Before You Buy Another Bag of Dog Food…READ THIS!

So many of my clients, at some point, have come to me concerned about their dog’s stomach, joints, teeth, coat and even general mood…asking for a solution and my advice is always the same:

Quality Food + Exercise = Health and Wellness!

Quality food and exercise not only prevent obesity (just like people), but it also promotes wellness and prevents health problems later in life. Initially, when I suggest a premium, high quality food people scowl and get wrapped up in the price increase they will pay versus the food (garbage) they are feeding their dog currently. As soon as I explain that though there is an increase in price, the amount of money they will save over the years in vet bills and medication alone will far surpass the extra bucks they are paying for the food. The other point that ALWAYS hits home is the fact that just about all ‘leading brands’ of dog foods are comparable to fixing yourself a nice bowl of potato chips and lard for dinner. Believe it or not, it’s true! Now I realize that there is a difference between what we eat versus our pets, but if you wouldn’t feed yourself that way, why would you feed them that way???

It’s not your fault by any means, it only is after you learn the truth about most ‘popular’ and ‘leading’ products out on the market today. We ALL fall prey to the adorable commercials with companies supporting shelters, with chefs ‘cooking’ food for their dog, visions of fresh vegetables, grains and meats straight from the farm and the words ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ stamped on everything. What they aren’t telling you is what their ingredient list really translates to – spoiled meat unfit for human consumption, synthetic grains and the worst ingredient of all… ‘meat by-products’ which really means rendered animals. Pets that have died or been euthanized, sent off by their devastated owners to a dishonest crematorium only to be sold to a rendering plant to be turned into pet food. It just turns my stomach. As if that isn’t bad enough, remember that these pets have died not only from old age, but also diseases like cancer, which is also part of the recipe. It has also been reported that pet collars, road kill and diseased livestock have also be included. This, my friend, is what the ingredient ‘by-product’ means on your bag of dog food. My guess is too, it’s the 1st, 2nd or 3rd ingredient on the list…which means it’s a main ingredient. Corporations have THEIR best interest at heart, NOT you or your pet’s. The only guideline they must follow is that the ‘meat by-product’ must come from an animal. Again, this includes, all organs and parts (which may have been diseased), if from livestock, all parts not fit for human consumption, and road kill! Not mention companies that don’t bother removing collars and such from the poor deceased animal.

Sadly, this is only a small part of what goes on in the mainstream, corporate pet food industry. Sickening isn’t it? Don’t feel upset, you didn’t know…BUT NOW YOU DO.

There are many great resources for more information:

www.WholeDogJournal.com

www.eatveg.com

www.naturalnews.com

www.consumerresearch.com

Here is a short list of ingredients to AVOID at all costs when selecting your dog’s food and some ‘fancy marketing words’ and what they REALLY mean:

When the ingredient is listed with the protein in front, i.e. ‘chicken by-product’ it means that the parts (not fit for human consumption, sometimes diseased) came from a chicken.

When listed just as ‘meat by-product’ it means it cam from an unidentified animal source, such as euthanized pets, road kill or a combination of both

Beef and bone meal – remnants that you would otherwise throw in the trash.

BHA, BHT and Ethoxyguin- Preservatives! They are a known carcinogen and are now banned from human food.  Cancer causing for humans = Cancer causing for dogs

Brewers Rice – the result of rice that has been stripped of all nutrients through the process of making alcohol. It is a by-product and strictly a filler. It’s basically what can be found in the trashcan of any alcohol making plant.

Corn – Dogs can NOT digest corn, and it also causes and triggers skin problems.

Dyes – have possible cancer causing properties.

By-products- anything not fit for human consumption. Rendered animals (euthanized dogs, cats and horses – including their diseases, collars, sick livestock, road kill), trash that other ‘food and beverage’ companies should throw away but choose to sell as fillers.

Meat that is any that is only identified as “meat.” This is just more by-products that your dog shouldn’t be eating. If it isn’t first on the list, assume it is a by-product.

Powdered cellulose should be avoided at all costs. Cellulose is just a fancy word for sawdust. You don’t want your dog eating sawdust – do you?

Soybean meal is used as a source of protein in dog food but is poor quality. Nothing with soybeans should be included in your dog’s food due to allergy problems.

Wheat is an allergen! Grains are not a part of a wolf’s diet, and are not a part of a dog’s (domestic wolf) diet.

Just a Few Feeding Tips…

Many terriers especially are allergic to wheat, corn and beef. A lamb or chicken and rice, OR even grain free is best.

For dogs high on the bloat (Gastric dilatation-volvulus) list such as Great Dane, St. Bernard, Weimaraner, Irish Setter and Gordon Setters:

• Feed smaller meals 2 or 3 times a day
• Limit water after feeding
• Wait an hour or 2 after exercise to feed and wait an hour or 2 after feeding to exercise
• Excitement, and stress should be avoided one hour before and two hours after meals.
• Be aware of the early signs of bloat and contact their veterinarian as soon as possible if GDV is suspected.

For dogs that don’t drink enough water add some water to their dry food for more hydration

If your dog develops a food allergy (usually hives or GI issues are signs)

• first try changing the protein over 3-4 days time
• Mixing the current food is a good idea to avoid major GI problems
• Remember that treats and bones with the protein, or basted with the protein are included!
• It takes at least a month for many food allergies to subside
• If allergies continue, then look and compare dominant ingredients in the previous and current food bag
• Notice if any of your pet’s environment (i.e. bed location, additional pet in household) has changed.
• Always consult your vet!

Free feeding is great, as long as your dog doesn’t over eat! (not recommended for a multi-dog household. 3-5 treats are equal to 1 cup of dog food! Don’t give too many treats!

Big Kisses and Hugs to Whiskers and Paws,

Jump to Dog Walking Fishtown and let your pet get the required care in your absence. Pet Care Services Philadelphia has to offer provides best overnight house sitting and dog walking services.