Since most Americans are more concerned about our health than we’ve ever been, we should have equal concern for our pets … especially regarding the ingredients in their food. In theory, we would want the ingredients in our pets’ food to be acceptable for human consumption. If byproducts are no longer tolerated in our food, why should they be tolerated in our pets’ food? We’re also starting to realize that our pets need daily supplements just like we do, in order to take care of their bodies for the inevitable woes of aging. In the span of an animal’s life, an early start at good health ensures less vulnerability to degenerative diseases, joints that are less likely to creak with pain and a healthier heart. We love our pets and we want them to live with us for as long as possible.
The very first thing we usually encounter as new pet owners is the issue of food. What should we snatch off the shelves and what should we run away from? Introducing a young animal to the world of food should be a very delicate and sensitive process. We must monitor closely how much food we give our new pet versus how much they are eating. We should be stringent about how quickly we increase the amount of food because we always run the risk of overfeeding.
It’s also important to be weary of dyes, chemicals, artificial preservatives as much as possible. For example, BHA … one of the most common synthetic antioxidant preservatives mainly used to prevent food discoloration and rancidity … has been found in scientific studies to cause stomach cancer in lab rats at certain doses. In lesser doses, the preservative doesn’t have a cancerous effect but there is no telling what BHA can do to the body in small doses over long periods of time.
Protein is crucial in a pet’s natural development. Look for foods with whole ingredients such as meat, eggs, fish and dairy rather than byproducts. Unbleached rice is also one of the most digestible carbohydrates and supplies a wonderful source of energy for your pet. Corn and wheat, on the other hand, are much harder to digest. It’s also a really good idea to look for antioxidants. In recent years, we have become much more conscious of our antioxidant intake, so why shouldn’t we have the same attitude towards our pets? Free radicals also wage war on their bodies so let’s fight off those rascals so that we can all live longer together!
Treats can be used to enhance the human-animal bond and to reward pets on good deeds and behavior. They’re a fantastic training tool. Our whole philosophy on giving treats is that if we’re going to reward our pets, why not reward their taste buds, their minds and their bodies? The idea is to bestow treats with a purpose, not just a biscuit stuffed with artificial flavor and vacant calories. Did you know that there are edible dog bones out there made with so called “edible” plastic? The companies claim this is perfectly safe. Best believe there are plenty of bones out there with other questionable ingredients.
When you are feeding premium pet food, it only makes sense to feed wholesome, premium treats and bones.
Lori Matthews studies health, nutrition and wellness. Enjoys writing articles on health for both people and pets. Please visit quality premium dog food for more information.
Learn tips and techniques on what food to feed kittens in thisfree video. Expert: Carolyn Haynie Contact: www.purrzonecats.com Bio: Carolyn Haynie has been a dog and cat groomer for 40 plus years. She owns a Persian Cat Cattery that produced a National Winner in 2005. Filmmaker: Michael Hood
I want to start my new cat out with a holistic/natural diet. I got samples from a local pet store that sells such food in California Natural, Innova, Taste of the Wild, and Felidae (sp). Which one is the best of is there one here not listed that is better?
rescued a pit bull, I bring her home today….. any tips would be wonderful (and before i get 500 comments on pit bull ownership, yes i know about the bread, have been around them my whole life)
rescued a pit bull, I bring her home today….. any tips would be wonderful (and before i get 500 comments on pit bull ownership, yes i know about the breEd, have been around them my whole life) (typos people cmon now be nice…)
I have a small pet turtle that I’ve put in a cube bowl. I wanted to put in a plant because small turtles make quite a mess. The one my mom gave me is a water plant, she didn’t really specify a name. I figure the rocks I’ve used to keep up the plant (they’re not small enough for the turtle to eat) could also act as a kind of filter and the plant can take in any kind of nutrition in the water and provide oxygen.
We have been feeding our new cat canned food because that is what the shelter said she preffered. However, we just got back from the vet and learned she has gingivitis. I have also heard that most canned food is essentially the same thing as giving your pets junk food or candy. What’s the answer?
Is it true they will have a softer coat and live longer than if you fed them something with ‘by products’ and all that bad stuff in the ‘cheap’ foods (ie:iams, science diet, friskies,etc)???
I feed my dogs home made meals: I give them protein, veggies, oils, ect ect but I was just thinking, could I give them mice for protein? At the pet shop they sell mice for about $2 for your pet snake. And a live animals will have all the nutrition that a dog needs.
If I can, what is the most humane way to kill the mouse? And how can I teach my dogs to eat it?
I agree, this is a gross idea but I want the best for my dogs.
I have Fiesta pet food that I bought and it says 2 table spoons but I don’t know if that’s appropriate for a baby like him. And I am only allowed to use a tea spoon. So can you tell me how many tea spoons of it I should feed him. And today I added some tiny chopped up carrots as a treat.