands for ‘bones and raw food’ and denotes a feeding regimen based on the dietary habits of the wolf and feral cats with the aim to mimic the composition of natural prey as much as possible. All components are fed raw. Cereals are not considered a classical component of B.A.R.F. rations as they are found only in small amounts in the gastrointestinal tract of prey and, like other starch-based feed materials, are only digestible after cooking. Main components are raw meat, offal and bones supplemented with oils, fats, fruits and vegetables. Although this allows the pet owner to provide a varied diet adapted to the pet’s preference, care has to be taken in several aspects such as nutritional imbalance and hygiene for both pet and owner when handling raw meat (14).  

B.A.R.F. stands for ‘bones and raw food’ and denotes a feeding regimen based on the dietary habits of the wolf and feral cats with the aim to mimic the composition of natural prey as much as possible. All components are fed raw. Cereals are not considered a classical component of B.A.R.F. rations as they are found only in small amounts in the gastrointestinal tract of prey and, like other starch-based feed materials, are only digestible after cooking. Main components are raw meat, offal and bones supplemented with oils, fats, fruits and vegetables. Although this allows the pet owner to provide a varied diet adapted to the pet’s preference, care has to be taken in several aspects such as nutritional imbalance and hygiene for both pet and owner when handling raw meat<ref name="Nilsson">Nilsson, O. (2015) '''Hygiene quality and presence of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli in raw food diets for dogs'''. Infect Ecol Epidemiol 5:28758.</ref>.  

[[File:Types of Pet Food Figure 3 - Nutrition Page.png|thumb|left|600px|Figure 3: B.A.R.F.]]

[[File:Types of Pet Food Figure 3 - Nutrition Page.png|thumb|left|600px|Figure 3: B.A.R.F.]]

   

   

Paleo is a human food trend increasingly observed in pet nutrition. The philosophy   

Paleo is a human food trend increasingly observed in pet nutrition. The philosophy   

is based on mimicking the nutrition of ancestral dogs and cats during evolution. It is assumed that this form of nutrition addresses nutritional requirements in an optimal way and, hence, supports peak metabolic performance of dogs and cats. Paleo diets are rich in protein with low carbohydrate content, which is achieved via a high meat content. In contrast to B.A.R.F., feeding ingredients raw is less relevant. B.A.R.F. is considered a pure pet nutrition trend, whereas paleo is a human nutrition trend and humans typically do not consume large quantities of raw meat.  Pet owners practicing paleo tend to be health conscious and convinced that old days were generally better, including the nutrition(15). They are searching for a primitive way of nutrition.   

is based on mimicking the nutrition of ancestral dogs and cats during evolution. It is assumed that this form of nutrition addresses nutritional requirements in an optimal way and, hence, supports peak metabolic performance of dogs and cats. Paleo diets are rich in protein with low carbohydrate content, which is achieved via a high meat content. In contrast to B.A.R.F., feeding ingredients raw is less relevant. B.A.R.F. is considered a pure pet nutrition trend, whereas paleo is a human nutrition trend and humans typically do not consume large quantities of raw meat.  Pet owners practicing paleo tend to be health conscious and convinced that old days were generally better, including the nutrition<ref name="Buff">Buff, P. R., Carter, R. A., Bauer, J. E., et al. (2014) '''Natural pet food: a review of natural diets and their impact on canine and feline physiology'''. J Anim Sci 92(9):3781-91.</ref>. They are searching for a primitive way of nutrition.   

Primary motivations to practice paleo can be described as follows:  

Primary motivations to practice paleo can be described as follows:  

*A belief that the wolf or feral cat diet provides the right nutrition.  

*A belief that the wolf or feral cat diet provides the right nutrition.  

However, around 14,000 years of domestication has elapsed between the ancestral wolf and the modern pet dog over which time social behavior, appearance and feeding habits have changed substantially. This time has even influenced gene expression, and modern dogs have been found to be capable of digesting and utilizing starch compared to wolf(16). Hence the nutrient requirements of wolves are no longer ‘up-to-date’ for modern pet dogs. Cats by contrast have deviated less from the nutritional preferences of their ancestors during evolution. A paleo type of diet, therefore, may be less inappropriate for cats than for dogs, given the higher protein requirements of cats.  

However, around 14,000 years of domestication has elapsed between the ancestral wolf and the modern pet dog over which time social behavior, appearance and feeding habits have changed substantially. This time has even influenced gene expression, and modern dogs have been found to be capable of digesting and utilizing starch compared to wolf<ref name="Axelsson"> Axelsson, E., Ratnakumar, A., Arendt, M. L., et al. (2013) '''The genomic signature of dog domestication reveals adaptation to a starch-rich diet'''. Nature 495(7441):360-4.</ref>. Hence the nutrient requirements of wolves are no longer ‘up-to-date’ for modern pet dogs. Cats by contrast have deviated less from the nutritional preferences of their ancestors during evolution. A paleo type of diet, therefore, may be less inappropriate for cats than for dogs, given the higher protein requirements of cats.  

==References==

==References==

</references>

<references/>

[[Category:To Do - Nutrition]]

[[Category:To Do - Nutrition]]