As in “humane” beings nutrition is probably the most important element for good health and long life.  We are all surrounded by toxic elements in our environment as well as our food supply and drinking water. It is therefore imperative that we do everything possible to de-toxify ourselves as much as we can. This also applies to our companion animals. 

We are all too aware of the contaminated food recalls we have had recently such as in fresh spinach and peanut butter. This has been a most critical issue with our pet food supply. There has been a massive recall of both dog and cat food, as well as treats. The contaminated food supply has been blamed on a pesticide in the wheat gluten used in these products and has caused severe illness and in many cases death to pets that consumed the products. 

Let’s face facts. We live in a society that does not place good nutrition at the top of the priority list. This is evidenced by our growing obesity , cancers, diabetes, and other afflictions that continue to plague us in greater numbers than ever before. There is growing evidence that these afflictions are also threatening our animal companions. Just as in humans the addition of chemical preservatives, hormones, poor quality proteins, and just plain fillers are all contributing to the issue.

This is just one more reason to carefully select products that use only natural ingredients. These products that should not contain any soy or wheat as they have both shown to be allergens in many dogs and cats. Corn is not digestible for dogs or cats so it is just a filler and a waste of the consumer’s money.

By-products, which covers pretty much anything from the unused parts of animals to animal food products deemed unfit for human consumption, are also a waste of money. All of the ingredients listed above are used to reduce the cost of manufacturing the pet food and treats, not to make it healthier or more digestible for your pet. You should consider that natural food products are more easily and readily digestible by the body, thereby the animal will eat less and eliminate less.

Many of the all natural, holistic and organic products we carry are made with human grade ingredients and will generally be somewhat more expensive at initial purchase. We have found from our customers as well as own experience that feeding these products has kept our pets in overall better health and since the food is more digestible the animal will eat less of it therefore offsetting the initial increase in cost. It helps keep the pet’s immune system functioning properly, their skin and coat healthy and their eyes and teeth in good condition. Most all of these natural foods contain balanced omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Some add more fruits and vegetables, including cranberries, salmon oil and probiotics, all of which make for a healthier and happier pet.

In summary. Just as we should be doing with our own diets it would seem that we could do a better job with our pets. It is difficult to determine what is best for our furry friends with all of the advertising we are exposed to on a daily basis.

Things to remember when looking for the proper nutrition for our pets, food without artificial preservatives have a relatively short shelf life and therefore will not usually be found in the large chain stores and grocery stores. Just because it looks good in an advertisement and is touted as “healthy” doesn’t make it so. As responsible pet owners we need to do our research, ask questions.

Ellen and Steve Sweeney are owners of Pets Etc. In Duluth, GA. They sell Natural and Holistic Pet Food & Supplies. They have 23 rescue dogs and 43 rescue birds. They are currently working with Alicia’s Animal Alliance to expand their work with homeless and rescue pets in difficult situations.
www.petetcetera.com
770-476-4749