Helpful Nutrition Definitions-- Pet Nutrition Part III

CARNIVORE: An animal subsisting primarily on animal tissue.

HERBIVORE: An animal subsisting entirely on plant tissue.

OMNIVORE: An animal subsisting on both animal and plant tissue.

Cats and dogs are both members of the taxonomic order Carnivora, but not all species of the order are actually carnivores. Some Carnivora species, including dogs and coyotes, are omnivores that thrive on a diet consisting of both animal and plant foods. Another member of the Carnivora species, the panda is an herbivore.

Cats are true carnivores because they have a higher protein requirement and higher dietary requirements for nutrients that aren't available from plant sources, such as taurine.

Cats have a unique protein metabolism. Kittens require 50% more protein than puppies to support growth. The relative maintenance requirement for protein in the adult cat is even higher: adult cats need about 200% more protein than adult dogs.

Approximately 19% of a food must be protein in order to meet the methionine requirement of kittens.

BY-PRODUCTS: Secondary products produced in addition to the principle product, according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) Official Publication of 2008.

• MYTH: Pet foods containing ingredients listed as "by-products" are inferior
• TRUTH: By-products are common ingredients in both human and pet food. A by-product is simply something produced in the making of something else.
• EXAMPLES: When processing SOYBEANS, the by-product vitamin E is produced. VEGETABLE OILS (such as flaxseed oil, rice bran oil, corn oil and soy oil) are all by-products extracted from seeds that are processed rom consumption purposes. CHICKEN FAT is a by-product of the chicken industry.

ORGANIC: Grown with only animal or vegetable fertilizers, such as manure, bone meal compost, etc. According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) rules, the term "organic" may only be applied to pet food labels that meet regulations.

NATURAL: Of or arising from nature; in accordance with what is found or expected in nature. Produced or existing in nature; not artificial or manufactured. According to AFFCO, the term "natural" requires a pet food to consist of only natural ingredients without chemical alterations.

HOLISTIC: There is no legal definition of this term under laws devoted to pet foods. Any manufacturer can make claims of "holistic" in literature and brochures regardless of ingredients chosen.

• MYTH: Natural means organic
• TRUTH: Natural and organic are not interchangeable

Other truthful claims, phrases such as free-range and hormone-free, can still appear on food labels; however, don't confuse these terms with "organic". Only food labeled "organic products" has been certified as organic in accordance with USDA and AAFCO regulations.

These are four categories created for the term "organic".

• 100% ORGANIC--may carry the new USDA ORGANIC seal
• ORGANIC- at least 95% of content is organic by weight (excluding water and salt) and may carry the new USDA ORGANIC seal
• MADE WITH ORGANIC- At least 70% of content is organic and the front product panel may display the phrase "Made with Organic" followed by up to 3 specific ingredients.
• Less than 70% of content is organic and may list only those ingredients on the ingredient panel with no mention of organic on the main panel.

Thanks to Ohio State University of Veterinary Medicine, AAHA & Hill's Nutrition for the above information.

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