Madeleine Hull
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has policies and FAQs in place regarding prescription drugs and diets for dogs. The AVMA discourages raw or undercooked animal-sourced proteins in dog food due to the risk of pathogens, and recommends diets that have been processed to reduce or eliminate the risk of illness. Veterinary prescription diets are typically prescribed as part of a dog's overall health plan and are formulated to treat specific health conditions. Dogs with certain ailments or chronic illnesses may require a special prescription diet, which can be recommended and prescribed by a veterinarian.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prescription dog food | Veterinary prescription dog food is formulated to treat specific health conditions and requires oversight by a veterinarian. |
| Prescription requirements | A veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) is typically required for a veterinarian to prescribe medication or food. Most states mandate this relationship for prescriptions, and it is unethical and often illegal to prescribe outside of this context. |
| Prescription process | After consulting with a veterinarian, prescription dog food can be ordered online or purchased at a veterinarian's office. |
| Prescription alternatives | Non-prescription dog food is intended for relatively healthy dogs and can be purchased over the counter. |
| Raw diets | The AVMA discourages raw or undercooked animal-sourced proteins due to the risk of pathogenic contamination, which can cause foodborne illnesses in dogs and cats and pose a risk to human health. |
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What You'll Learn
- Veterinary diets are available for dogs with food allergies
- Prescription dog food is formulated to treat specific health conditions
- Raw diets for dogs can be contaminated with pathogenic organisms
- Prescription dog food is typically prescribed as part of a dog's overall health plan
- Prescription dog food is not interchangeable with other diets
Veterinary diets are available for dogs with food allergies
There are two types of veterinary diets available for dogs with food allergies. The first is a novel protein diet, which contains protein sources that most dogs have never been exposed to before, along with carbohydrates that may be less likely to provoke an immune response. Examples of novel protein diets include Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet NP Novel Protein Alligator and Hill's Prescription Diet d/d Potato & Duck. The second type of veterinary diet for dogs with food allergies is made with hydrolyzed proteins that have been broken into tiny fragments so they can evade detection by the dog's immune system. Examples of hydrolyzed protein diets include Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein HP Dry Dog Food and Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Gastrointestinal.
It is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all food for dogs with allergies, and it is always best to consult a veterinarian when switching a dog's food, especially if the dog has suspected allergies. A veterinarian will typically recommend an elimination diet trial to identify the specific allergen causing the dog's discomfort. This involves feeding the dog a restricted diet of hydrolyzed proteins, which have been broken down to such an extent that they no longer create an allergic reaction. The elimination diet trial usually lasts for a specific period of time, typically two months, under the supervision of a veterinarian.
In addition to veterinary diets, medications such as Cytopoint (Lokivetmab) and Apoquel (Oclacitinib) can be used to treat the itch associated with allergies. These medications work by blocking the body's production of immune messengers (cytokines) that are involved in the itch response.
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Prescription dog food is formulated to treat specific health conditions
Veterinary diets are also available for dogs with food allergies. Novel protein diets, such as those containing alligator or duck, are made with protein sources that most dogs have not been exposed to, reducing the likelihood of an immune response. Other therapeutic dog foods contain hydrolyzed proteins, which are broken down into tiny fragments that can evade detection by the immune system.
Prescription diets can also help with specific health issues such as bladder stones, kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, and cognitive dysfunction. For instance, wet food is often recommended for dogs prone to bladder stones as it helps to dilute their urine, reducing the chances of stone formation. Therapeutic dog foods for kidney disease are typically low in phosphorus and sodium to reduce the workload on the kidneys and may include omega-3 fatty acids, essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to promote kidney function.
It is important to note that veterinary dog food requires oversight by a veterinarian and may not be safe for healthy dogs due to adjustments in ingredients for therapeutic purposes. Before a therapeutic dog food can be sold, it must undergo extensive testing to demonstrate its safety and effectiveness for dogs with specific diseases.
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Raw diets for dogs can be contaminated with pathogenic organisms
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) discourages feeding cats and dogs any raw or undercooked animal-sourced protein that has not been subjected to a process to eliminate pathogens. This is due to the risk of foodborne illness in both animals and humans.
Several studies have shown that raw or undercooked animal-sourced protein may be contaminated with pathogenic organisms, including Salmonella spp, Campylobacter spp, Clostridium spp, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus. These bacteria can cause serious illnesses in dogs, cats, and humans. For example, a study by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) found that 15 out of 196 raw pet food samples tested positive for Salmonella, and 32 were positive for L. monocytogenes. Another study by Bojanic et al. (2017) isolated Campylobacter jejuni from 22% of raw retail pet foods in New Zealand.
