 Americans are more concerned about health than ever before,
so we should also have an equal amount of concern for our
pets ... particularly with regard to the ingredients in
their food. We would want the ingredients in our pets' food
to be acceptable for human consumption.
After all, If byproducts are not tolerated in our food, why
should they be tolerated in our pets' food? We're also
starting to realize that our dogs and cats need daily
supplements the same way that we do, in order to take care
of their bodies for the inevitable ravages of aging. In the
span of an animal's life, an early start at good health ensures less
vulnerability to degenerative diseases, joints that are less
likely to creak with pain and a healthier heart. Naturally
we want our dogs and cats to live with us for as long as
possible.
Renowned holistic veternarian Dr. Jane Bicks says that when
looking at dog food, one should be be weary of dyes,
chemicals and artificial preservatives as much as possible.
For example, BHA ... one of the most common synthetic
antioxidant preservatives mainly used to prevent food
discoloration and rancidity ... has been found in scientific
studies to cause stomach cancer in lab rats at certain
doses. In lesser doses, the preservative doesn't have a
cancerous effect but there is no telling what BHA can do to
the body in small doses over a long period of time.
Dr. Jane states that the maximum life span of dogs is
estimated to be between 25 to 30 years, but the average dog
often lives no longer than 13 to 14 years.
And she says that this difference is caused primarily by
inadequate nourishment.
She also states that protein is a critical part of a dog's
natural development so pet owners should look for foods
which have whole ingredients like meat, eggs, fish and dairy
as opposed to byproducts.
Harder working or more energetic dogs need additional protein
and fat in their diet to maintain their stamina and
form. A dog food that is complete and balanced and includes
at least 26% protein and 1650 kilocalories of
metabolizable energy per pound is perfect. During the seasons
when dogs are not working, their energy requirements
simply decrease. Feed less of the high caloric
dog food, or change to a less nutrient-dense food.
Unbleached rice is one of the more digestible carbohydrates
and supplies a wide array of energy for your dog. Corn and
wheat, meanwhile, are considerably more difficult to digest.
It is also a great idea to look for antioxidants. In recent
years, we have become much more conscious of our antioxidant
intake, so why shouldn't we have that same attitude towards
our pets?
Dr. Jane Bicks has been honored on many occasions by the
veternary profession and is the author of several books
inlcluding 'Thirty days to a healthier, happier dog' and
'Dr. Jane's Natural guide to a healthier, happier dog'. She
has been involved in many advisory boards including Canine
Companions for independence and has served as the President
of the Veterinary Medical association of New York City. She
formulates Life's Abundance premium dog food as well as
several types of dog supplements. For more information about
Life's Abundance dog food and dog supplements go to
http://www.dog-food-nutrition.info
Aaron Wilmot is an author and researcher in the fields of
human and pet health. For more info go to
http://www.dog-food-nutrition.com
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