(w)holistic petfood
Can somebody help me please?
Despite the fact that I am a petfood veteran I find it very difficult to understand what (w)holistic is.
I saw a few definitions of (w)holistic petfoods, but the conclusion for the layman can only be: “so this is a complete food!”
The Oxford Thesaurus (1990) doesn’t provide a synonym, whereas the Concise Oxford Dictionary provides two alternatives for (w)holism:
- the theory that certain wholes are to be regarded as greater than the sum of their parts; this philisophical theory seems to be a bit far-fetched to sell a bag og dog or catfood!
However the 2nd alternative I found may provide a bit more grip:
- the treating of the whole person including mental and social factors rather than just the symptoms of a disease. This clearly has a medical background!
To which extent this can and may apply to pet animals is not for me to judge, but the 2nd description certainly leads to some more questions:
- is (w)holistic related to the food and the nutrients?
- or is it a human lifestyle which is transplanted into our companion animals?
- if it has a medical background, is there a reason why (w)holistic petfoods should in fact be prescription diets; or would that depend upon the claims used?
- is (w)holistic (seen to be) a measure for quality for the endbuyer?
- is (w)holistic protected by any form of regulation to avoid that everybody who feels like doing so can use the adjective?
- or are we entering the stage where it becomes more and more difficult to differentiate products from the competitive ones and therefore start using terminology that is only at a big distance related to what we aim to do: feeding and treating our animals in such a way that they can lead a happy and healthy life.
All reactions more than welcome.
Marcel Blok
CHANGE STRANAMICS BV
Hogeweg 15
NL-5823 CD Maashees
Phone: +31 478 636388
Fax: + 31 478 636138
Mobile: +31653390707
E-mail: change.stranamics@worldonline.nl
Website: www.pets21.eu
Marcel Blok is founder/member of BREAKTHROUGH, an international network of independent consultants to the pet industry
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Melody McKinnon on -
Simply put, holistic pet food is part of a holistic plan for our pet. Holistic plans focus not just on addressing an issue, but also preventing issues, resulting in a healthy animal with a strong immune system. Issues that are present are addressed using homeopathy, herbs, essences and natural nutrition, unless those methods aren't working or the situation obviously calls for a medical procedure.
I think your problem with finding information is coming from your search for holistic pet food, as opposed to holistic pet care. As an introduction from a DVM, I like Dr. Shawn. The reason I like him is because he is a DVM who favors a holistic approach, but he also acknowledges the need for other methods when required. Some sources basically declare that everything can be cured with a few herbs and a hug, which has the potential to place pets in serious jeopardy. As with all things, there's a happy medium. Obviously he also has a commercial angle, but the information is sound by most standards.
http://www.petcarenaturally.com/articles.php
That will give you a basis with which to continue into a more refined search revolving around the nutritional aspects of holistic pet care. It's very interesting but must be approached with both a level head and an open mind.
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