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As a veterinarian, I’ve found that pet owners take seriously the responsibility of ensuring their dogs live healthy, happy lives. They worry about making sure their dog gets enough exercise, receives regular wellness checks and receives balanced nutrition that gives them energy to run and play.
What some people don’t realize is that owning and caring a dog can improve the owner’s health as well. Spending quality time with your dog and providing them with quality nutrition is good for the dog and can help ease stress and anxiety levels for you. Studies have shown that owning a pet can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels — which is great news for your heart health.
In short, when your dog is getting the best care, proper exercise, nutrition and love, they can enjoy a long and healthy life. And that can ultimately make you healthier, too!
Many owners see their dog as part of the family, and that sometimes means they will feed their dog like they feed themselves. For example, some people may choose low-carb or gluten-free diets for themselves and do the same for their pets. However, while this instinct comes from a place of love, many owners don’t realize that their dog’s dietary needs differ from their own.
Take grains for example. As a veterinarian, it’s important for me to note that grains are good for your dog. Yes, you read that right — they’re good!
A very small percentage of dogs may have a food sensitivity that requires a special grain-free diet or a dog food without a certain protein. However, this is not necessary for the vast majority of dogs. Most dogs benefit from a complete, balanced diet with healthy grains, high-quality proteins and essential vitamins and minerals.
Here’s why: Grains are a good source of carbohydrates that provide healthy energy. Some grains, like rice and wheat, provide “quick” energy, while other grains, like barley and sorghum, take longer to convert to energy. A combination of these different grains can offer a time-released energy source that helps dogs sustain energy. The whole grains in IAMS dog food are a beneficial mix, as they supply steady energy.
In addition to the grains you’ll find in IAMS food, you’ll also find high-quality proteins, like chicken and lamb, as well as essential nutrients needed to help support heart health. Together, this combination will give your dog a steady source of energy to be active on walks, runs, hikes or play sessions around the house.
For your dog to be healthy and happy, be sure you feed them a well-balanced diet and allow them enough exercise time. In return, you’ll get unconditional love, plenty of sweet doggy snuggles and maybe even more exercise — just a few of the ways you and your dog are joined at the heart.
Beet pulp is an important source of fiber that is good for helping your dog maintain intestinal health and can enhance his ability to absorb ingredients. Beet pulp is the material that remains after sugar is extracted from sugar beets.
There are two types of fiber: Nonfermentable and fermentable. Nonfermentable fiber remains undigested as it passes through a dog's intestines, providing bulk to move wastes out. Cellulose is an example of a nonfermentable fiber.
In contrast, fermentable fiber is broken down in the intestines into short-chain fatty acids that provide energy for cells that line the intestine.
Moderately fermentable fiber does both: It provides bulk to move waste and supplies energy to cells lining the intestine. Beet pulp is a moderately fermentable fiber. IAMS™ products contain a patented, moderately fermentable fiber, beet pulp, to keep your dog's digestive system healthy.
Beet pulp contains no toxins and is not harmful. It is a very safe fiber source. Beet pulp does not affect coat color. There is nothing in beet pulp that can affect coat pigment—the inside is light in color, and the dark outside peel is not used in our foods.
By definition, beet pulp is the material left over after the sugar is removed from sugar beets. Therefore, beet pulp contains no sugar.
There is no evidence that beet pulp causes bloat. Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus or GDV) is related to a stomach defect that delays the stomach’s emptying. It is believed that bloat is not related to diet or ingredients, such as beet pulp. However, the cause of bloat remains unknown.
IAMS has conducted extensive research on many types of fiber. The results of this research point to the fact that beet pulp maintains intestinal health and works with other nutrients to provide optimal nutrition in all of our products, including IAMS™ ProActive Health™ Adult MiniChunks. No other food manufacturer can match our formulas. Only IAMS holds a patent for moderately fermentable beet pulp.
