Deciding to eat well is the single most important health decision that you can make, for both you and your pet!  Feeding your dog or cat a species appropriate, nutritious diet will improve his physical shape, make him better able to resist disease and minimize his likelihood of contracting degenerative conditions.

Commercially produced pet foods - such as Iams, Science Diet, and Purina - contain disproportionately large quantities of grain, low levels of protein and loads of chemical preservatives.  Additionally, the ingredients in these foods are usually of poor quality and would never be suitable for human consumption.

Increasingly, studies are being conducted that provide quantifiable proof that good nutrition can lead to long and healthy lives.  Commercially prepared foods, conversely, have repeatedly been proven to significantly diminish the quality of life of our pets, increase health related problems and cut short life expectancy.  

  • A 1995 study in the British Journal of Small Animal Practice stated that processed foods diminish animals’ immune systems and are responsible for increases in liver, kidney and heart disease.  
  • A Swedish veterinarian, Dr. Kollath, has conducted studies that show pets who are fed diets of commercially prepared foods aged faster and developed chronic degenerative diseases, where as pets fed species appropriate diets aged less quickly and showed no signs of degenerative disease.

Quality ingredients are the key to a healthy and nutritious diet.  Every food we carry in our store is made up of human grade meats, fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains. 

All ingredients are sourced in the United States and are 100% suitable for human consumption.  Foods we carry use natural tocopherols (vitamin E, fat-soluble antioxidants) as preservatives.  Commercially produced and foods marketed as “premium grade” often use chemicals like BHT and BHA which are classified as “possibly carcinogenic” pesticides by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

To bulk up food and cut costs, many commercially prepared foods use low quality fragmented grains such as corn and wheat, which are void of nutritional value to your pet.  The proteins included in these foods are usually extremely low quality and often include animal by-products, which can include feet, heads, beaks and feathers.

Use the following guide to help you evaluate the ingredients in your pets’ food.

GOOD

BAD

Named meats and fish
(chicken, turkey, lamb, herring)
And
Concentrated named meat proteins
(lots of meat and meat meals in the first ten ingredients)

 

Protein
(should be first ingredient)

Unnamed food ingredients
(meat by-products, unidentified meat and meat meals)
And
Protein fillers
(corn gluten meal, wheat gluten, egg product meal)

Whole grains & starches
(brown rice, barley, sweet potatoes)

Fresh whole fruits and vegetables
(carrots, tomatoes, apples)

 

Carbohydrates & Vegetables

Excess carbohydrates
(refined flour, wheat, brewers rice)

Processed fruits and vegetables
(tomato pumice, alfalfa meal)

From quality sources
(chicken fat, sunflower oil, herring oil)

Natural preservatives
(mixed tocopherols, Vitamin E)

 

Fats & Oils

Unidentified fats
(animal fat, poultry fat, vegetable oil)

Synthetic preservatives
(BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin)

Antioxidants
(Vitamins A, C & E)

Chelated minerals
(iron proteinate, manganese proteinate)

 

Vitamins, Minerals & Supplements

Artificial Coloring
(carmel color, F, D & C colors)

Reduce skin ailments and allergies
Holistic pet food will provide your pet with the best chance to combat skin infections and allergies.  Holistic foods are free of artificial colors and flavor enhancers, chemical additives and toxic pesticides that are almost always the source of your pets allergies. Holistic foods contain quality protein and whole grains that provide exceptional nutritional value.  Supporting your pet’s immune system helps to build resistance to skin infections.
Maintain healthy weight & Increase Energy
Like humans, overweight pets have less energy for the exercise necessary to improve their health and physical condition.  Overweight pets will eventually suffer from diabetes, organ failure, back ailments or hip dysplasia.  Treatments for these conditions can be tremendously costly; but more importantly, watching your pet suffer is heart-breaking.
More nutrient rich foods provide everything your pet needs to survive; he will feel more satiated eating smaller quantities.  Your dog will get the same nutrients from smaller quantities of food; helping him loose weight and increase his energy levels. 
Fewer digestive disorders
Superior sources of grains and proteins along with the absence chemicals preservatives and artificial substances make holistic pet foods more digestible.  Easily digestible oats, barley or other natural whole grains and human-grade turkey, lamb or chicken make a tremendous difference to your dog’s digestive system.  Your pet will ingest only what he needs for healthy metabolic functioning.
A benefit for you, the pet owner, is that your pet will eliminate less and will tend to have more predictable bowel movements with firmer, less smelly stools.
Better overall health & stronger immunity
Even if you pet is not exhibiting any health problems, he will still benefit from a holistic diet.  Holistic pet foods are made from the best quality ingredients and contain everything needed for a balanced, species appropriate diet.  Since the foods are easier for your pet to digest, it is also easier for your pet to absorb all the vitamins, minerals and essential fats that are necessary to maintain excellent health and build immunity.  Boosting immunity will help prevent costly infections and illnesses.
Quality of life& longevity.
Diet affects your life in much the same way it affects your pets.  What you feed your pet will have a direct impact on how he looks, feels, and acts. By feeding a holistic food you can help ensure your dog lives a long, happy and healthy life.  Healthy foods are one component of a healthy lifestyle.  The benefits your pet will enjoy include a luxurious and shiny coat, energy to run and play, a healthy weight and a strong immune system.  Healthy foods will maximize your dog’s quality of life and help him live into old age.

LINKS

Allergic Pet                      www.allergicpet.com

Whole Dog Journal            www.wholedogjournal.com

The Dog Food Project       www.petfoodproject.com

Dogs for Dogs                  www.dogs4dogs.com

Dog Food Analysis            www.dogfoodananlysis.com

Pet Food Ingredients  http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/Spring04/Perhach/PetFood/Ingredients.htm


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