Why alternative diet trends can be dangerous for your pet

Millions of people embrace new diet and nutrition trends every day, but experts from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine urge people not to assume what works for them will also work for their pets.

“People just want to do what’s best for their pets, but when they apply human diets to their animals, it doesn’t always work out well,” said Dr. Valerie Parker, board certified veterinary nutritionist at Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine. “There’s tons of information out there about alternative diets, but it’s not all based on scientific information. Animals have vastly different nutritional needs than humans and adopting an alternative diet can result in severe implications for your pet.”

What you read online should enhance what your veterinarian recommends, not replace it. A veterinary nutritionist can work with patients to determine the best diet for their pet, taking into account the animal’s breed, body weight, body composition (including body condition and muscle condition scores), and medical conditions.

Dr. Parker lists some of the common diet trends pet owners try, and why it’s best to reject the hype. Watch the video below to learn more.