Chicken ingredients, for instance, are considered likely sources of Campylobacter due to the high prevalence of carcass contamination. Similarly, contaminated pork products have been implicated as a source of human-pathogenic bioserotypes in pets. Other animal-sourced proteins of concern include beef, pork, poultry, fish, and other meat from domesticated or wild animals, as well as milk and eggs.
To reduce the risk of contamination, the AVMA recommends processing diets using methods such as pasteurization or cooking the product to a safe minimum internal temperature to reduce or eliminate pathogenic organisms. Other scientifically validated technologies can also be used to reduce the risk of illness due to pathogenic contaminants. It is important to handle raw pet food with care, as owners may infect themselves with bacteria such as Salmonella and L. monocytogenes by spreading the bacteria from contaminated food to their mouths or by touching their mouths during food preparation.
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Prescription dog food is typically prescribed as part of a dog's overall health plan
Prescription dog food is formulated to support the health of dogs with specific health conditions. It is typically prescribed as part of a dog's overall health plan and is designed to be used in conjunction with other treatments. For example, a dog suffering from arthritis might be prescribed a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants to reduce inflammation, in addition to glucosamine and chondroitin to protect their joints.
Veterinary dog food, also known as therapeutic dog food, is made with specific ingredients and nutritional supplements to support the health of dogs with particular diseases or illnesses. These diets are tailored to an individual dog's needs and are adjusted as their body condition changes. For example, a dog prone to bladder stones would be prescribed a wet food diet to help keep their urine dilute and reduce the chances of stone formation.
Prescription dog food can also be beneficial for dogs with food allergies. Limited-ingredient diets formulated with novel proteins, such as alligator, or hydrolyzed proteins that have been broken down into tiny fragments, can help manage allergic reactions and gastrointestinal issues. In addition, prescription diets can aid in weight management by supporting fat metabolization, lean muscle preservation, and promoting meal satisfaction.
It is important to note that prescription dog food should only be fed to a dog under the guidance of a veterinarian. These specialised diets are designed for dogs with specific health needs, and feeding them to a healthy dog could potentially cause nutritional imbalances. Before purchasing prescription dog food, a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) must be established, and the veterinarian must determine that the food is medically necessary for the dog's treatment plan.
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Prescription dog food is not interchangeable with other diets
Prescription dog food is designed to address specific health conditions in dogs. These diets are formulated by veterinary nutritionists and backed by scientific research. They are tailored to meet the unique nutritional needs of dogs with particular medical issues and are not meant for "normal" pets. Therefore, prescription dog food is not interchangeable with other diets and requires oversight by a licensed veterinarian.
Prescription dog food takes into account various factors, such as the dog's age, breed, lifestyle, and health conditions, to determine the appropriate ingredients and nutritional supplements. For example, a dog with arthritis might be prescribed a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants to reduce inflammation, along with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to protect joint cartilage. Similarly, dogs with bladder stones may benefit from wet foods that help dilute their urine, reducing the chances of stone formation.
The ingredients in prescription dog food are carefully selected and combined in precise proportions to support the health of dogs with specific conditions. These diets may contain fewer calories, lower amounts of fat, and higher-quality ingredients than traditional dog foods. For instance, therapeutic dog foods for kidney disease typically include a moderate amount of high-quality protein and are low in phosphorus and sodium to reduce the workload on the kidneys.
Additionally, prescription dog food can be an effective tool in managing chronic illnesses such as kidney disease, diabetes, skin issues, and urinary stones. The specific formulations in prescription diets help address these conditions and promote better health in dogs. However, it is important to note that these diets may not be palatable to all dogs, and owners may need to employ various strategies to encourage their dogs to eat the prescribed food.
The requirement for a prescription is not just a recommendation but also a safeguard to prevent potential abuse or misuse of the product. It ensures that pet owners receive proper counselling on the appropriate use of the product and helps maintain the veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Ultimately, the prescription ensures that the dog's health is carefully monitored and that the prescribed diet is suitable for their specific needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Prescription dog food can help manage your dog's specific health issues through their daily diet. They are formulated by veterinarians to treat a particular health condition and have been clinically tested with proven results.
Some health issues that can benefit from a prescription diet include weight management, food allergies and sensitivities, gastrointestinal disease, diabetes, urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and skin conditions.
Some examples of prescription dog food include Royal Canin Veterinary Diet and Hill's Prescription Diet.
The AVMA discourages feeding any raw or undercooked animal-sourced protein to dogs because of the risk of illness to humans and animals.
