Please note: Media Relations is unable to answer questions about pet health problems. Contact your veterinarian.  

Source: Tom Schermerhorn, 785-532-5690, tscherme@vet.k-state.edu
Pronouncer: Schermerhorn is (shur-mur-'HORN)
News release prepared by: Amber Haag, 785-532-6415

Tuesday, November 23, 2004

K-STATE VETERINARIAN COMMENTS ON LOW-CARB DIETS FOR PETS

MANHATTAN -- Low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets are a fad in American society today, but should what's popular with people also be popular for their pets?

Dr. Thomas Schermerhorn, assistant professor of clinical sciences at Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, said this is not always the case.

"People are susceptible to advertising," Schermerhorn said. "Just because something is a trend and possibly good for humans does not mean it will be healthy for pets."

Schermerhorn said a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet is fine for cats, because they are designed to eat almost exclusively all meat. He said veterinarians would put a cat on this type of diet for weight loss or if the cat were diabetic.

In contrast, Schermerhorn said that a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet is not necessary for most healthy dogs.

"It's important for owners to tailor nutrition to fit the dog's lifestyle," Schermerhorn said. "The diet must always be balanced, but a balanced diet is different depending on characteristics like breed, age and activity level."

Schermerhorn said sledding dogs are an example of dogs that would benefit from a low-carbohydrate, high-protein, high-fat diet.

"They need a lot of calories," Schermerhorn said. "A high-protein, high-fat food gives a lot of calories, but they can still get it in an acceptable amount that they can digest."

Schermerhorn said the biggest problem with diets for pets occurs when owners try to make their own diet.

"When an owner makes their own diet for the pet, chances are it will not be well-balanced or healthy for the pet," Schermerhorn said. "Premium pet food is always balanced and nutritionally complete. Commercial pet foods must pass tests and show they are balanced before they're put on the shelf. A lot of research goes into developing these foods, so we usually recommend that owners use them rather than making their own."

Schermerhorn said owners should always consult their veterinarian with issues regarding their pet. A veterinarian can help the owner tailor the pet's diet to fit its lifestyle.

Schermerhorn earned his doctor of veterinary medicine from the University of Pennsylvania in 1990. He received his bachelor of science from the University of Scranton in 1984.

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