Veterinarian Explains Fresh Dog Food Standards and Benefits
A veterinarian clarifies the definition of human-grade fresh food and details how its digestibility and portioned meals can aid in pet weight management
Veterinarian Brandon Stapleton says pet owners are increasingly asking about fresh dog food, often confusing it with raw diets. In a podcast for veterinary professionals, he outlined the regulated standards, clinical research, and potential patient benefits of fresh food.
Stapleton, head veterinarian at The Farmer's Dog, explained the term "human grade" is a regulated standard, not a marketing buzzword. He stated it is a binary proposition where the entire food, from ingredients to manufacturing, must adhere to human food safety and allergy control standards. "It's not easy to do," Stapleton said, attributing the company's adherence to a large, dedicated team.
Formulating Complete and Balanced Meals
The process of making fresh food nutritionally complete and balanced is consistent across the pet food industry, according to Stapleton. He credited his company's team of board-certified pet nutritionists and PhDs with the expertise required for formulation and research. Stapleton pointed to this group as the chief experts behind their product development.
Building an Evidence Base Through Research
Stapleton detailed the company's research efforts, which extend beyond standard industry trials. He noted they have conducted the standard AAFCO feeding trials, which last six months. However, Stapleton argued that six months is often insufficient to observe nutritional changes, prompting longer-term studies.
The company has completed a feeding study lasting over six years conducted in home environments. It has also run a long-term clinical study, with initial wave-one results already published and more findings forthcoming. Stapleton mentioned additional research projects are prepared but not yet ready for discussion. This research portfolio includes studies on digestibility, palatability, and food safety.
Clinical Applications for Patient Care
Stapleton highlighted specific clinical scenarios where fresh food can be beneficial. He connected the high digestibility and hydration content of fresh food to supporting weight management programs. Individually portioned meals provide precise calorie control, which is a key tool for veterinarians managing a pet's weight.
Also, he explained that the high palatability of fresh food can be key for hard-to-feed patients. This includes senior dogs, cancer patients, and animals in postoperative recovery who may have a reduced appetite. Encouraging these patients to maintain adequate nutritional intake is a significant clinical challenge that palatable food can help address.
All research data, including digestibility and palatability study results, is available transparently through the company's veterinary portal. Stapleton concluded by emphasizing the company's commitment to this research-driven, transparent approach to pet nutrition.
