Natural Food for Dogs and Cats

During our childhood, we had animals living in the yard. They included dogs and cats, and we played with them as if they were children the same as us. In some instances they were our babysitters. My mom knew if she put us out in the yard to play and locked us in the yard with the dogs, no one would come near us. She knew we were safe outside with the dogs. My parents did however draw the line, pets were not permitted in the house and they were fed the left overs from the table. Another rule my dad enforced regarding all the pets we had, that was treat them right. That meant, no tormenting, no abusing of any sort and love them for what they were, animals.If we were caught violating any of my dad's rules regarding the animals, that could mean serious consequences administered by my dad.

That was the old school view of what it meant to be a dog or cat owner. Today the idea of pet ownership is a far cry from what we once believed was safe and humane care of domestic pets. With the advancement of technology and the busy out of home schedules most pet owners live, pet care is far more complicated.

Dogs are still cherished in the home for not only a companion but as an overseer of in home security. If something happens in the home the dog is not familiar with, it will sound an alarm. That alarm is barking.It is their way of telling the family that danger is near or in the house. People for the most part appreciate the fact that their dog will alert them if danger is near. People love their animals as symbol of security and they try to show appreciation for their pets devotion.As a matter of fact dogs are so good at protecting their home that they are used by companies to patrol property that may contain valuable belongings.

As an appreciation for dogs and cats as well, pet owners feed them food that is prepared in bulk by companies. The food is prepared at locations that claim to adhere to the standards of the Association of American Food Control Officials (AAFCO). While this association polices the quality of food produced for pets, they are mostly sponsored by the huge commercial producers of pet food. And just as the large conglomerates or producers influence the standards of pet food production. Anyone can become a producer of pet food with or without the knowledege of health standards. If they can produce it, they can sell it.

All the companies claim they adhere to standards of the industry but if they can't purchase the quality ingredients they began using in their pet food, they are permitted to get the next best thing or whatever they can get their hands on.

Processed food or food produced by food conglomerates came on the market in 1930s. Before then pets were fed mostly meat, raw food or bones and food that was biologically appropriate for dogs and cats.

It was around the 1930s that the health of dogs and cats began to decline. They began to have more problems with scaly dry skin, itching, dull coats and a host of health problems. No one associated the health problems with foods produced in factories or processed food.

Most food produced in factories was cooked with ingredients not conducive to the animal's need. Dry food and canned food became the norm for pet owners. It as more convenient to pour the food from a bag or from a can than it was to cut up raw meat or fish.

Before dogs came to live with humans, they were accustomed to eating raw meat as a main source of their diets. They ate plants and grasses when they could not find protein for their diets. And cats ate meats that were more fat laden than lean. That is a benefit of their eating fish which has plenty of fat that is required to sustain the health needs of cats.

However, processed food is cooked. Cooked food does not agree with the digestive system of dogs and cats. Adding more grains than meat creates a world of trouble for them as well. As a result the numerous illnesses pets suffer today can be directly connected to the improper foods they eat on a daily basis..

Dogs are designed to eat an all meat diet. They joined the human family about 30,000 years ago. The dogs adjusted their meat consumption down to about 20 to 45 percent meat. They were accustomed to eating about 70 to 90 percent meat in the wilderness.

Dogs require a diet that is 2 to 3 parts plant carbohydrates and the rest bone meal or raw meat. If your dog is accustomed to eating processed food, gradually transform its diet to a natural diet. Any sudden changes in diet will cause diarrhea and other gastronomical upsets. By understanding the ratio of meat to carbohydrates for the pet dog allows room for a variety of meals. And limits the amount of boredom the dog may experience from eating the same food for a long period of time. Such a diet allows the pet owner to set aside a portion of their food prior to cooking for their pet's meal. In the long run the cost of pet food will be reduced and the life of the pet will be extended.

Cats have a higher need for protein and fat than dogs. They joined the human family approximately 10,000 years ago. Their diets consisted of rodents and other small animals. But today's cat owners are strongly advised not to feed domestic or wild rodents to cats. They are known to carry diseases and parasites that will harm cats.

Cats began eating processed food in the 1890s. Cats have specific nutritional needs. They need vitamin A added to their diets because they can not produce it. Amino acids, fatty acids, Niacin and taurine are essential to their health. They have difficulty digesting carbohydrates and starches.

Everyone knows there are certain foods dogs should not eat. They include chocolate, garlic, raisins, grapes, onions, tomatoes, advocato, moldy foods, sweetened foods and the list goes on. And avoid giving cats starchy foods and carbohydrates.

Both dogs and cats are meat eaters. They require different amounts of protein. If meat is not available, a diet of eggs and cheese products may be substituted for fish and meat. A diet of raw products is still a highly debated subject. The reason for the debate is the increased chances of bacteria growth in the uneaten food. Advocates for raw food promote feeding the pet food portions that can be eaten in 5 minutes or less. The chances of spoilage are then greatly reduced. The chances of obesity are also greatly reduced with smaller portions of food.

A pet that is fed a diet that is condusive to its biological needs has a greater chance of living a longer and healthier life.. A healthy diet reduces the chances of elderly pet diseases, gum disease, teeth decay and encourages fresh breath and an over all good quality of life for the pet.

The busy life style of pet owners should not be a reason not to purchase food that will support the animal's life.Your pet deserves as a protector of the family's peace of mind the best diet the owner can afford. As Steward advocates, pets are our best friends and they deserve the best.