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This announcement was made in last month's newsletter, but several of our subscribers informed us that they were not able to access the page. We have fixed the problem and have included the announcement again in this issue. Last month's newsletter can be viewed here.

The Continental Kennel Club website has changed.

The Continental Kennel Club is proud to announce the launch of our new website (located at www.ContinentalKennelClub.com ) and invite you to spend the next few minutes checking it out.

Some of the new features are....

www.ContinentalKennelClub.com

We are interested in your thoughts (and ideas) on the new site and have set up a special email address for you to use. Please email your comments to newsite@ckcusa.com.  Note:  The old site ckcusa.com is still active for email purposes, however any incoming links to the old site are automatically being redirected to the proper pages on the new site.

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Profile Dog Food - Understanding Animal Nutrition
The CKC would like to offer a special thanks to Profile for their
nationwide support of CKC Performance Events and Competitions.

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PET FOOD LABELING

Many dog owners are as concerned about their pet's health as they are about their own. They are aware of a link between food and health, and some will pay exorbitant sums for food they perceive to be the best. Advertising, pricing and packaging play major roles in what foods are perceived to be the best. However, discerning consumers can learn much about a pet food by studying its label. The pet food industry is regulated by AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials), and manufacturers of pet food are compelled to be more explicit in labeling than are manufacturers of livestock feeds. This article discusses some the regulations pertaining to pet food labeling with a goal of helping consumers get past the advertising glitz, and enable them to rationally compare and evaluate pet foods, and select the food most appropriate for their pet and perhaps more in line with their budget.

In accordance with AAFCO regulations, the following information must be present on a pet food package or label; 1) product and brand name, 2) animal for which the food is intended, 3) quantity statement or net weight, 4) guaranteed analysis, 5) ingredient statement, 6) a statement of nutritional adequacy or purpose, 7) feeding directions, and 8) name and address of the manufacturer or distributor. The first three of these required items must be on the principal display panel (that part of the package most likely to be displayed). The other required items may be anywhere on the package.

Even the name can convey valuable information to the consumer. According to AAFCO regulations, if an ingredient or combination of ingredients form a part of the name, then the ingredient or combination of ingredients must comprise at least 25% of the contents. For example, the name "Denny's Chicken Dinner for Dogs" would suggest at least 25% chicken in the dog food. If the ingredient is mentioned in the name or elsewhere on the label but contains a descriptor such as "with" then only 3% of the ingredient need be present. For example, the name "Denny's Dinner for Dogs with Chicken" would suggest that the product contains only 3% or a minimal amount of chicken.

The consumer should always look at the net weight of the package. Many times, in an effort to meet a certain price and still maintain the desired margin, a company will down-size a package from say 25 to 22 pounds, or from 40 to 37 pounds.

There are more than 40 nutrients required in the diets of dogs and cats but AAFCO requires guarantees on only four of these, viz., crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, and moisture. Other nutrients may be guaranteed at the discretion of the manufacturer, including some like Vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids which are not recognized by AAFCO as being required. The absence of a guarantee for a nutrient should not be construed to mean either that the nutrient is not present or that the nutrient is present at a lower level than in some other food where it is guaranteed. All manufacturers must by law meet the minimum nutrient requirements of the animal for which the food is intended.

AAFCO states that dogs require for growth and reproduction a minimum of 22 crude protein while cats require 30 percent. For maintenance, dogs and cats require a minimum of 18 and 26 percent crude protein, respectively. All of these requirements are stated on a dry matter basis, while guarantees on a label are expressed on a moist basis. A canned dog food with 7% crude protein and 70% moisture (30% dry matter) would actually contain 23% protein on a dry matter basis (7%÷0.30). Protein in the diet provides the dog or cat the building blocks needed for muscle growth. Major ingredients used by pet food manufacturers to supply protein in a pet food are meat (or beef) and bone meal, and poultry (or chicken) by-product meals (rendered parts of the carcasses of slaughtered poultry, beef and/or pork), and high protein products extracted from soybeans and corn (soybean meal and corn gluten meal). Labeling and advertising materials indicate that many of the national "premium" branded dog and cat foods contain as their number one ingredient "chicken" or "beef". Both meat products contain 65% or more water. This fact limits the amount of beef or chicken that can be incorporated in a pet food to about 20%. Containing about 15% protein, at this level of inclusion, the wet meat will provide only 3% crude protein to the diet. This is a minor percentage of the total protein content in most pet foods which generally contain 25% to 30% crude protein. The majority of protein in these diets is then provided by subsequent ingredients in the products' ingredient listing like rendered meat meal or chicken meal which may not have the sales appeal of the "real" meat. Soybean meal is an excellent reliable source of protein but has been overused in some of the less expensive "generic" store brands, often showing up in the #2 label position. This will lead to digestive disturbances due to the complex carbohydrates that are an integral component of the soybean. Stools from these dogs contain more moisture and are more difficult to remove from pens

