>From:    Selina <[log in to unmask]>
>anecdote evidence is not data. seems really hard to say whether raw or
>kibble is better until there are formal studies comparing the two."

A species appropriate diet is the best diet. No study needs to be done
to establish that fact. If an animal is designed to eat a certain diet,
and it's body is set up to digest and use that diet, that IS the best
diet. The question should be, can kibble meet up to those standards?
With the processing of the food, the adding of non species appropriate
ingredients to the food, does kibble provide the same as a species
appropriate diet without compromising the health of the animal?
Carnivores did not suddenly become omnivores because it is was easier
for man to feed them. Their digestive systems have not changed to man's
whim. This discussion is backwards. Species appropriate diets are not
what needs to be proven, kibble man made foods are. Kibble obviously
can provide nutrients to the animal, but is it better? No. Will it
suffice? Animals have ben eating it, so I guess it does "suffice".
Kibble is a convenience for man. Kibble was come up with for man's
benefit, not the animals. The question is, is man's convenience
sacrificing some of the animals health? Kibble will never go away, it
is just too easy to go pick up a bag at the store and pour it in a
bowl. But species appropriate diets are the best. Nature has proven
that.

And before anyone thinks I am preaching, I will say again that my
ferrets are fed kibble. My dogs are not. There is nothing wrong with
saying the best diet for an animal is it's species appropriate diet,
but that kibble is easier and can sustain the animals life. Throughout
these numerous diet discussion, it comes across that some people feel
that saying that would make them wrong. Get over it and have a
discussion that could actually benefit the animals. Better kibbles have
been come up with by people having these discussions. People may have
switched to a better kibble by reading these discussions and knowing
what a species appropriate diet is and trying to find a kibble that is
better suited.

Species appropriate is the best. Try looking at it from that way,
and how man may meet the animals needs while meeting man's need for
convenience. Push for better kibbles by knowing what IS the best diet
and letting the kibble manufacturers know that "sufficing" just isn't
good enough.

~Amy~

[Posted in FML 5424]