You want only the best for your pet, including proper nutrition. The fact is what you are feeding your pet can slowly be killing him because of toxic ingredients that some manufacturers are putting into pet foods. Don't get caught up with fancy labels and big "science" words that you think sound good without doing your homework first.
Other protein sources in pet foods will include corn meal, corn gluten, and whole wheat gluten. They sound healthy enough, but are actually very dangerous for pet consumption. These proteins put stress on a pet's kidneys, thus resulting in kidney failure over time. The reason manufacturers still use these ingredients, despite documented reports of kidney failure, is because they are inexpensive, and most pet owners think they sound healthy. These sources of protein are good for humans, but not dogs and cats.
Meats are another major source of a protein in a pet's diet. The problem with some manufacturers is that they are using "bone meal" as their source of meat. Bone meal translates to animals that were either euthanized in veterinarian's office or picked up as road kill, and then ground into pet food. You can almost bet that if a pet was euthanized, it might have had a disease, which can be passed along to your pet.
Meat should always be the first ingredient listed on a pet food label. This could be chicken meal, turkey meal, lamb meal, or fish meal. If one of these ingredients is not listed first, it is best to avoid that particular brand, as you can almost be sure that your pet's protein requirements are not being met properly.
Dogs and cats need vitamins and minerals. Look for foods that contain fresh fruits and vegetables. Probiotics are also a good source of nutrition for pets. The minerals in probiotics are easy for pets to digest, and provide them with a strong immune system.
You might also consider making your own pet food, as you can control the ingredients and assure freshness. Consult your veterinarian before you begin this process. She will have useful information for you about your pet's proper nutrition requirements. Some cans of pet foods in the grocery store sit on the shelves for up to two years, so making your own food can provide peace of mind.
The FDA has exhaustive lists of pet food recalls on their website. Take time to check it out and see if the brand you are feeding your pet is currently being recalled. The FDA is doing its best to keep these lists updated for consumers.
Far from a health nut, you've just discovered that taking care of the inside and the outside makes you feel better, feel stronger and healthier overall.
It's interesting to note the growing trend of holistic pet care. As their human counterparts make the connection between a healthy lifestyle and increased vitality, many pet parents are beginning to explore alternative options in pet care.
Holistic Care is the new catch phrase, which essentially means looking at the whole, as opposed to dividing it up into parts.
Along with antibiotics, a cranberry supplement might be suggested, as well as the addition of enzymes and probiotics to counter the effects of the prescription.
An analysis of general habits and diet will all be examined and adjusted as necessary, depending on the individual needs of your pet.
The very literal statement, “You are what you eat” extends also to your four legged companions and simple changes often have great effect. In fact, when issues of health arise it is often the first thing your holistic care practitioner will focus on.
Happily, we now have better options. Gone are the old Alpo days where the family dog was likely off somewhere with the children who were busy not being seen or heard.
You will want to make sure that the protein/veggie/carb ratio is correct. This translates roughly into a 40% protein, 30% each fruit and carbohydrates breakdown, depending of course on the weight, age and temperament of your pet animal. In addition, you will want to verify that the first ingredient listed is a high quality protein source, not immediately followed with cheap fillers or additives. If you are unsure, a casual conversation with your holistic veterinarian is a good way to start. Many of the local pet food shops carry a range of food options to suit your individual needs and budget.
The options are endless and a healthy diet is one that is well rounded and includes a variety of protein sources. Once you make the switch you will be rewarded not only with a healthier coat, better breath, less stool output and better overall vitality but I'm willing to bet, their will be a lot more tail wagging, kisses and love too.
What to Avoid in Pet Foods
Under any circumstance you should avoid "by-products" as an ingredient. By-products are advertised as a good source of protein for pets, but usually include turkey feet, intestines, and chicken heads. Not only are these by-products nasty, but they are sometimes parts taken from sick and diseased animals as well. They are used because they are inexpensive, cutting manufacturing costs considerably.
Other protein sources in pet foods will include corn meal, corn gluten, and whole wheat gluten. They sound healthy enough, but are actually very dangerous for pet consumption. These proteins put stress on a pet's kidneys, thus resulting in kidney failure over time. The reason manufacturers still use these ingredients, despite documented reports of kidney failure, is because they are inexpensive, and most pet owners think they sound healthy. These sources of protein are good for humans, but not dogs and cats.
Meats are another major source of a protein in a pet's diet. The problem with some manufacturers is that they are using "bone meal" as their source of meat. Bone meal translates to animals that were either euthanized in veterinarian's office or picked up as road kill, and then ground into pet food. You can almost bet that if a pet was euthanized, it might have had a disease, which can be passed along to your pet.