AAFCO states that dogs require for growth and reproduction a minimum of 8% crude fat while cats require 9 percent. For maintenance, dogs and cats require 5 and 9 percent, respectively. Because fat is extremely palatable and digestible, many pet foods contain much more than the minimum required amounts of fat. Fat is the source of the essential fatty acids needed to maintain a healthy skin and coat. It is also a concentrated source of energy for the dog and cat, and may influence the intake of all other nutrients since animals generally eat to satisfy their energy needs. Fat is a natural component of many ingredients used in pet foods and animal fats (tallow and lard rendered from animal tissues) and vegetable oils (extracted from corn, soybeans, etc.) are commonly added to pet foods.

AAFCO lists no dietary requirement for fiber, and dogs and cats do not digest fiber. Conventional pet food ingredients will provide two to four percent dietary fiber. But there are differences among the fiber sources and also different reasons for inclusion of fibrous ingredients in pet foods. Many quality dog foods will contain absorptive fibers like beet pulp (fibrous remains from extraction of sugar from sugar beets) or tomato pomace to help produce a firm stool and for improved digestive function. "Light" dog foods may contain additional fiber sources such as rice hulls or peanut hulls to reduce energy content for weight maintenance or weight reduction. Intermediate fiber sources such as corn bran, rice bran, or wheat middlings are added to economy pet foods to reduce cost.

AAFCO states that pet foods may contain no more than 78% moisture (canned). Dry pet foods would normally contain a maximum of 10-12% moisture. Moisture provides no nutrition to the pet, but higher moisture products tend to be more palatable. Moisture level of pet foods should be considered when deciding on the relative merits of canned versus dry pet foods.

Feeding directions as a minimum must state the amount in common terms (cups, ounces) that must be fed to dogs or cats based on their body weight. Light dog foods may in addition provide directions for weight loss. All amounts given are estimates based on the energy value of the food and the estimated energy needs of the adult dog at a given size. Additional needs for growth, lactation and activity are not generally considered.

The nutritional adequacy statement required by AAFCO may be based on successful outcomes of feeding studies outlined by AAFCO, or may be based on comparison of pet food nutrient levels with AAFCO minimum levels. If the pet food is based on the former, then the statement "animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that "xyz" pet food provides complete and balanced nutrition for all life stages" will appear on the bag. Otherwise, the following statement will be used: "xyx" pet food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog or Cat Food Nutrient Profile for all life stages." Support of nutritional adequacy statements with actual feeding studies is obviously preferable.

In accordance with AAFCO regulations, each ingredient in a pet food must be listed, and they must be listed in descending order of predominance in the formula. Knowing this, many people when comparing two pet foods and observing that meat is in the number one position on one label and not on the other, might mistakenly assume that the former has more meat than the latter. It may, but it also may simply have more grain sources or fewer sources of protein than the other product. It is also important to know that ingredient listings are misleading to the customers of food containing "real" meat. So-called "real" meat ingredients like chicken, lamb etc. are actually meat slurries containing 75 to 80% water that are pumped into the mix during extrusion. Since all dry pet foods are dried down to 10% moisture or less before packaging, the water content that was a part of the slurry is lost and the remaining weight of the meat slurry is a much smaller part of the mix than the label leads you to believe. Rendered ingredients like meat meal and by-product meals contain less than 10% moisture and are properly represented on the label.

Denzil M. Hughes of Profile Nutrition
 

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"Cane Corso" 

This month's "Breed of the Month" is the Cane Corso, a rather large breed with a lot of history as well. This is certainly a canine for an owner with a dog "sense" and experience. They are mature well before their 6-month-old birthday and take being a loyal family member VERY seriously. Their ancestors were recorded in scriptures as being bred as tenacious dogs of war, accompanying brave soldiers of Medieval Italy; therefore the Cane Corso (or Corso) is truly a working dog above all else. They love to be challenged and love to be taught. If left alone and unattended, they tend to make up their own work, such as heavily guarding their own territories. (This is why Corso breeders cannot stress enough the importance of early socialization to new owners and new breeders of the breed. These dogs need to be introduced to as many situations as possible, so they will know how to react civilly towards the situations when it reoccurs in real life.)

