healthy diet for pets

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Not all home prepared diets are created equal

Many common health problems can be prevented or alleviated with a healthy diet.  A poor diet can have a deleterious impact on health.

Home prepared, species appropriate diets are the healthiest diets for our dogs and cats but, they must be balanced or you run the risk of nutrient deficiencies or excesses which can equally cause serious health problems.

A diet of primarily chicken necks or chicken wings is not a balanced diet.  A bowl of raw pork ribs is not a balanced diet.  Cooked meat with grains and carrots is not a balanced diet.  There are as many ways to do this wrong as there are ways to do this right.

Dogs and cats have different nutritional needs so please be sure to learn about those differences before you start making pet foods.  Also, not all information on the internet is from reliable sources so be careful of whose advice you are following.

If you are not able to provide a varied, balanced, nutritious, fresh food diet to your animals please consider purchasing a high quality, commercial raw food.  At least you will be providing the proper nutrients!

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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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Raising healthy dogs and cats

Pet as well as human health is not created by taking a pill to eliminate a symptom, it is created by the things that we do and the choices we make in our lives.  This includes the food that we eat, the air that we breathe, the environment we live in, the physical and mental stimulation we get, and a number of other factors.

Since our animals rely on us to make these choices for them, we need to understand the decisions we make either contribute to chronic health or chronic illness.  From a holistic standpoint, we are interested in nutrition and diet as the primary tools for wellness.  Food has to be wholesome, fresh, consist of high quality ingredients, and be digestible to provide maximum benefit.  Food is the basic foundation of health.  It provides energy to the whole body and supports cell function which contributes to the overall strength of the immune system.  Strong, healthy immune systems are generally very capable of dealing with the day to day intruders that may otherwise compromise health and create a response (symptom).

Highly processed, non-fresh, unnatural commercial diets often contribute to deficiencies, imbalances, malnutrition, malabsorption, and sensitivities in our dogs and cats.  We often see the effects of this diet by the symptoms our pets experience such as digestive upset, poor elimination, itchy skin, ear infections, behavioral problems, reoccurring illness, and so many others.  Long term effects of poor nutrition for our animals is something “the experts” are still unraveling.  We do know that weak immune systems, chronic health problems, and various diseases continue to affect our pets at younger ages and the reoccurring use of medications to address these issues, in many cases, is wreaking further havoc on their bodies.

Our dogs and cats require good quality animal proteins and thrive when eating a correctly balanced, species appropriate diet.  They do best with the least amount of chemicals in their systems, are happiest when they get regular mental and physical stimulation, are at peace when they live with consistent leadership from their people, excel when they maintain an appropriate body weight index, and live long, productive lives when they are in excellent health.  Please consider this when making choices for your animals, since they rely on us to make these decisions and provide for them.