“WSAVA Global Veterinary Community,” what is questionable about membership and donations for an organization comprised of people in the Veterinary field from all over the world? Similar organizations exist in human medicine. There are membership benefits such as continuing education, seminars, access to scientific journals, networking with other Vets from around the world, but one of the things they don’t do is research food or brands. They provide recommendations for Vets and pet owners they feel are important for finding a safe pet food manufacturers not the foods they make.
Here’s the history of WSAVA:
Our History
I require more than a food just meeting AAFCO profiles; I start with the manufacturer. A food my pets’ do well on is important, but mostly I’m looking for a knowledgeable, responsible, and safe pet food manufacturer.
If I communicate with a manufacturer and I get a different answer every time it’s a red flag for me. I don’t fool around with any company that does not directly answer my questions. I pose most of them as yes or no questions to avoid the marketing spiel. If they want to spend five minutes answering a simple yes or no question, it’s time to move on for me.
Getting advice from a Vet that is up to date on current DCM recommendations and research is important; not all are up to date. I had a conversation with a Vet the other day who manufactures food. It was very disappointing and scary they were not up to date and was selling the just add taurine to food will prevent any further illnesses.
I don’t know how it’s possible to interpret WSAVA recommendations other than how they are written. They are clear and concise for helping people find a safe pet food manufacturer.
1. They either employ a full time credentialed nutritionist or they don’t.
2. They know who formulates their food and what their credentials are or they don’t.
3. Do they test foods via food trials or by formulation to meet AAFCO profiles? If by formulation do they meet AAFCO profiles by formulation or analysis of the finished product?
4. They will either tell you where their food is produced and manufactured or they won’t.
5. They either practice safety measures in production, ingredient quality control, and know what they are or they don’t.
6. They can provide an average/typical nutrient profile or they can’t.
7. What is the caloric value per gram, can, or cup of your food is self-explanatory.
8. They either conduct product research or they don’t. If they do, are the results published in peer reviewed journals is a self-explanatory question as well.
Instead of “hearing about” the recommendations, here they are:
https://www.wsava.org/wsava/media/arpita-and-emma-editorial/selecting-the-best-food-for-your-pet.pdf
