IF byproducts are shunned in our own food, why are they 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, with whom they have truly formed a bond, 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 ageing process. In the span of an animal's life, an early start with 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 cancerous effect but who knows what BHA can do to their bodies in small doses over a long time span.
Dr Bicks 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'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 easily metabolised energy per pound. During the seasons when dogs are not working, feed them less of the caloric-dense dog food. - Aaron Wilmot, author and researcher in the fields of human and pet health.
For more information about dog and cat nutrition, go to:
http://www.dog-food-nutrition.info/
