TRUTH 43: COMPLETE DIETS CAUSE DISEASE Dr. Wysong

Our natural inclination is to think in the short term. If we are doing something that is fun or easy and it creates no harm at the moment, then we tend to conclude we're safe. That's one of the reasons people are not easily convinced that food trinkets are unwise. Since pop and Twinkies don't cause cancer in the kids the next morning, and dog and cat foods have not caused them to keel over yet, then all must be well. But it is not. Humans and pets suffer from a host of dietary-related diseases that have long incubation periods. That's what cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and so forth are. Here I would like to prove to you from the medical and scientific literature that pets by the millions fed so-called complete and balanced diets, even the high priced premium ones, have suffered disease and died as a result. (And they still are.) Consider this partial listing of proofs: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Volume 201, pages 267-74 Clinical findings in cats with dilated cardiomyopathy and relationship of findings to taurine deficiency Paul D. Pion, DVM; Mark D. Kittleson, DVM, PhD; William P. Thomas, DVM; Mary L. Skiles, DVM, MPVM; Quinton R. Rogers, PhD Summary: "37 cats with moderate to severe idiopathic myocardial failure (dilated cardiomyopathy) were evaluated... taurine deficiencies were documented in most of the cats... These findings support the conclusion that most cases of dilated cardiomyopathy in cats have a common etiopathogenesis related to diet and as such are preventable." Diet used: "Complete and balanced" premium processed pet foods. Dr. Wysong's comments: I strongly agree -- diet can either cause or prevent disease. This is what research decades old has clearly shown. Belief in the "100% complete" myth is the greatest of all threats to modern pet health. ......................................................... Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Volume 202, pages 744-51 Development of chronic renal disease in cats fed a commercial diet S.P. DiBartola, DVM; C.A. Buffington, DVM, PhD; D.J. Chew, DVM; M.A. McLoughlin, DVM, MS; R.A. Sparks, DVM Summary: Cats which were fed a commercial food exclusively since they had been kittens developed chronic renal disease. Diet used: "Complete and balanced" premium processed pet foods. Dr. Wysong's comments: More proof that "100% complete and balanced" premium processed pet foods can create disease. ......................................................... Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Volume 191, pages 1563-8 Potassium depletion in cats: Hypokalemic polymyopathy Steven W. Dow, DVM, MS; Richard A. LeCouteur, BVSc, PhD; Martin H. Fettman, DVM, PhD; Thomas L. Spurgeon, PhD Summary: "Generalized weakness of acute onset, apparent muscular pain, and persistent ventroflexion of the neck were observed in 6 cats. These clinical findings were associated with a low serum potassium concentration and high serum creatine kinase activity... The owners reported that all 6 cats had been fed a commercial diet exclusively for periods of at least 6 months before onset of muscle weakness." Diet used: "Complete and balanced" premium processed pet foods. Dr. Wysong's comments: More proof that "100% complete and balanced" premium processed pet foods can create disease. ......................................................... University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine Compendium on Continuing Education Common questions about the nutrition of dogs and cats David Kronfeld, DVM, PhD Summary: "NRC subcommittees... have aimed at minimal requirements rather than optimums... A veterinarian offering advice about nutrition is caught in a bind. For legal sanctuary, one should abide by the recommendations of the NRC which have been incorporated into regulations of the FTC, AAFCO and FDA, hence assumed the force of law." Dr. Wysong's comments: Thus, minimal nutrition receives the imprimatur of law. Even professionals, who might know better, must conform by advocating disease-causing "100% complete" minimal diets. Why? Because NRC, FTC, AAFCO, FDA make it "legal." ......................................................... Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Volume 198, pages 647-50 Myocardial L-carnitine deficiency in a family of dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy Bruce W. Keene, DVM, MS; David P. Panciera, DVM, MS; Clarke E. Atkins, DVM; Vera Regitz, MD; Mary J. Schmidt, BS; Austin L. Shug, PhD Summary: Dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure were observed in a family of boxers. Supplementation of L-carnitine resulted in clinical improvement. Diet used: "Complete and balanced" premium processed pet foods. Dr. Wysong's comments: More proof that "100% complete and balanced" premium processed pet foods can create disease. Video: Catcerto Nora the piano playing cat and her Catcerto... pawprints Thought for the day: "Read labels, question, think for yourself -- and remember that nature is rarely, if ever, improved upon." Dr. Wysong Word for the day: omnivore – noun: a creature that can subsist on both animal and plant matter.