You may be conscious about what you feed your family–perhaps you buy only fresh, natural or organic items to ensure you’re getting the most out of your meals. But what about your pet? Is that dry kibble you’re feeding your cat or dog really “nutritious?”
The truth is, many commercial pet foods contain a wide array of questionable ingredients that you would never put in your own food.
Check your pet’s food and treats to see if they contain any of the following:
Artificial preservatives: BHT, BHA and Ethoxyquin are the most common preservatives found in pet food. These compounds can cause numerous health problems, from allergies and dry skin to kidney and liver dysfunction. Ethoxyquin is also used as a pesticide!
Safer bet: Wellness Core dog food is completely preservative free! Chow down!
Animal fat: Although fat is an important nutrient for pets and can be used to preserve food, there’s no telling where the fat in your dog or cat’s kibble came from. This fat may even come from dead, disabled and diseased animals.
Safer bet: Halo Spot’s Stew Wholesome Chicken cat food. It’s made from “butcher-quality chicken” instead of mystery meat!
Meat/poultry byproducts: What’s really in “byproducts?” The answer may make your stomach turn. These “meats” may include heads, feet, entrails, organs, bones, blood and other various animal parts.
Safer bet: Castor & Pollux dog food. It’s USDA-certified organic–every single ingredient
Artificial colors: The pleasant color of your pet’s food is certainly not a product of nature. The artificial chemicals used to dye pet food that lovely shade of green or red may be filled with unknown and unnecessary chemicals.
Safer bet: Wellness Complete contains no artificial colors or dyes…or preservatives, GMOs, wheat, soy or anything else you might want your four-legged family member to avoid!
Added sweeteners: Sucrose, corn syrup, cane molasses– some pet foods can be loaded down with excess sugars that are not necessary for any nutritional purposes and can lead to allergies, dental problems and more.
Safer bet: Here’s some sweet news for your kitty –the brand Earthborn Holistic doesn’t contain any added sugars.
Fillers (corn, potato, wheat, other grains): These extremely cheap ingredients can help your pet feel full, but unfortunately do not fulfill any nutritional requirements. They can often lead to allergies and digestive discomfort.
Safer bet: Pet Guard canned cat food’s ingredient list gets a gold star! No starchy fillers, sugars or artificial ingredients.
Salt: Pets need sodium in their diets, just like humans. But many lower quality foods use sodium to enhance the flavor, giving your pets way more than they need.
Safer bet: Newman’s Own organic pet treats are salt free. Rejoice!
What are your favorite natural pet products? Comment below!