By Caroline Rath
When it comes to pets, most people would do just about anything to keep their animals healthy. Yet many people don’t put a lot of thought into the one element of their pet’s health over which they have complete control, their diet.
According to PetDiets.com, dogs and cats need upwards of 40 different nutrients each day. How can you make sure your pet is truly getting what he or she needs? The best thing to do is to educate yourself about the different types of foods available and the ingredients that are used.
When it comes to pet food, you often get what you pay for. Ingredients in mass-produced pet foods are often deemed not fit for human consumption and vitamins and nutrients are sprayed onto the kibble. Though it may cost $20 for 50 pounds, this truly reflects the quality of the core ingredients. Read the ingredient list and avoid foods with by-products, by-product meal, bone meal and high cornmeal content.
Talk to your vet about recommendations for brands and serving sizes. Look into alternative, organic brands, such as Newman’s Own, Organix or Karma Dog Food. Ask friends and family what has worked for their pets. “Of course organic is better,” says Tina Haramis, a board member for Life Animal Rescue. “Mainly for keeping out harmful pesticides, plus it has nothing bleached and no preservatives. People don’t realize that corn and soy are hard on an animal’s digestive system, yet pet food manufacturers use them as filler.”
There are even raw pet foods available, such as Raw Advantage, which comes in single serving packets. These foods are made from certified organic meats and grains fit for human consumption, giving you peace of mind that your pet is eating only the best.
Now don’t forget, proper nutrition also includes what you don’t feed your pet. Animals were not meant to eat table scraps and overindulge in treats. It is easy to want to spoil your animal, but keep in mind that this can cause serious harm over time. Remember to maintain balance for your pet in order to keep him or her healthy for years to come.
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