The true ancestry of the Cane Corso can be traced back to the Roman Empire when it was at its peak. Rome was notorious for invading countries and performing hostile take-overs. The Romans used large Mesopotamical Molossians as far back as 1100's to aid in their captures. These Mesopotamical Molossians were old-type Corsican Dogs, which were bred for tenacity, size and ability. They were enormous and fierce dogs of war, bred specifically for protection, attack and guarding. It was from these dogs that the Cane Corso descended. The history of the development of the Cane Corso can be traced back to the 1600's to the island of Sicily, where it was fashioned as a drove dog/catch dog for the butchers and farms, and also, served as a guardian of property and families. They worked equally well as a hunter, with a keen nose and sharp sight. They were often used on badger, bear and other large game. The old time Cane Di Macellaio once thrived on this island, and they were considered a necessity to Sicilian life. Over the course of time and the intervention of technology, the need for the Cane Di Macellaio was becoming lost in time. It wasn't until a few dedicated breeders realized the decline of the breed that humans decided to intervene and prevent a wonderful, historic breed from being lost in oblivion.

Today the Corso faces yet more trials. Besides being bred into two separate categories (American & Italian varieties, both varieties with shrewd opinions of the other), they are now becoming another statistic of Breed Specific Legislation. This is due to ignorant breeders that are breeding far too many and too fast in order to make a quick buck. In addition, they are selling to ignorant owners who do not understand the importance of training and socialization and do not do their research. The result is a rescue, or even worse, a shelter or humane society, filled with abandoned, injured, abused, neglected and misunderstood Corsos. If there's one thing responsible breeders of this magnificent race want to get across to people is understand that the Corso is not for everyone. Do your research and you will see that there are certain adjustments that need to be made in lives in order to incorporate a Cane Corso. Socialization is a MUST for this breed, starting from puppy-hood. It is also the responsible breeder's accountability to socialize the puppy and do puppy temperament exercises with each pup in the litter before releasing them to their new homes.

When selecting a Cane Corso, never take the first one you come across at a bargain price. Responsible breeders take pride in their puppies, breeding stock and breeding program and these types of dogs do not come cheap. A good breeder can prove his or her efforts in reducing genetic diseases, which do appear from time to time, by having on hand hip and eye certifications and temperament testing results. They will also let you see and interact with the parent dogs. Vet records and the pup's medical family history are a must when selecting any breed of dog and are equally important with your prospective Corso pup.

A well-trained and well socialized (socialized from birth) Cane Corso will make a wonderful companion. There is nothing that these canines cannot do and will be willing to try at least once. They are shedders and droolers if they get too hot. The majority of the breed loves the water, only that doesn't apply to bath time. They are active and need regular exercise and regular veterinarian visits. The Cane Corso is now excelling in Weight Pulling, Personal Protection & Police Work, Tracking & Article Search, Hunting & Catching sports, Obedience, Agility, Herding & Flock Guarding and many more. On top of their extreme trainability and willingness to please, they will make the most affectionate companion one can ever ask for. Their dedication to their loved ones are unmatched by any other breed, and they are set on making life long companions to any life that they enter.
 

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CKC would like to see your canine buddies in action! Each month we will pick a theme and ask you to submit photos of your dog(s) relating to the theme of the month. You can e-mail or mail your snapshot ATTN: Snapshot of the Month, PO BOX 1450, Walker, LA 70785.

July's Theme of the Month
is
"The Family Dog"

Get those cameras out and have some fun.

Congratulations.....

Our top 6 finalist for June's Theme of the Month, "The Dog Days of Summer" are below.

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If you would like to submit an article for an upcoming issue or have a question for the editor, you can submit it via email to editor@ckcusa.com or mail it to:

Continental Kennel Club, Inc.
PO BOX 1450
Walker, LA 70785

Note: All articles & pictures submitted become property of Continental Kennel Club
and may be used at our discretion.

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Copyright© 2004 Continental Kennel Club, Inc. - No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express written permission by the publisher.