A major part of caring for your pet is providing the best possible nutrition—food and supplements. But how do you go about doing what’s best for your pet when you are bombarded with confusing marketing claims from a bewildering multitude of products? Better Nutrition to the rescue—we’ve consulted some of the nation’s leading holistic veterinarians, all experts on diet and supplements. Here are their recommendations.

Q: What should pet owners consider when buying dog and cat foods?

A: Jean Hofve, DVM, Jamestown, CO: Feed your animals a variety of fresh, wet and whole foods (real meat, for instance) as much as possible. Kibble may be the most convenient for you, but it is heavily processed and very dehydrating (a particular problem for cats). Keep in mind that the word “natural” on a label doesn’t mean a thing—any manufacturer can make this claim, and there are no regulations attached to using the term. A lot of pet food labels list “human-grade” ingredients. Again, this is a completely meaningless term. If possible, go for organic—it translates to better quality.

Roger DeHaan, DVM, Kings Mountain, NC: If you don’t have time to prepare food for your pets and must feed them commercial kibble, be sure to buy high-quality products. How can you tell? The first ingredient listed on the package should be real meat (not “by-products,” commonly found in cheaper pet foods). If possible, avoid foods with corn, soy and wheat. Any grain ingredients should be whole, ground grains. Pass up products with chemical preservatives, artificial flavors and dyes. Also, keep in mind that canned foods have been associated with hyperthyroidism in cats, possibly due to chemicals from the inner lining of cans. In most cases, unprocessed meat works best. Some additional tips:

• Add warm water or chicken broth to kibble.
• Replace about 20 percent of kibble with 1–2 raw egg yolks three times per week.
• Feed pets vegetables on a daily basis; half can be raw, the other half steamed, cooked or stir-fried.
• Give unsweetened, plain yogurt three times a week; use 1–6 Tbs. based on size.

Q: What nutritional supplements should dogs and cats be given for overall health?

A: Stephen Blake, DVM, San Diego,CA: Don’t oversupplement. Make sure your animals need what you want to give them.

Jean Hofve: Supplements that have benefits for all dogs and cats are digestive enzymes, probiotics, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.

Roger DeHaan: Consider superfoods as great add-ons to the diet—they are loaded with concentrated nutrients. Some examples: olive oil, cod liver oil and ground flaxseed as sources of omega-3 fatty acids; alfalfa, kelp, dandelion and spirulina for minerals, vitamins and glandular balance. Also, try adding small amounts of herbs and spices, such as garlic, parsley, rosemary and milk thistle to support immune function and repel fleas.

Jan Bellows, DVM, Weston, FL: Joint problems are common in dogs. Glucosamine and chondroitin have varying degrees of bioavailability, a term that indicates how well the body can actually utilize the supplements. Check with a vet who can recommend a product that has worked for his or her patients.

Q: What about feeding treats to pets?

A: Roger DeHaan: Raw carrots or vegetables are healthier options—and most pets love them! Raw, dehydrated liver or O-shaped cereal bits made from whole oats are also favorites. Avoid “soft and moist” commercial treats. They are generally loaded with corn syrup, sugar, artificial sweeteners, propylene glycol and other chemical preservatives. Definitely avoid pet store treats with artificial colors. These can be harmful and allergenic to pets.

Stephen Blake: Make your own treats with strips of meat: Cook thinly sliced meats at 250 F for a half hour. This way, your pets get pure protein without any added stuff they don’t need.

The Buyer’s Bottom Line
Whatever you buy for your pets, heed the advice of Paula Broadfoot, DVM, of Van Buren, AR: “You need to be a good label reader and pay attention to contents, dyes, preservatives and other junk additives. Many products have a lot of cheap fillers to make them taste better, but they don’t do your pet any good and may cause harm.” The veterinarians we consulted all say that perhaps the most important thing you can do from a caregiver’s perspective is to know your animals. Look at their ears, teeth, skin and fur. And be on the lookout for anything abnormal. By knowing your animals, you may be able to spot trouble signs before they become serious. You are ultimately responsible for your own health—and also the health of your pets.

What's Hot in Natural Pet Products?
Give your four-legged friend the gift of wholesome nutrition. The chart to the right, compiled by the editors of Better Nutrition, features some of the newest pet products available—and a few tried-and-true favorites. In addition to what is shown here, we also recommend the following brands of pet food for their commitment to pure ingredients:

• Bench & Field Pet Foods
• Castor & Pollux
• Dogswell (includes cat treats)
• Innova
• Lick Your Chops
• Natural Balance
• Pet Promise
• Old Mother Hubbard

FOR DOGS
Does your pooch love the taste of canned food? Make it healthful with Spot’s Stew Luscious Lamb Stew, the newest addition to this popular line.	With NK-9, American BioSciences offers a natural way to keep your dog’s immune system in top form. The supplement features AHCC, a mushroom hybrid shown to stimulate immunity in humans. And dogs and humans may share similarities in immune system structure.	Every dog deserves a treat! Newman’s Own Organics Premium Dog Treats in Peanut Butter are made without wheat or corn, and the profi ts go to supporting less-fortunate animals.
FOR CATS
Indoor cats tend to groom themselves more and gain more weight. Wellness Indoor Health is formulated to help prevent hairballs and promote urinary tract health. It also contains fewer calories for weight control.	Most hairball remedies contain petroleum and other questionable ingredients, but ActiPet’s Hairball Formula fights fur with a combination of psyllium fiber, aloe, catnip and papain from papaya.	Want the real scoop on cat litter? Most are filled with toxic ingredients. Swheat Scoop Cat Litter uses an exclusive wheat formula that clumps without clay or chemicals. It’s safe for you, your pets and the environment.
FOR BOTH
Does your pet get nervous or startle easily? Try Nelson Bach’s Rescue Remedy, a soft-scented spray made with flower essences thought to promote relaxation. Feeling stressed? Try it on yourself, too!	PetGuard, known for high-quality dog and cat foods, introduced PetGuard Organics, featuring products made with 95% organic ingredients. Two standouts are the 100% Organic Catnip in a keepsake tin and Organic Chicken & Vegetable Entrée for Dogs in 12.7-oz. cans.	Got a pet prone to ear problems? Pet Naturals of Vermont’s new Ear Wash for Dogs (and a separate version for cats), with citrus oil and deionized water, offers a safe solution to chemical-laden commercial ear products.