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Plant-based foods intended for feeding dogs and cats are available in Canada, though few studies have examined the suitability of plant-based foods for dogs and cats. All commercial plant-based extruded and wet pet food products available in Ontario, Canada, in 2018 (n = 26) were acquired and analysed for energy, crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, ash, amino acids, fatty acids, minerals and vitamins A, B12, D2 and D3. Results were compared with recommendations of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF). Thirteen products were labelled for adult canine maintenance, four for canine all life stages, one for puppy growth, two for adult feline maintenance, three for feline all life stages, one for adult maintenance of dogs and cats and two for all life stages of dogs and cats. Four products met AAFCO and one product met FEDIAF nutrient recommendations for canine maintenance. No diets met AAFCO or FEDIAF recommendations for feline maintenance or growth for either species. Nutrients most commonly found insufficient were: sulfur amino acids, taurine, arachidonic acid, EPA and DHA, calcium phosphorus and vitamin D. There were no nutrients unable to be provided from non-animal sources. Compliance with labelling guidelines was also poor, similar to other findings with commercial animal-based pet products. The results from this study indicate areas where producers of plant-based pet foods must improve to meet the industry recommended nutrient profiles and labelling requirements.

In July 2018, the Food and Drug Administration warned about a possible relationship between dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs and the consumption of dog food formulated with potatoes and pulse ingredients. This issue may impede utilization of pulse ingredients in dog food or consideration of alternative proteins. Pulse ingredients have been used in the pet food industry for over 2 decades and represent a valuable source of protein to compliment animal-based ingredients. Moreover, individual ingredients used in commercial foods do not represent the final nutrient concentration of the complete diet. Thus, nutritionists formulating dog food must balance complementary ingredients to fulfill the animal's nutrient needs in the final diet. There are multiple factors that should be considered, including differences in nutrient digestibility and overall bioavailability, the fermentability and quantity of fiber, and interactions among food constituents that can increase the risk of DCM development. Taurine is a dispensable amino acid that has been linked to DCM in dogs. As such, adequate supply of taurine and/or precursors for taurine synthesis plays an important role in preventing DCM. However, requirements of amino acids in dogs are not well investigated and are presented in total dietary content basis which does not account for bioavailability or digestibility. Similarly, any nutrient (e.g., soluble and fermentable fiber) or physiological condition (e.g., size of the dog, sex, and age) that increases the requirement for taurine will also augment the possibility for DCM development. Dog food formulators should have a deep knowledge of processing methodologies and nutrient interactions beyond meeting the Association of American Feed Control Officials nutrient profiles and should not carelessly follow unsubstantiated market trends. Vegetable ingredients, including pulses, are nutritious and can be used in combination with complementary ingredients to meet the nutritional needs of the dog.

In July 2018, the Food and Drug Administration warned about a possible relationship between dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs and the consumption of dog food formulated with potatoes and pulse ingredients. This issue may impede utilization of pulse ingredients in dog food or consideration of alternative proteins. Pulse ingredients have been used in the pet food industry for over 2 decades and represent a valuable source of protein to compliment animal-based ingredients. Moreover, individual ingredients used in commercial foods do not represent the final nutrient concentration of the complete diet. Thus, nutritionists formulating dog food must balance complementary ingredients to fulfill the animal's nutrient needs in the final diet. There are multiple factors that should be considered, including differences in nutrient digestibility and overall bioavailability, the fermentability and quantity of fiber, and interactions among food constituents that can increase the risk of DCM development. Taurine is a dispensable amino acid that has been linked to DCM in dogs. As such, adequate supply of taurine and/or precursors for taurine synthesis plays an important role in preventing DCM. However, requirements of amino acids in dogs are not well investigated and are presented in total dietary content basis which does not account for bioavailability or digestibility. Similarly, any nutrient (e.g., soluble and fermentable fiber) or physiological condition (e.g., size of the dog, sex, and age) that increases the requirement for taurine will also augment the possibility for DCM development. Dog food formulators should have a deep knowledge of processing methodologies and nutrient interactions beyond meeting the Association of American Feed Control Officials nutrient profiles and should not carelessly follow unsubstantiated market trends. Vegetable ingredients, including pulses, are nutritious and can be used in combination with complementary ingredients to meet the nutritional needs of the dog.

This article explores the potential use of Astragalus membranaceus and Panax species (ginseng) in the diets of cats and dogs. These herbs have been found to have potential benefits for gut health, the immune system, and overall metabolism. However, more research is needed to determine their safety and efficacy, as well as the optimal inclusion levels in pet diets. The article also discusses the increasing popularity of functional ingredients in the pet food industry and the need to consider traditional Chinese herbs in this context. It emphasizes the importance of empirical studies and scientific investigation to ensure the health benefits and safety of these herbs for pets. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores the nutritional needs and health outcomes of ageing cats and dogs. It discusses the lack of explicit nutritional guidelines for feeding ageing animals and emphasizes the importance of increased scientific knowledge in this area. The article also highlights the differences in nutrient requirements between cats and dogs and the impact of dietary format on their health. It discusses the role of the gut microbiome in ageing and calls for updated nutrient guidelines that consider the unique nutritional requirements of ageing cats and dogs. The article also discusses the mechanisms of aging in cats and dogs, the effects of diet on their aging process, and the lack of specific nutritional guidelines for senior pets. It mentions the need for further research to understand the aging process in cats and dogs and develop targeted dietary interventions to improve their healthspan. The article provides a table summarizing nutrients that have been proven to be effective in improving certain aspects of cats' and dogs' health. It also discusses the health concerns affecting senior pets, such as sarcopenia, inflammageing, and cognitive function. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for further research to understand the specific nutrient requirements of aging cats and dogs and develop nutritional guidelines for them. [Extracted from the article]

This editorial titled "Nutrition and management of animals we keep as companions, volume II" discusses various topics related to the nutrition and management of pets. It emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to address the conflict between global warming and food consumption, considering sustainable agricultural practices, efficient supply chains, reduced food waste, and changes in consumption patterns. The editorial also explores the use of plant-based ingredients in pet food, strategies to minimize the risk of pathogens in raw diets, the effects of different diets on epigenetics and otitis in dogs, the potential risks and benefits of homemade diets, and the association between grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy. Additionally, it discusses the use of functional ingredients in therapeutic diets for diabetic animals. The article also presents various research studies related to pet nutrition, focusing on food processing, vitamins, fatty acids, nitrogenous compounds, diet digestibility, and dietary salt content. The studies highlight the importance of proper food processing, supplementation, and nutrient adjustment to ensure optimal nutrition for pets. This article provides valuable insights for researchers and pet owners interested in understanding and improving pet nutrition. [Extracted from the article]