Pet Food 101

Bright green dogfood bowl

Industrialized animal food, regardless of what the packaging promises, hides a myriad of potential problems for your animal companions. In 2007, the US Food and Drug Association issued a voluntary recall on more than 70 popular cat foods and more than 100 dog foods due to contaminated ingredients. It was only after animals were dying that researchers located a containment vegetable protein found in the food. Unfortunately it often takes animal related illnesses and death or even an epidemic of cancer for the unpleasant side of the pet industry to get more coverage in the media.

Advocacy

With cancer rates on the rise and much of the pet food industry largely unregulated, animals need advocates for their food quality. When animals are given a choice between healthy foods and additive-filled industrialized pet foods, numerous studies have demonstrated animals will choose the healthier food types. However, most animals have little choice about the food they consume. When animals are under the care of a human it is the responsibility of the caregiver to supply safe, nutritious, healthy food.

American and Canadian governments lack adequate regulation in ascertaining the quality and ingredient origin of pet food; most pet food companies are able to self-regulate their claims to quality and nutritional value.

The 4Ds

Currently, American and Canadian governments lack adequate regulation in ascertaining the quality and ingredient origin of pet food; most pet food companies are able to self-regulate their claims to quality and nutritional value. Even though pet food sales in the US exceed an estimated $15 billion annually, pet food may include heads, feet, bones, blood, intestines, lungs, spleens, livers, ligaments, fat trimmings and unborn animal babies. Pet food may also contain the 4Ds — animals that are dead, dying, diseased or disabled. Even though recently banned for human consumption the 4Ds are still legitimate ingredients for animal food explains Born Free USA. Dr. Pitcairn, author of the best-selling, Complete Guide to Natural Health For Dogs & Cats, confirms commercial pet food may also contain slaughterhouse waste, toxic byproducts from spoiled foodstuffs, non-nutritious fillers, heavy-metal contaminants, sugar, pesticides and herbicides, drug residues, artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, bacteria and fungi containments.

Often there is a conflict of interest with receiving diet guidance from a veterinarian’s office that is selling industrialized dog food brands for revenue.

Natural Food Sources

Dr. Pitcairn, a recognized expert on alternative animal care, doesn’t believe any version of completely cooked, dried, canned, or frozen prepared food constitutes an optimal diet for the good heath for animals. The basic rule to follow when feeding animals is to ensure their diet is as close to natural as possible. A small rodent, accustomed to eating nuts and small greens, will not thrive on a chemical-laden, dried pellet food. The same can be said of all animals. A trained veterinarian will also be able to assist you with choosing a natural diet. However, often there is a conflict of interest with receiving diet guidance from a veterinarian’s office that is selling industrialized dog food brands for revenue.

Raw & Homemade Diets

Raw foods, natural and homemade diets, are all making a resurgence as individuals are becoming increasingly aware of the unhealthy side to the pet food industry. Eliminating additives, possible allergens and pesticides is a good first step in greening your animal companion’s diet. Preparing meals for your animal companion can take more time and effort, but the rewards will be in having a healthier and happier animal, less veterinarian bills and your animal friend will probably live a much longer life.