I realize that is a rather personal question, but your pets food could be the cause.
In doing my research for Petsumer Report, I found an interesting educational article on the Soybean Meal Information Center website. This article lists the benefits and the side effects of Soybean Meal – a commonly used ingredient in pet food.
Quoting their website…
“Soy products are commonly included in companion animal diets as a source of crude protein and (or) amino acids.
Their benefits include:
(1) They are an economical source of protein;
(2) They are readily available and of consistent quality;
(3) They are palatable to the animal as demonstrated using standard palatability tests;
(4) They have a balanced amino acid profile that complements the amino acid pattern of cereals like corn;
(5) They improve diet texture;
(6) In vegetarian diets, they can serve as the major protein source;
(7) They serve as a source of dietary fiber; and
(8) One in particular (textured soy protein) retains its appearance (i.e., looks like meat) after canning.”
“Disadvantages associated with the feeding of soy products to dogs and cats include:
(1) They have a negative image on the part of the pet owner;
(2) They contain antinutritional factors such as trypsin inhibitor (inactivated by extrusion and canning) and oligosaccharides, the later being responsible for increased production of flatulence;
(3) They have low methionine and cysteine concentrations;
(4) Their use may increase the taurine requirement of cats;
(5) Some animals may exhibit an allergic reaction to soy protein;
(6) Soy protein may reduce trace mineral availability because of its phytate and fiber concentrations; and
(7) Soy product inclusion in diets may provide excessive quantities of soluble dietary fiber.”
Several things really bothered me about this article. In particular – Number (8) on the Advantages list. “One in particular retains its appearance (i.e., looks like meat) after canning.” Yikes! I guess the logic with profit minded pet food manufacturers is that if it looks like meat, smells like meat – who cares if it’s not the best for the pet! What a shame.
The number (1) on the Advantages list – ‘they are an economical source of protein’ – bothers me too. In my opinion, if a pet food or pet treat manufacturer is producing a product that is based on a grain protein (soy, corn, wheat) – Pet Owners deserve to know that. But I guess a dog or cat food that stated ‘made with real soybeans’ wouldn’t sell very well!
On the Disadvantages side – we have increased gas, possible allergen (by the way, pets typically show food allergies through skin and coat problems and ear problems), may increase the taurine requirements in cats – lack of taurine can cause blindness in cats. And last but not least, soy can cause soft loose stools.
Besides being a cheap protein source for the manufacturer – I see no benefit for the pet. My suggestion for pet Owners – stay clear of any pet product that uses soy. Not only is it considered inferior by the soy industry to be used in pet foods – if a manufacturer is so profit minded to replace a meat protein with a grain protein (corn, wheat or soy) – what else are they doing to cut corners and improve profits? Something to think about.
Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,
Susan Thixton
Pet Food Safety Advocate
Author, Buyer Beware
Co-Author Dinner PAWsible
TruthaboutPetFood.com
PetsumerReport.com
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