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Keep it Real: The All-Natural Pet Diet
Everybody knows that an all-natural diet is a healthy
diet. It's no coincidence that what's good for you is also good for your dog and
cat. It's also no secret that – aside from the buzzwords – most people don't
know enough about what “all-natural” means.
We
are surrounded by eco-friendly, holistic catch-phrases: all-natural, free-range,
green, organic. However, most of us don't look beyond the words on the label to
understand exactly what they are paying for when opting for these newer,
healthier alternatives. Natural foods – simply stated – are those that contain
no artificial additives or preservatives. When you and I are shopping at the
grocery, this is what we are finding in our natural foods aisle. Are the rules
the same when it comes to our pets?
In a
sense, yes. Our dogs and cats are just as vulnerable to the negative affects of
artificial food supplements as you and I are. These can lead to a number of
negative health issues that will affect your pet's quality of life. However,
when it comes to a pet's diet, “natural” usually also means “species
specific.”
Although many pet food manufacturers probably have good
intentions and stand behind their products, the ingredients in mainstream dog
foods seem to indicate that quality can suffer in the name of profits. A quick
look at what goes into most commercial dog and cat foods, reveals a
make-it-cheap mentality that can cause negative effects on your pet's health.
Many manufacturers use “4D” meat in their pet foods. “4D” is a category that
includes meat that comes from diseased, down, dying and dead animals. These
ingredients are then combined with grain fillers to create the cheapest products
possible.
“4D”
meat may seem utterly unpalatable to you and I, but your dog has a digestive
system that can handle less than optimum meats. However, like most pet owners,
you probably want more nutritious ingredients going into your dog's meal. As far
as grain fillers go, your dog and cat have no need for these things in their
diet and are not benefiting from them in any way. Add a nasty mix of sugar,
salt, cancer-causing chemicals and preservatives; cook any remaining nutrients
out, and you've got yourself a standard can of dog or cat food. Is there a
better way?
There
are a number of alternatives for your pet that are healthy and species specific. A species specific
pet diet is one that is geared to match your pet's nutritional needs, without
negative or superfluous ingredients. For instance, your cat is a carnivore. Your cat needs meat and meat
only. There is no need for you to pad your cat's diet with grain and vegetable
fillers. For dogs, an omnivorous diet is more appropriate, but most commercial
foods are high on filler and low on important meat proteins and fats. Some pet
owners are choosing to feed their pets an all natural, species specific diet, by
cooking for their pets: creating homemade meals just like the ones they are
cooking for themselves and their family members. For some owners, this might be
a great alternative, but many find that this path is time consuming and
difficult. Luckily, there are now a variety of all-natural pet foods available
from suppliers who are dedicated to providing pets with species specific
diets.
Always ask your vet when you
are considering changes to your pet's diet. Chances are you'll find that fresh,
natural, healthy food is as important to your pet as it is to
you.
Paws Choice: Healthy and Natural Products For Your Pet
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