Pet Food: What are We Really Feeding Our Pets?
Our pets are like family members to us, they are our babies. We treat them special because they are special. We buy special foods and treats for them just like we do for ourselves. We also don’t mind spending the extra money to keep them healthy. But are the pets foods we are buying really healthy?
For instance, have you ever noticed how awful some of the prepackaged dog and cat foods smell? Do you have any idea what that smell is? It could be old stale restaurant grease? No, I am not kidding. Seems they store it in drums and sale it to pet food makers. The makers of pet foods then turns this grease into a spray. This spray is then used on the kibbles of food. Their researchers found out that our beloved babies loves the taste of stale grease or fat. Doesn’t sound healthy to me, what about you?
Some companies are also using waste byproducts of animals and turning this waste into food for other animals to eat.
So what do we do? Feed our animals our own food? No, I don’t think that would be wise, either. But we do need to put more thought in what we feed our animals. For instance, the cheaper the pet food the poorer the quality.
Another problem with pet foods is the fillers they are using. Most of them has no nutritional value. For example, many pet food companies are using peanut hulls as fillers. Other companies have started using soy as a filler. Some dogs experience stomach problems when eating soy. Of course, soy can be used as a protein source.
Some companies also are using a lot of rice. After the recent scare with Diamond Dog Food, some people are fearful that too much rice can lead to liver disease in our animals.
Should you consider buying natural dog and cat food? First, you will have to decide for yourself what natural really is? Was the food processed at a plant? More than likely yes. When this is the case, the natural dog and cat food may be processed the same way as the basic food is. Then you are just paying a higher price for it.
I think the best approach would be to talk to your veterinarian. Most veterinarians will suggest what brands of dog and cat foods they think is the best. Some veterinarians even carry some foods themselves. Your veterinarian also knows your pet and his/her medical conditions.
Just like humans, animals diets should also reflect on their physical needs. We all know if they are over-weight they should eat less, but they should also be on a certain diet for age and for certain diseases. What other steps can we take? Research is also a good choice in any matter. Knowledge is key and power.
Our animals are our babies. We ask our pediatrician advice on what to feed our human babies, why not ask our veterinarian advice on what to feed our furry babies?
