November 18, 2010

I don't know about you, but my favorite time of day is BREAKFAST! And my other favorite time of day is DINNER!

In fact, I saw a movie recently called "Ice Age: The Meltdown" and there's a whole song in it about food glorious food!

That song was origianlly written by Lionel Bart for a movie called "Oliver" and the parody in "Ice Age" was written by John Powell. Here's my takeoff of Mr. Powell's version:

Food, Glorious Food;

I'm anxious to try it!

Two meals a day

My favorite diet.

Just picture a kibble brew

Stirred into a sloppy stew.

Oh, Food, Wonderful Food,

Marvellous Food,

Glorious Food!

Food, Glorious Food;

Stuffed toy Kongs served frozen.

Bones made into scones

Or Charlie Bears souffle.

Why should I be fated to

Do nothing but drool

For food, magical food,

Wonderful food,

Marvellous food!

Food, Glorious Food;

Things dug out of trash cans.

Damp, smelly or spoiled,

It's all the same to me.

Just thinking of luscious treats

Puts me in a mood

For food, glorious food,

Wonderful food,

Marvellous food,

Beautiful food,

Magical food,

Glorious FOOD!

My veterinarian, Dr. Dean Vicksman, thought my song was fairly amusing, but he told me that pet food is actually a serious topic. In fact. he's going to be discussing it this Saturday, Nov. 20, on the 7News 7 a.m. show.

I told him that sometimes I sleep in on Saturday, and could he tell me what he is going to talk about?

Dr. V told me that when he recommends a pet food he has four requirements:

1) That the pet food company uses their own manufacturing plant, not an independent third-party. Many pet food companies contract out their diets to these independent plants, and as such they have no control over the quality of the ingredients that are used. Most of the diets during the 2007 pet food recall were from independent manufacturing plants.

2) That the company has its own board-certified nutritionist on staff. Dr. V wants to know the level of expertise of the people who are making dietary recommendations.

3) That the company spends money on research and development of pet foods and is dedicated to improving pet nutrition.

4) That the company runs food trials on their products and tests for taste, performance and sound nutrition.

"That's all very interesting," I said. "So which companies meet your requirements?"

"As of Nov. 2010 only four companies meet these requirements," said Dr. Vicksman. And then he grinned. "Sorry Mars, but you'll have to wacth the show on Saturday to find out who they are."

OK, FINE. But I may ask Marianne to let me eat breakfast in front of the TV.

Chow for now!

Mars

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