What do you think about having to have a Prescription

TexasShadow wrote:
well, if it's for a brownie filled with hash, it's not just your ordinary brownie.

Being FROM Washington state I know you didn't mean corned beef!

Code2High wrote:
I can see the point of making a diet that is specifically made to be "not balanced" for a normal animal to consume, a prescription diet. And if claims are made that it affects health in a specific way, there's that to consider.

A hypo-allergenic diet, however, has no reason to be RX unless there's something about it (like a lack of a particular nutrient set) that makes it inappropriate for most animals. I know Hills and Royal Canin both make hypo-allergenic modified/low protein diets for dogs that are sensitive to protein. Those diets might not be appropriate as a "diet" for most dogs. But treats? Get real. Especially where it's something that's a "normal diet" made with novel protein/carb sources.

And apparently Royal Canin feels the same way since they let Entirely pets sell dozens of their foods, many of which are "prescription diets, in the Hills line," without a prescription. I didn't see the treats though, Lance. I guess you could call and check, or check at other pet food seller sites on the web.

Thanks Susan!

I can see the point of making a diet that is specifically made to be "not balanced" for a normal animal to consume, a prescription diet. And if claims are made that it affects health in a specific way, there's that to consider.

A hypo-allergenic diet, however, has no reason to be RX unless there's something about it (like a lack of a particular nutrient set) that makes it inappropriate for most animals. I know Hills and Royal Canin both make hypo-allergenic modified/low protein diets for dogs that are sensitive to protein. Those diets might not be appropriate as a "diet" for most dogs. But treats? Get real. Especially where it's something that's a "normal diet" made with novel protein/carb sources.

And apparently Royal Canin feels the same way since they let Entirely pets sell dozens of their foods, many of which are "prescription diets, in the Hills line," without a prescription. I didn't see the treats though, Lance. I guess you could call and check, or check at other pet food seller sites on the web.

Usually is not necessary UNLESS you have insurance that is paying part or all of it. It isn't a LAW that an RX is required it's an insurance company rule so if you choose NOT to get one they just won't pay. There are probably SOME prescription foods that could be harmful but I don't know of any myself. I PERSONALLY think it's ridiculous to try and govern pets diets since many will dig up all KIND of stuff that can't be good for them and eat it all the time. My dog will turn up her nose at "Fresh Pet" but will dig up a neighbors cats excrement and eat that without pausing.

tanman32225 wrote:
makes sense to me..rx for rx required item.

Except that there is no actual requirement for an RX.

This reminds me when I traveled for an extended time in Canada some years ago. My elderly Lab was on prescription Science Diet and I brought a full supply with me in the truck because I was unsure of availability and accessibility in Canada. The Canadian authorities, as always, were welcoming when crossing their border. However, when returning to the States, I was subjected to an "agricultural inspection." I was forced to sit in the office and not allowed to go outside of a painted square on the floor- I still call it the plenty box. Anyway, they confiscated the dog food! The label clearly stated, "prescription" so they treated it like illegal drugs! As Ricky said to Lucy, I had some splainin to do! They finally let have the dog food, I was no longer treated like a drug smuggler and allowed to re-enter. I think they were convinced it was from the USA when I pointed out the bags were marked in pounds and not the metric system. Its funny now, but at the time it was an unnerving event.

This topic was touched on in another thread. Currently the FDA does not require a prescription for special diets, but some states might and many veterinarians do require them. There are efforts to make the prescriptions mandatory.

FDA poised to tighten oversight of therapeutic pet foods This article give a pretty factual basis for the arguments. Two factors, one is safety using the diet in the general population without the oversight of a veterinarian and two, claims that mfg make concerning the efficacy of the diet that may false.

Doug, DVM

I'm guessing that there's something in it that alters the animals "chemistry"?? And anything that does that would need a Rx

Well as to my knowledge, there isn't any drugs in food, but food! Heck on second thought there otta be something in there since Anonymous Jr.'s dang Venison and Potato is around $80.00 to $100.00 buck'ah roohs a case.

But the main thing that get's me mad is you gotta have a prescrip to buy the dang thing! Which is a pain in the butt when you need it!

Anonymous

well, if it's for a brownie filled with hash, it's not just your ordinary brownie.