Everyday we hear about a family pet being diagnosed with cancer, heart disease, diabetes or even thyroid disease, conditions that even 20 years ago where fairly uncommon. Some might say we didn't have the medical technology we have now to diagnose such ailments. But the more likely scenario is that the food we are feeding our faithful friends is becoming more commercially processed and less nutritional… not unlike the food we eat ourselves in many cases. The only difference is that as humans, we have regulations and guidelines that limit the amount of unhealthy additives and preservatives manufacturers can add. But what about Fido? Who is looking out for him?
Just as proper nutrition is the foundation for optimal health in humans, so is the case for our family pet. Too often, we rely on pet food manufacturers assurances that their product will provide our furry companions with everything they need to keep them healthy and strong. But the truth is, very few commercial pets foods make the grade. And with virtually no regulations regarding what goes into your pet's food, you are at the mercy of advertising and product labeling to determine the quality of food you buy.
Apart from some nasty "additives" including slaughterhouse remains, restaurant grease and waste, expired meat from supermarkets and even dirt and anything else that happens to be lying on the factory floor, there are some pretty basic flaws with many of today's commercial pet foods.
Probably the biggest health hazard to our pets is that commercial pet foods are full of grains. In fact, they are usually the main ingredients. In the wild, you would never see a wolf or bobcat eating wheat, soy, corn or other grains. And yes, dogs and cats may be domesticated, but that doesn't change their internal makeup. In reality, grains are cheap for manufacturers and pet owners but very detrimental to our pets simply because the gastrointestinal tract of dogs and cats is much shorter than human and herbivores. This means there is less time for any nutrients from their food to be digested before it is excreted. Because of the chemical makeup of grains, there just isn't enough time for a dog or cat to get any nutritional value out of them before they pass through their systems. Essentially, our furry friends end up starving on a nutritional level, which of course, leads to disease.
Another big problem with many of the commercially manufactured pet foods is they are full of preservatives. In order to give pet food a long shelf life and keep it from going rotten, producers add substantial preservatives to prevent such things as mold, fungus and bacteria from growing. They also add colour in many cases simply because it makes us feel better. Dogs and cats could care less about the color of their food. The majority of pet foods are also full of the insecticides, fungicides and pesticides farmers spray on their grains that ultimately wind up as your pet's dinner. And just like the junk food we eat at times, most commercial pet foods are full of sugar, salt, yeast and other flavorings designed to get Fido "hooked" so he will continue to eat it. After all, if your pet doesn't like the food, you won't buy it. And as research shows, excess sugar, can lead to diabetes, pancreatitis, IBS, IBD, colitis, enteritis and other chronic diseases that are now quite common in our pets.
Another inherent problem with many pet foods is they are highly processed. In order to make sure they kill any bacteria, fungus and viruses, especially with the vast array of questionable ingredients that seem to find their way into pet food, high heat sterilization is used. This process essentially destroys any valuable vitamins, minerals and enzymes in the food. While manufacturers advertise their foods as 100 percent nutritionally balanced, the truth is they only add back a few of the missing nutrients.
So, what's the bottom line? Some health professionals argue that ideally you should feed your pet a diet of fresh meat and vegetables twice a day. With all of the pet food recalls, it is probably a good a idea, but let's face it, many of us don't have the time to feed our families home cooked meals twice a day. A good alternative is to buy a premium pet food. There are many foods out now that are grain free and contain only organic ingredients. They cost a little more, but in the end, you will not only find yourself saving on vet bills, but your pet will be a lot happier and likely live much longer. You can also give your pet supplements such as Omega 3 oils and multi vitamins made for animals. Many vets now specialize in natural health and may be able to provide you with tips on good foods and supplements. You can also find some excellent recipes for foods and treats online.
Cynthia McMurray is a freelance health writer. She has written numerous books for leading health companies and was the publisher of a national natural health magazine. She is currently writing health manuals for an international health and wellness company.
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