healthy cats

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Why processed foods are bad for us all

The pet food industry is slowing beginning to shift because the consumer is rightfully forcing changes.  As I’ve watch the industry trends over the years and as I speak to more and more pet parents, it’s becoming obvious to me that people are relying on common sense, doing their own research, and not just giving into the word of veterinarians or pet food companies when making decisions.  People are definitely becoming more aware and involved, especially when it comes to feeding their companions.  I’m happy to see more interest in home prepared foods as I truly believe it is the best diet for all of us.  This enables us to select the freshest ingredients and customize a diet specific to our needs.  It provides the best nutrition for overall health and longevity, it costs less money upfront, and it saves money down the road in health care costs.

Fresh, raw, whole foods are in their natural states and offer the most amount of enzymes, vitamins and minerals which leads to proper digestion, a strong immune system and improved overall health.

Commercial, processed foods may be convenient and easy to use but, most are made with inferior ingredients and are not healthy at all.  People are now realizing the negative impacts these products are having on their animal’s well-being.  Many dogs and cats are suffering needlessly and many are dying well before their time.  There are several contributors to overall health, but diet and proper nutrition are the foundation and must be addressed as the first part of any wellness plan.  Animals as well as humans were not designed to thrive on inferior, artificial, poor quality, species inappropriate ingredients and for most, when these are things consumed, they will trigger health issues over time.

Processing modifies or removes important components of food, like nutrients, fiber, and water which then changes the way they are digested and assimilated in the body.  Unlike whole foods, which contain a mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, fiber, and water to help you feel satisfied, processed foods stimulate dopamine which can lead to excessive hunger and weight gain.  Refined carbohydrates found in processed foods also break down into sugar which increases insulin levels and can contribute to chronic disease.  Another concern with processed foods are with the use of genetically modified ingredients which have been linked to reproductive issues as well as other health concerns and we are just beginning to understand the effects of this.

Food additives are another problem and many have been linked to cancer, autoimmune disease, kidney, liver, thyroid, gastrointestinal problems and many more health issues.  Below are some of the common additives that are often found in processed foods:

Nitrates and Nitrites in meats such as hot dogs, deli meats and some pet foods and treats.  These can turn to nitrosamines when combined with heat and become carcinogenic.

Potassium Bromate is often used in flours and baked products and has been shown to cause kidney and nervous system damage.

Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) are banned in several countries but, still used here in the USA in some foods.  These have been known to cause cancer, allergic reactions, thyroid changes and other endocrine system reactions.

Artificial Flavors are usually manufactured in a lab and when listed on food packaging, we really have no idea what it is.  It could actually be a blend of many additives so it’s hard to gage the impacts on the body until a negative reaction occurs.

Artificial Colors currently approved for use in the USA are linked to a wide range of health issues from cancer to hyperactivity and allergy like reactions and these are commonly included in many foods.

These are just some of the common additives that are used in human as well as pet foods and treats but, there are several others that are equally disturbing.  They are usually added to processed foods to aid in processing, preserving and enhancing the look and/or flavors of the product.

The best part of whole, fresh foods is they don’t need additives to make them look or taste good.  Those grown or raised using good, healthy farming practices are delicious on their own.  Unlike preserved foods, they do have a shorter shelf life.  They also require proper handling but, they usually are consumed quickly because they taste so good, it’s hardly a concern.  Humans and pets alike will be much better off consuming fresh, quality foods.  A properly balanced, species appropriate diet is the starting point of wellness for us all.

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Healthy cats require appropriate nutrition

A cat is an obligatory carnivore.  This means they must eat meat to be healthy!

A cat’s digestive system evolved thousands of years ago and nature designed it to get its nutrients from whole foods.  In order to accomplish this, it must eat a species appropriate diet (a diet that evolved in nature for a specific animal).  A cat’s digestive system is short and acidic so when consuming the proper foods, the body utilizes the food quickly and efficiently.

Animal protein is a natural source of taurine which is a requirement for all cats.  Health problems such as dilated cardiomyopathy and blindness have been associated with diets lacking the proper amounts of taurine.  In addition, proteins provide essential amino acids which are required for the body to manufacture antibodies, enzymes, hormones, tissue, and maintain proper pH balance.  They also provide energy and are essential for growth and development.

Complete proteins are found in meats, eggs, and fish.  Incomplete proteins are found in legumes, grains, and vegetables.  Plant proteins are considered incomplete proteins because they do not supply all the necessary amino acids that a cat needs to maintain health.  Cats cannot convert beta-carotene from plants into vitamin A so they need to get their vitamin A from an animal source.

Carbohydrates are not necessary nutrients for cats.  A cat’s natural diet based on evolution, did not contain carbohydrates.  Grains are not needed and can actually cause problems because they break down into sugars, which is known to cause health issues including cancer.

The very best diet that you can provide your cat is a species appropriate, raw food diet that is high in animal proteins.  Cats who eat this way are vibrant, energetic, and have very little health problems throughout their lives.

 

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Making positive health changes for our dogs and cats

It’s never too late (or too early) to make healthy changes in your pets diet and/or lifestyle.  Many people contact me after they have a problem and conventional treatments have not resolved the issues.  In most cases, I can still help these animals but it’s so much better to make choices that prevent problems in the first place.  This will save your pet from suffering, eliminate frustration for you, and of course save you money in the long run.

We all know that preventing a problem when it comes to health is so much better than reacting to one, but we are all guilty at times – myself included as I think we become complacent and so busy with everything else in life.  Often times we think we are doing everything right and it isn’t until a problem develops that we realize we could have done things differently.

For many of us, our pets are our companions and a part of our family so we want to provide the best that we can for them.  Excellent breeding practices along with the decisions made during the first two years of an animal’s life set the foundation for overall health.  Proper intake of quality proteins, vitamins and minerals are essential for dogs and cats to ensure wellness, energy, and longevity.  Equally important are the digestion and metabolism of these nutrients.  Minimum exposure to chemicals and vaccinations, as well as a lifestyle that stimulates both physical and mental abilities all contribute to overall health.