Diet food for dogs on clarkhoward.com

Clark has two Chinese pugs, and both need special food. One of the dogs is also overweight and recently had to go on a diet. And he’s not the only one. The number of obese dogs is growing in direct proportion to the growing number of obese humans. In fact, more than one-third of all dogs are obese. So, what is the solution? The FDA has approved a new drug called Slentrol, which is specifically designed to help dogs lose weight. The drug can cause vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy, but it’ll probably sell like hotcakes. Come on, people! The real problem here is that we eat too much and don’t exercise enough, and the same is true of our dogs.

In other health news, a British medical journal did a recent study of nutritional claims on certain foods. Very often, the journals and organizations that do the studies are almost always paid by the food industry. The same is true of pharmaceutical studies. Basically, the whole thing is a stacked deck to show how great a product is. So, be careful. If you read any kind of study claiming a product is great, track the source.

What others are saying

Not ALL dry foods are bad
The person below who said to NEVER feed dry food is mistaken. Not all dry foods are bad. You can find dry foods that contain no grains. Although dogs and cats are carnivores, they would eat anything they can find in the wild. Vegetables, fruits, meats (probably some that has been dead for days...). Last I checked, catnip was not meat.

A quality diet for a pet is important, however, saying that dry food is the only cause of these health issues is simply ignorant. There are a lot of terrible canned foods out there as well.
By anonymous @ 08/04/09 11:41:29 AMreport abuse
Diet food for Dogs
Never feed your dogs or cats dry food. Never. The reason is that OTC dry pet food is inferior to canned food or lightly cooked fresh meats, and is not the proper formulation for dogs and cats. Most dry food contains a high percentage of cereals and grains, and is loaded with carbs. A steady diet of dry food will likely lead to obesity, and possibly diabetes for seniors. I do not have the data for dogs, but know that 1 in 6 senior cats will develop diabetes when fed a steady diet of OTC dry cat food. It happened to my 10 year old cat! Dogs and cats are carnivores, and are designed to eat meat only, and should not be fed food appropriate for bovines and bovides. By feeding dogs and cats dry food containing large amounts of cereals and grains, you are poisoning your pet. The solution to the pet obesity problem is not Slentrol, you must eliminate the root cause of the problem, which is an improper diet. If your veterinarian has ever recommended that you feed your pet dry food because it helps clean his teeth, it's time to tell him "Your fired". Don't take my word for it, go to www.yourdiabeticcat.com to see what an experienced veterinarian has to say about this topic.
By Michael @ 03/29/09 10:18:13 PMreport abuse
Disappointed
I have been a long time follower of Clark Howard. Come to find out he has "purchased" 2 designer dogs, spending that kind of money to a breeder or puppy mill, shame on him, you would think Clark would of considered a rescue, besides mutts are healthier so you would save money. I dont support anyone who purchases pets with the GA pet overpopulation crisis.
By Heather Kates @ 04/28/08 10:37:02 AMreport abuse

Not ALL dry foods are bad

The person below who said to NEVER feed dry food is mistaken. Not all dry foods are bad. You can find dry foods that contain no grains. Although dogs and cats are carnivores, they would eat anything they can find in the wild. Vegetables, fruits, meats (probably some that has been dead for days...). Last I checked, catnip was not meat.

A quality diet for a pet is important, however, saying that dry food is the only cause of these health issues is simply ignorant. There are a lot of terrible canned foods out there as well.

By anonymous @ 08/04/09 11:41:29 AMreport abuse

Diet food for Dogs

Never feed your dogs or cats dry food. Never. The reason is that OTC dry pet food is inferior to canned food or lightly cooked fresh meats, and is not the proper formulation for dogs and cats. Most dry food contains a high percentage of cereals and grains, and is loaded with carbs. A steady diet of dry food will likely lead to obesity, and possibly diabetes for seniors. I do not have the data for dogs, but know that 1 in 6 senior cats will develop diabetes when fed a steady diet of OTC dry cat food. It happened to my 10 year old cat! Dogs and cats are carnivores, and are designed to eat meat only, and should not be fed food appropriate for bovines and bovides. By feeding dogs and cats dry food containing large amounts of cereals and grains, you are poisoning your pet. The solution to the pet obesity problem is not Slentrol, you must eliminate the root cause of the problem, which is an improper diet. If your veterinarian has ever recommended that you feed your pet dry food because it helps clean his teeth, it's time to tell him "Your fired". Don't take my word for it, go to www.yourdiabeticcat.com to see what an experienced veterinarian has to say about this topic.

By Michael @ 03/29/09 10:18:13 PMreport abuse

Disappointed

I have been a long time follower of Clark Howard. Come to find out he has "purchased" 2 designer dogs, spending that kind of money to a breeder or puppy mill, shame on him, you would think Clark would of considered a rescue, besides mutts are healthier so you would save money. I dont support anyone who purchases pets with the GA pet overpopulation crisis.

By Heather Kates @ 04/28/08 10:37:02 AMreport abuse

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Jan 09, 2007 -- Diet food for dogs

What others are saying