The food you give to you your pet must always have the potential to make them lead the healthiest life possible. This is why as a pet owner it is a big responsibility to constantly look for the best option when it comes to food. Though no food is suitable for every pet, there are scientifically sound diets which can contribute to a healthy lifestyle for your pet. One such diet is the ketogenic diet for pets. So, what are ketogenic pet foods?
Ketogenic pet foods are those that very low in carbohydrates and provide calories primarily through animal fat. Ketogenic pet food takes advantage of the health benefits that a ultra-low carbohydrate diet can provide. The idea behind this kind of diet is that it contains high fats which are then converted into ketones, which are short-chain-fats secreted by the liver. The ketones are used as energy sources instead of carbohydrates.
One well known benefit of a ketogenic diet is that they have the potential to reduce seizures in epileptic dogs so that they lead a more comfortable life. In humans, ketogenic diets have gained a lot of popularity in the field of medicine as they are used in weight loss, as well as cancer treatment. Since sugar is a substance which has been realized to catalyze the speed of cancer growth in the body, it is advised that individuals replace it with ketogenic foods.
Despite the fact that many veterinaries encourage pet owners to feed their animals with ketogenic pet foods, there is still some controversy that is slowing the adoption of this diets. For instance, there are certain claims that a ketogenic diet is not ideal for pets suffering from diabetes since one has to lower the morning insulin with the aim of curbing hypoglycemia. This claim tends to have some support from various medical institutions, but there is not substantial evidence to make it an uncontested fact.
Of course, whenever there is the desire to change a pet’s diet it is still advisable to contact a veterinarian for further. This is the only way that one can be confident that they are treating their pet right. If you have consulted with a veterinarian, and have their buy-in, then there are a variety of ketogenic pet foods which may fit your pet’s special needs. Once you have selected a new pet food, do follow the recommended transitional portions provided by the manufacturer to make the switch to the new food less stressful on your pet’s digestive system.
