What are WE Really Doing To Our Pets?
As you know, we all love our pets and consider them to be our family members. We provide them with food, shelter, grooming, health care, fun, exercise and plenty of treats. Many of the pet parents that we talk with claim that they take better care of their pets than they do of themselves.
While this may be true in many aspects, we should ask ourselves this question, “are we really doing the best we can for our precious pets?”
We see many people buying their pets clothing, fancy collars, all sorts of bling and special diets along with getting all their suggested vaccinations. They also provide the best “preventative medicines and flea treatments,” professional grooming and training. My question is this; how does all this fit in with the physiology and metabolism of this unique animal and are we doing what is in the best interest for their health?
Physiology…Dogs and cats are carnivores, which means to thrive properly, their digestive system requires animal source diets.
Foods…Do not be fooled by the first ingredient claim on pet food labels which is often misleading because the claim is based on the weight of that meat ingredient which is comprised of 70% or more of water causing it to weigh far more than the other dry carbohydrate ingredients that are behind it. How can pets digest these special carbohydrate-filled kibble or dry food diets when their bodies do NOT produce the enzymes to digest carbohydrates? We must consider that since all animals including ourselves get most hydration from foods, by feeding these types of foods, are we actually creating dehydration in our pets?
Medicine…Why do we give drugs to pets for conditions that do not exist? We are giving them drugs for heartworms or fleas which state on the inserts, “this is not a prevention”…however, what were you told at the clinic? These are all synthetic drugs that the body does not recognize and are stored but not removed. As they accumulate over time, the body starts to deteriorate. It starts with a few cells, then a few more mutate to become what we know as cancer. Realistically, it’s only a formula for early death.
Vaccinations…Do they prevent disease or promote adverse events? If the United States has been Certified Canine Rabies Free since 2006, why are we still vaccinating pets? Why do we revaccinate adult pets for puppy challenges? Have you done your homework on any of this? Do you read the inserts? Do you know what happens to all these toxic drugs? They get filtered through the kidneys, liver and lymphatic system. So, if your pet has high liver or kidney enzymes, guess where it came from?
It is up to us pet parents to learn the basics about what our pets would have as natural beings. Be very cautious and thorough in researching your food labels. We need to replicate natural diets and those things that they would use in nature. It truly is as simple as that.
We are passionate in helping to guide you to the best holistic care and nutrition for your pets.
Bill Piechocki, nutritionist and Dr. Diane Sudduth, DVM are partners in Fiesta Pet Deli in Pompano Beach, FL, and co-hosts of the PetHealthCafe.com radio show. Our 40 years in the animal field has provided us unparalleled vision and information which we pass to our clients daily. We can be reached at 800-940-7387. Call for a free consultation, we would be more than happy to help.