Feeding Dogs Dry Or Raw? The Science Behind The Debate

It is clear that humans we create institutions that wreak havoc on human and animal lives, institutions that are indifferent to wellbeing or harm, truth or falsehood, and have the inertia of a cargo ship whenever anyone seeks to alter their course. This book ismainly an account of this phenomenon occurring in what could be termed the ‘pet food/human food/veterinary industrial complex’. He exposes the contradictions, compromised values, and conflicts of interest tacit in so much of what is taught and published in the world of animal nutrition.Feeding Dogs is an interesting and absorbing read. It segues often into the world of human diet, the integrity of human research, and corporate indifference to human harm when there is profit to be had, and this makes the book about so much more than dog food! At over 500 large pages it is a weighty tomeof a book, but its length and dimensions belie how readable it is: it is very well structured, its sequence is logical, and it provides a surprisingly page-turning experience. In this way Conor Brady is to the pet food industry as Ben Goldacre is to Big Pharma, and Gary Taubes is to (Big) sugar, and he writes as well as both of them.This is is a thoroughgoing and extremely well researched book- most chapters have 100 references or more. However, Dr Brady’s authority was undermined in places by some disquieting elements: His introductory reference to a personal epiphany when connected to the scientifically dubious Vega machine; his references to anti-vaccine literature (which to be fair all appear scientifically valid); and worst his two page defence of homeopathy.In In one passage he favourably compared theories explaining the apparent ability of dogs to detect scent at the impossible molecular concentrations in homeopathic preparations as being akin to the relationship of evidence and for the existence of dark matter. Can we assume the homeopaths’ methodology to be as robust as the mathematically precise measurement and calculations that are possible in physics? How exactly did they assess the positive detection of scent by a mute canine subject? We are not told. By this point I was glad I had earlier read his description of the Andrew Wakefield/MMR/autism fiasco, where he roundly condemns this fraudulent and damaging work, or I would have been worried more by all of this credulity.Unfortunately it was when the book movedon to present the counter-case for the positive benefits of a raw food diet for dogs that I almost revised my positive opinion of the book altogether. In his discussion of phytochemicals he glibly asides that remedies like these ‘won’t be recommended by your doctor, for some reason’. This is despite the fact that in the immediately preceding list ofphyochemicals was aspirin, probably one of the most widely prescribed drugs in the world! If he has read much of Ben Goldacre he should be familiar with the principle that as soon as a herbal or any other alternative remedy becomes supported by properly conducted science it leaves the world of ‘alternative medicine’ and becomes just ‘medicine’. It gets worse still when he uncritically expounds the reason for feeding particular organs as part of a raw food diet (some termed excretory organs, despite many having nothing to do with excretion). He implies eating pancreas could help ‘diabetic doggies’, that eating an adrenal gland is somehow good because it contains epinephrine, and that neutered dogs should eat testes to replace lost hormones! He also gives a shameless plug for his own seaweed based products, backed with no evidence, just a ‘money back guarantee’- this was a particular low point.More generally when it comes to the case for raw food he offers very precise recommendations without any convincing evidence to back them up- which is exactly basis of much of the criticism he levels at the dry food industry. He is open about this but doesn’t let the intrinsic contradiction stop his evangelising. His theoretical case rests on the same argument as that used by advocates of the Paleo fad diet for humans, even though he accepts there has been some evolution of dogs toward omnivorous abilities under the Darwinian selection pressure of domestication.I guess for me it was probably enough for him to have demolished the sham of pet food marketing, and to have exposed the nonsense the whole enormous industry is built on. I was persuaded at that point, and did not need the wool pulling over my eyes to convince me that an alternative might be better.Some typos and scientific inaccuracies irritated and I hope mentioning them might prompt correction for subsequent editions:‘Dilated Cardio Myopathy’ (dilated cardiomyopathy), Animal Zoo Pharmacognosy (I presume animal zoopharmacognosy). The glycolytic pathway burns glycogen, not glucose, glycogen is not found in blood, and taurine is not a protein.I don’t think I have ever written such a long review, which is testament to how stimulating I found this book. It was clearly a labour of love for the author to complete, and it is an incredible piece of work; I wouldn’t wish my criticisms to detract from this. The final FAQ about vegetarian diets for dogs was particularly erudite: a stand-alone essay both giving the answer for curious owners, and outlining the difficult challenge of making dog ownership align with the demands of climate change. To read a vegetarian dog lover’s account of this was a brilliant moment, and was a fittingly eloquent and important epilogue to a tour de force of a book.

Dr Conor Brady’s book is a must for any dog owner , and especially for those with an interest in how nutrition is the very key stone to their dog’s health .I’m an RVN (vet nurse) , and would strongly encourage all of of my Veterinary colleagues to read this book . For far too long our profession has been governed by the pet food industry , it’s time that ended , and Feeding Dogs will show you why . Conor writes beautifully, it’s easy to read , with a connection to the author , and it’s researched and referenced to perfection .If you’re hesitant to buy , don’t be , you will not be disappointed.

I haven't been able to put this book down! It's simply outstanding and a must read for all dog owners. I'd go so far as to say it should be required reading for vets. Written in a friendly and engaging style, with wit and humour, it is nonetheless backed by science, meticulously researched with numerous referenced studies. This book will change how you think about what you feed your pets!

Absolutely fantastic! A MUST READA massive book that I am still wading through. It is SO informative, well written, witty, understandable and balanced. I have been feeding raw for about 9 years now, and have learnt a lot, and it has reaffirmed a lot of my decisions over the years too. Its a deep read with a lot of information, yet not too 'text booky' that makes it impossible to understand. SHOULD BE READ BY ALL VETERINARY PEOPLE REGARDLESS IF THEY FEEED RAW OR NOT - in fact especially if they don't feed raw! Suitable for absolute beginners and people wanting to learn more, right through to 'us' that thought we knew most of it - we don't! lolThanks Conor for your years of work you have put it to allow us dog mums the chance to learn it in a few weeks!

I have followed dogsfirst.ie for years, always impressed by the insightful information shared -backed with evidence and easily understood. As you can imagine I was most looking forward to this book by Dr Conor Brady. Well it has surpassed my expectations. Easily read and backed by scientific evidence with numerous studies cited. This was an utter joy to read and learn more about the true issues within the pet food sector. I would not hesitate to recommend this book to anyone, especially veterinary professionals.This book covers many of the common health complaints in our dogs, and offers much insight into why they're increasing, and how they can be improved.A book that will give you not only knowledge but will inspire you do better.A true masterpiece and the most wonderful gift to the dog world - Thank you Dr Conor Brady.