Eco-Pets - Part 1: Good Eats

Hello everyone!   

As interest in organic, natural, non-toxic products has grown, we consumers have begun to expand our consciousness into every area of our lives.  Our pet products are no exception: with the recent toxicity issues with imported dog foods, pet nutrition has come to the forefront of people’s minds. 

When you’re shopping for pet foods, be sure to read the ingredients labels – just the way you would for people food. Avoid foods that contain meat ‘by-products’ and ‘meat meal’: there’s no telling where those ingredients came from (although the Natural News Article: The True Horrors of Pet Food Revealed, cites some rather disturbing possible sources, including roadkill). Chemical additives, preservatives like BHT, grain fillers (as opposed to whole, natural grains), and anything you can’t pronounce or immediately identify (back to the by-products again) are also big no-no’s. 

The benefits of switching to natural foods include healthier skin and coat, a reduction in digestive disorders, healthier weight, and increased energy. If you’re particularly concerned, or if your pet is a rescued animal in need of some serious nutritional TLC, you can make your own foods, or try one of the ‘raw food’ services which will ship your pet food to your door on dry ice. These options may be a little pricier, but the difference in your pet’s health and vitality will amaze you.

If you want to transition your pet to an organic lifestyle, you’ll find plenty of great resources to help you on your way. Here are some ideas:

• Take a fun quiz to rate your current dog food at iheartpaws.com
• Pets for the Environment is a wonderful resource with info on all things eco-pet - including a blog by Eddie the dog.
• Read the Organic Authority article, The Top Five Benefits of Natural Food For Your Dog. PetFoodDirect.com carries products from many of the best natural and organic manufacturers.
• Newman Organics is now manufacturing a line of pet foods. http://www.newmansownorganics.com/pet/home/
• DogFoodAnalysis.com offers independent reviews and ingredients analyses of most major pet food brands, as well as natural brands.

As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to post them on this site. You can also check out my newly designed business web page at www.yourlifeorganized.com. Also, go to www.cleanyourhomehealthy.com for info about my book, signings and events, and media links.

Cheers!
Candita Clayton

Comments

[Eddie]

Hey, thanks for the link, Candita! Did you know this is National Pet Week? This post would make a great addition to my Carnival of Green Pets, which I'll be posting on Friday -- what do you say?

[candita]

Eddie, I would be thrilled to be included in your Carnival of Green Pets, count me in.

[Kimberly]

I would also suggest you look into raw feeding options for your dog/cat/ferret. Learning how to work with a species appropriate diet is probably the best thing I have ever done for me dogs and cats. And I don't mean cooking for them, but feeding them raw, meaty bones and organs. Some great resources along this line would be the rawfeeding yahoo group, and RawFed.com.

HTH someone,

Kim

[candita]

Thanks so much Kim. I have recently been learning about raw feeding from some pet specialists I trust. Thanks for your feedback. I will keep you posted on how my beloved dog Spike responds to his diet change.

All the best,
Candita

[Ember]

We've bought raw food from a family-run farm in Pennsylvania, and naturally we recommend them! See http://hare-today.com/