What to Look for in Good Pet Foods
Your best bet is to choose pet foods that are manufactured at a USDA-certified facility. These are pet food manufacturers that truly care about a pet's health, and only use ingredients that are safe and natural.Meat should always be the first ingredient listed on a pet food label. This could be chicken meal, turkey meal, lamb meal, or fish meal. If one of these ingredients is not listed first, it is best to avoid that particular brand, as you can almost be sure that your pet's protein requirements are not being met properly.
Dogs and cats need vitamins and minerals. Look for foods that contain fresh fruits and vegetables. Probiotics are also a good source of nutrition for pets. The minerals in probiotics are easy for pets to digest, and provide them with a strong immune system.
You might also consider making your own pet food, as you can control the ingredients and assure freshness. Consult your veterinarian before you begin this process. She will have useful information for you about your pet's proper nutrition requirements. Some cans of pet foods in the grocery store sit on the shelves for up to two years, so making your own food can provide peace of mind.
Don't Skimp on Protein Requirements
Protein is essential for good pet health. Cats are carnivores and need higher amounts of meat in their food. Dogs are considered omnivores. They need meat in their diet, but to a lesser degree than cats. For this reason, it is important not to feed your dog cat food and vice versa. The nutritional requirements are not the same.The FDA has exhaustive lists of pet food recalls on their website. Take time to check it out and see if the brand you are feeding your pet is currently being recalled. The FDA is doing its best to keep these lists updated for consumers.
Choosing a Pet Food
When you got out of bed this morning did you remember to take your vitamins? Squeeze in an hour of exercise? Spend a few moments enjoying a healthy breakfast before rushing into your day?Far from a health nut, you've just discovered that taking care of the inside and the outside makes you feel better, feel stronger and healthier overall.
It's interesting to note the growing trend of holistic pet care. As their human counterparts make the connection between a healthy lifestyle and increased vitality, many pet parents are beginning to explore alternative options in pet care.
Holistic Care is the new catch phrase, which essentially means looking at the whole, as opposed to dividing it up into parts.
Holistic Care of Urinary Tract Infections in Cats
For example, if your cat frequently experiences UTIs a typical allopathic treatment might simply be a course of antibiotics. Whereas a holistic treatment plan for the same problem might include a prescription to address the immediate concern and alleviate the symptoms; however, it tends to be move in deeper, less concerned with the cure, but more with the cause.Along with antibiotics, a cranberry supplement might be suggested, as well as the addition of enzymes and probiotics to counter the effects of the prescription.
An analysis of general habits and diet will all be examined and adjusted as necessary, depending on the individual needs of your pet.
The very literal statement, “You are what you eat” extends also to your four legged companions and simple changes often have great effect. In fact, when issues of health arise it is often the first thing your holistic care practitioner will focus on.
The Pet Food Recall
Unfortunately, the pet food recall some years back brought to light the horrors of the largely unregulated commercial pet food industry. High profit margins often take precedent over the health and well being of your animal friends.Happily, we now have better options. Gone are the old Alpo days where the family dog was likely off somewhere with the children who were busy not being seen or heard.
Part of the Family
As pets are welcomed into the family as participating members, their well being is of the utmost concern. Many pet parents are no longer satisfied with grocery store kibble and have become avid label readers. If you are searching for a healthier alternative check and make sure the ingredients are human grade. If you don't want to eat it, chances are, it's the not best option for your pet dog either.You will want to make sure that the protein/veggie/carb ratio is correct. This translates roughly into a 40% protein, 30% each fruit and carbohydrates breakdown, depending of course on the weight, age and temperament of your pet animal. In addition, you will want to verify that the first ingredient listed is a high quality protein source, not immediately followed with cheap fillers or additives. If you are unsure, a casual conversation with your holistic veterinarian is a good way to start. Many of the local pet food shops carry a range of food options to suit your individual needs and budget.
Moving Beyond Kibble
You will find that a healthier kibble is only the tip of the dog food iceberg. Once you have jumped on the bandwagon, you will find many other feeding options are available. For example, you may choose to cook your pet's food, using the very same ingredients you feed your family with. Or, venture over to a RAW diet.The options are endless and a healthy diet is one that is well rounded and includes a variety of protein sources. Once you make the switch you will be rewarded not only with a healthier coat, better breath, less stool output and better overall vitality but I'm willing to bet, their will be a lot more tail wagging, kisses and love too.
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