Dear
Lovers:
Not surprisingly, our animals’
health is beginning to mirror our
own. Today we are seeing many of the problems that have plagued humans,
such as obesity, diabetes, chronic inflammation, and even cancer at
epidemic levels in our pets. Take a look around, you find that people
really do look like their pets. They tend to have similar
characteristics, and unfortunately, that includes similar health
problems.
We are frequently bombarded with
information and advice about human
nutrition, but don't see much written about quality nutrition for our
furry companions, who rely solely on us to make the choice of what they
eat. Do You Know What’s Really in your pet’s food?
Many commercial pet foods
contain the following:
- Poor quality protein sources such as soybean meal, wheat,
corn,
corn meal, and corn gluten (known allergens to pets and humans) instead
of Quality Meat.
- Carbohydrates, in
fact, are a Cat’s worst enemy; her digestive tract is simply not
designed to absorb them. Dry Kibble Alone? Not a Good Idea says
Dr. Jean Hofve, DVM. Cats originally were desert animals.
Their kidneys were designed to be extremely efficient in order to
conserve water. Historically they ate a fresh diet of prey
containing 70% body fluids. Kibble is a mere 5 % to 10% moisture.
Thus a cat's kidneys are going to be overworked for an entire lifetime
if you feed just kibble. Many problems are eliminated by taking
cats off dry food and feeding canned or, preferably, fresh meat
instead. These problems include Feline Urologic Syndrome (FUS),
Bladder Stones, Kidney Failure, Skin Disorders, Arthritis, and
Constipation. CATS ABSOLUTELY NEED WET FOOD & LOTS OF IT!
- Chemical
preservatives such as BHA & BHT, used to retard spoilage, are
potentially dangerous to the liver and kidneys. Ethoxyquin, Sodium
Nitrate & Sodium Nitrite have been linked to cancer.
- Propyl Gallate is a chemical used to retard spoilage
and may cause liver damage
- “By-products” are whatever remains of the carcass: bones,
blood, intestines, lungs, ligaments, feet, claws, beaks, feathers,
hair, and all other parts not consumed by humans. There have even been
traces of Phenobarbital found in several commercial products.
- Propylene glycol, which is a chemical used in
anti-freeze, is used as a preservative and flavor enhancer. The taste
is very sweet.
- Corn syrup is used as a humectant, which gives food a dampness
and flexibility (as in semi-moist foods). Pets get addicted to this
taste and can cause the "Finicky Eater" syndrome.
- Artificial food colorings (FD&C Reds, Yellows, etc) are used
in
many foods and treats, including rawhide chew toys, mainly used to
entice the owner into buying. They can be harmful, cause toxicity, have
no nutritional value, and can cause allergic reactions.
- MSG (mono sodium glutamate) a popular flavor enhancer used to
disguise
inferior quality food. Many pets and people have allergic reactions.
Read your pet’s food label.
Should you find any of the above listed
ingredients in your pet’s food, consider changing to Human Grade
products that do not contain these harmful ingredients. Wholesome food,
fresh filtered water, supplements, exercise, and your love and
attention is all your pets need to have a healthy, happy life.
A healthier pet means
fewer trips to the vet!
My Very Best Regards,
Please
stop on in and sniff around! Pets Welcome - Children Must Be Leashed