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Is Your Pet Getting Enough Nutrients?
Copyright © 2004 A. M. Wilmot
Dog Food Nutrition
http://www.dog-food-nutrition.com
In recent years, we as a nation have become more preoccupied with nutrition issues than ever before, so you would think that
we should naturally have equal concern for our dogs and cats ... especially since we generally consider them to be a part of the
family.
We should want the ingredients in our pet food to be human grade or at least nearly so.
If byproducts are shunned in our own food, why are they be allowed in our animals' food? Do we want them to live to their
maximum lifespan?
Of course we do. Nobody enjoys seeing their beloved pet, whom they have truly formed a bond with, get sick and slowly die.
We are now seeing that our dogs and cats in fact need daily supplements the same way that people do, in order to take care
of their bodies for the inevitable stresses of the aging process. In the span of an animal's life, an early start at good health
ensures less vulnerability to certain degenerative diseases, joints that are less likely to creak with pain and a healthier
heart.
Holistic veterinarian Dr. Jane Bicks claims that when studying dog food, one should be on the lookout for dyes, and other
chemicals as much as possible.
For example, BHA, which is one of the primary synthetic antioxidant preservatives used to prevent food discoloration,
has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory rats at some doses. In lesser doses, the preservative does not show a dangerous
effect but who knows what BHA can do to their bodies in small doses over a long time span.
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 mostly by inadequate nourishment.
She also states that protein is an overlooked but vitally important part of a dog or cat's natural development.
Harder working or more energetic dogs and cats need more protein as well as fat in their diets to support their stamina.
A dog food that is complete and balanced and includes at least 26 percent protein and 1650 kilocalories of metabolizable energy
per pound. During the seasons when dogs are not working, feed them less of the caloric-dense dog food.
For more information about dog and cat nutrition, go to:
http://www.dog-food-nutrition.com
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Disclaimer:
Please understand we are not a veterinarians. Legally, we
are not in a position to give you medical advice, however, we can
point you to relevant information you can use. The
information given is not intended to diagnose any physical or
medical condition. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice
and treatment of a licensed professional. In the event you
use the information for your animals, it is understood you are prescribing for your
animals, and for which we
assume no responsibility. Always seek
the advice of your veterinarian.
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