| Why Natural, Organic? |
At The Dog Pad we are becoming increasingly aware that more and
more dog owners are paying much closer attention to the ingredients
being used in the food and treats that they purchase for their dogs. The
ingredients in many dog foods indicate that various meats are used,
however in many cases meat or chicken meals, consisting of meats that
have been ground down, cooked for hours, and dried into a powder are
used instead of actual meat or chicken.1 These meat or chicken meals
are often preserved with strong preservatives. In some cases, it has even
been discovered that dead or diseased animals have been used as
ingredients in some dry dog foods.2,3,4
Just like humans, dogs need to eat a variety of foods including real,
natural foods, not just processed foods with added vitamins and
supplements.1,5 Some of the benefits that have been associated with
giving dogs natural, organic foods include:6
more dog owners are paying much closer attention to the ingredients
being used in the food and treats that they purchase for their dogs. The
ingredients in many dog foods indicate that various meats are used,
however in many cases meat or chicken meals, consisting of meats that
have been ground down, cooked for hours, and dried into a powder are
used instead of actual meat or chicken.1 These meat or chicken meals
are often preserved with strong preservatives. In some cases, it has even
been discovered that dead or diseased animals have been used as
ingredients in some dry dog foods.2,3,4
Just like humans, dogs need to eat a variety of foods including real,
natural foods, not just processed foods with added vitamins and
supplements.1,5 Some of the benefits that have been associated with
giving dogs natural, organic foods include:6
- Reduced skin irritations and allergies
- Increased energy and healthy weight
- Reduced digestive problems
- Overall improved health and increased immunity
- Improved quality of life and longevity
Types of Natural Foods to Consider Feeding Your Dog
If feeding your dog a dry food diet, it is recommended that up to 15% by weight of the dog's diet consist of other natural foods, including:7
If feeding your dog a dry food diet, it is recommended that up to 15% by weight of the dog's diet consist of other natural foods, including:7
- Vegetables and fruits (e.g., bright green vegetables, broccoli stalks, dark green lettuce, asparagus spear stalks, carrots, green
beans, blueberries) - Meat and some types of fish
- High quality oils that contain omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., fish oil, salmon oil, flax oil, cod liver oil, and hemp oil)
- Some nuts and other foods (e.g., peanuts, avocado skins (well-washed), raw honey)
How Much to Feed Your Dog
Just as with humans, obesity can lead to a variety of medical conditions and a reduction in the lifespan of your dog. While studies show that
approximately 25% to 50% of dogs are overweight, other studies indicate that a 25% reduction in food intake can increase a dog's lifespan
significantly.8,9 The amount of food required to feed a particular dog will vary widely, but the key is to feed your dog the amount of food that
will keep him/her lean. If you are unsure of how much to feed your dog, it is recommended that you err on the side of smaller quantities,
without starving your dog or causing your dog to become malnurished.10
As we all love to reward our dogs with treats, it is important to note that treats contribute to the overall calorie consumption of a dog. So
keep it small and remember that, just a taste is all that your furry friend really needs.
Just as with humans, obesity can lead to a variety of medical conditions and a reduction in the lifespan of your dog. While studies show that
approximately 25% to 50% of dogs are overweight, other studies indicate that a 25% reduction in food intake can increase a dog's lifespan
significantly.8,9 The amount of food required to feed a particular dog will vary widely, but the key is to feed your dog the amount of food that
will keep him/her lean. If you are unsure of how much to feed your dog, it is recommended that you err on the side of smaller quantities,
without starving your dog or causing your dog to become malnurished.10
As we all love to reward our dogs with treats, it is important to note that treats contribute to the overall calorie consumption of a dog. So
keep it small and remember that, just a taste is all that your furry friend really needs.
| The Dog Pad, Oceanside, CA, Tel: 760-271-2092, www.thedogpad.net Developed by The Dog Pad Rights Reserved © 2011 |
- Brown S, Taylor B. Recipes and Costs. In: See Spot Live Longer. How to help your dog live a longer and healthier life! Eugene, OR: Creekobear Press:
87-90. - Martin A. Food Pets Die For, NewsSage Press, 1997; and Eckhouse J, "How Your Dogs and Cats Get Recycled Into Pet Food." San Francisco Chronicle,
February 19, 1990. - Animal Protection Institute. "What's Really in Pet Foods." www.api4-animals.org.
- FDA/Center for Veterinary Medicine Survey. 1998.
- Brown S, Taylor B. The Micronutrient Content of the Dog's Natural Diet. In: See Spot Live Longer. How to help your dog live a longer and healthier life!
Eugene, OR: Creekobear Press: 64-77. - Organic Authority. The Top Five Benefits of Natural Organic Pet Food for Your Dog. http://www.organicauthority.com/organic-living/organic-living/the-
top-five-benefits-of-natural-organic-pet-food-for-your-dog.html. Accessed: August 30, 2010. - Brown S, Taylor B. Improve Nutrition. In: See Spot Live Longer. How to help your dog live a longer and healthier life! Eugene, OR: Creekobear Press:
115-127. - Kealy R, et al. "Effects of diet restriction on life span and age-related changes in dogs." Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association, Vol. 220,
No. 9, May 1, 2002. 1315-1320. - Gorman J. "Survival of the Fattest: How Pets Got So Big." NY Times, Sept. 16, 2003. Gorman references studies by Nestle Purina and Hills Pet Nutrition.
- Brown S, Taylor B. Keep Your Dog Lean. In: See Spot Live Longer. How to help your dog live a longer and healthier life! Eugene, OR: Creekobear
Press: 139-143.
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