The Truth About Dog Food

These days, it's hard to know what decisions are the best ones for our beloved pets. So much information, so many conflicting theories and opinions! When it comes to dog food, is wetter better? Or should you give dry a try?

In this article, I'm not going to tell you what to feed your dog. That's something that should be decided on by you, and based on the recommendation of your vet. But it helps to know the facts before making a decision, and here are some things you may not have known about what's really in that can of mutt meal or bag of kibble.

1. Dog food was invented to make use of "food waste" that's deemed unfit for humans. Back in the old days, dogs ate the same things that humans ate: meat, vegetables and grains from the family meals. Then came food processing plants, and a set of FDA standards that had to be met for human consumption. When the government realized the amount of grain and meat that was being wasted in these processing plants, they decided to package it in cans and bags and market it as "Dog Food." Advertising did a great job of telling the public, "This is the ideal diet for your dog!"

2. Dogs only live to about half of their life expectancy. Some experts claim that the real lifespan of a canine can be as much as 35 years, yet most dogs don't get past age 17. Dogs are developing the same diseases and ailments as humans: obesity, diabetes, heart trouble, arthritis, and even cancer. Why the failing health? One theory is that dogs who eat processed dog food suffer the same fate as people who subsist on junkfood. Their bodies never get the nutrition that's needed for optimal functioning, so they age prematurely and their bodies "crap out" on them.

3. Most dog food has no nutritional value. Whether you feed your dog wet food or dry food, both wet and dry formulas of "average-priced" brands are based on very low quality standards. If your dog eats meat from a can, he's consuming mostly rendered meat or meat meal, which has been treated in meat processing plants on extremely high heat. To "render" meat is to separate the moisture the solids as well as boil all of the vitamins and nutrients out of it. If he eats kibble, he's getting runoff from the country's biggest cereal mills, which may be slightly better nutritionally, but remember that your dog was born a carnivore. His body does not digest grain easily.

4. Moderately-priced dog food usually contains harmful additives and preservatives. To make up for the lack of taste that comes from overprocessing meat and grain meal, dog food companies added artificial "meat-like" color, flavor and a spray of fat to their secret recipe, not to mention harmful preservatives like BHA and BHT to extend the shelf life. It's these very additives that cause health complications in humans leading to heart disease, diabetes and cancer, not only for humans but for dogs as well.

Make an informed decision on behalf of your dog.

So what are we supposed to do, stop paying for our children's piano lessons so we can afford the added expense of Rover's weekly meat consumption?

Many dog owners choose to feed their furry friends whole foods like beef, chicken, rice and potatoes, in an effort to keep them healthier and around for many more years. Although whole food is always the smarter choice, this may not be a practical consideration for your budget. In which case, it's worth looking into one of the top brands of dog foods such as Iams, Eukaneuba or Hill's Science Diet, for their nutritionally formulated foods that contain the proper amounts of certain vitamins and minerals that are crucial in keeping a dog's body in balance and functioning at peak performance. These foods may be slightly higher priced than the standard economy pack of Ol' Roy... but paying a little extra now can keep the vet bills down later.

Just like anything else in your life, you want to make choices that reflect your own beliefs, financial situation and personal philosophy. It's ultimately up to you to decide what to feed your dog. But it always helps to know the facts first.

Copyright 2005 Dina Giolitto. All rights reserved.

Dina Giolitto is a copywriting consultant and ghostwriter with 10 years of experience writing corporate print materials and web content. Trust her with your next e-book, article series or web project, and make a lasting impression on your audience of information-hungry prospects. Visit http://www.wordfeeder.com for more information.

---

Ear Mites in Dogs: Quite Earritating

Does your dog have that sheepish look? It could be... Read More

Ensure a Good Relationship Between Your Cat and Your Kids

Many parents know that the best way for children to... Read More

West Highland WhiteTerrier Grooming - Key Considerations

Whether you intend to show your Westie, or keep him... Read More

How I Get More Training Done On My Horses In 1/2 The Time

Here's a simple way... to help your horse learn twice... Read More

Dog Training Collars: Teaching Your Dog Basic Obedience and Breaking Bad Habits

Dog Training CollarsHaving a pet means having to provide for... Read More

Finding the Perfect Cat or Kitten for You and Your Family

Some people say they are exclusively "cat people," meaning they... Read More

Probiotics - The Good Bacteria

PROBIOTICS - The Good Bacteria - Does your pet have... Read More

Natural Approaches to Dealing With Pesky Fleas

Problems with Commercial Flea Killers & TraditionalFlea Bite Treatments***Chemicals that... Read More

My Dog Won?t Stop Digging - What Can I Do?

Lonely, bored, tired of eating that same old stick, then... Read More

Get Your Dog Safely Through a Storm

Thunder storms affected pets differently. Some hardly notice them, others... Read More

Why Exotic Pets Should Not Be Banned

We all know how special interest groups can blow things... Read More

Puppy Basics: Potty-Training, Reprimanding, and Rewards...

Potty Training Your Puppy:Make sure you feed your dog at... Read More

Pet Ear Infections

Is your dog or cat tormented by ear infections? Do... Read More

Pet Pampering Business is Booming

It's no secret that Americans love their pets. In fact,... Read More

Canine Eclampsia, or Milk Fever In Dogs

Eclampsia, or milk fever, is an acute, life-threatening condition which... Read More

Parvo in Dogs

What Is ParvoParvo is a serious viral disease that can... Read More

How To Grow Daphnia For The Aquarium

The benefits of feeding live food to fish in a... Read More

The Positve Benefits of Dog Day Care

Dog day care programs benefit the dogs of owner's who... Read More

German Sheperds

People love big, protective and loving dogs and that's why... Read More

Dog Obedience Training

Dog obedience training begins with the owner. There are several... Read More

Top 5 Dog Health Problems

The most common dog problems:Dog Owner's commonly ask me the... Read More

The Neurotic Dogs

When pondering whether my neurosis is learned or genetic, I... Read More

Canine Parvovirus

Canine Parvovirus, is a viral disease that attacks dogs and... Read More

The Humble Hamster: A Great First Pet for Your Child

Thinking of getting a pet for your little ones? How... Read More

Clown Loaches

Scientific Name: Botia macracanthus Other Scientific Name(s): Cobitis macracanthus, Botia... Read More

Horse Training Equipment: The 6th of 6 Keys To Developing A Partnership With Your Horse

The 6 Keys To Building A Life Long Partnership With... Read More

Aromatherapy for Pets

Pets can enjoy the therapeutic effects of aromatherapy as much... Read More

Tropical Fish Breeding for Beginners - Guppies and Swordtails

Breeding tropical fish can be a lot of fun. Try... Read More

Want to Feel Better? Go Stroke Your Cat!

Stroking your cat can be good for your health! It... Read More

7 Simple Ways To Safe Guard Your Dog This Summer!

If you have a hard time in summer imagine how... Read More

Dog Beds for Larger Dogs

Large dogs and extra large dogs require more thought and... Read More

Feral Cats - Societys Problem Children

There is a lot of talk going on about what... Read More

Dog Training -What You Should Keep In Mind When Playing With Your Dog

Dogs, especially young dogs are very playful by nature.Play provides... Read More