nutrition for dogs and cats

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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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Why do we need to supplement the diet?

Most commercial pet foods provide the minimum amount of nutrition to maintain adequate health.  Factor in the contamination of our environment along with the chemical additives in many commercial products and it is clear that excellent health cannot be sustained with minimal nutrition.  Many home prepared diets are not well-balanced and the amount of nutrition the body requires is hard to get through food alone.  In addition, our soils are not as fertile as they once were.  Thanks to commercial farming and agrochemicals the soils have degraded over time.

Many recent studies show that individual nutrients at supplemental dosages (higher than those found through diet alone) have significant effects on the prevention and treatment of a number of diseases and even serious illnesses such as cancer and heart disease.

A supplemental program should be based on the individual needs of the animal and it’s always best to get input from a qualified practitioner because it is possible to create health problems due to over supplementation.  The breed, overall health, age, activity level, diet, stress and other factors must be considered when designing the program.  Supplements come in powders, capsules, and tablets.  The easiest way to give supplements to animals is to mix it into the food at the time of feeding.  Powders are mixed directly into the food at the time of feeding.  Capsules can be opened and mixed into the food, and tablets can be crushed and mixed into the food.  In addition, if the animal will take it, they can be given directly by mouth.

Remember, when thinking about making changes to improve health, the first step is to improve the diet because high quality, wholesome foods are the basis of nutrition and overall health.  A healthy, balanced diet is the foundation which will be supported by everything else.

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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.