If you are a dog lover, it's important you understand the dangers of using commercial dog food. With the number of dog food recalls that have happened in the recent future it's no surprise more and more people are starting to research the food they are putting in their dog's dish. Much of the dog food you find in the stores has been linked to all sorts of disease and illnesses - obviously you don't want to put your pup's health at risk.
These recalls weren't just small isolated cases - some of them were widespread and affected thousands of households.
Many pet owners lost their dogs - someone they considered members of their families - over tainted dog food incidents. Many dog lovers will never trust the commercialized dog food industry ever again.
The problem isn't just with dog food that has been recalled - it extends far beyond this. Commercial dog food is produced in a way that would make most people cringe. Since it's all about cutting costs for the companies they put in all sorts of fillers that have been linked to all sorts of health problems.
The trend recently has been for us humans to eat better. The more nutritious the food is that we consume means we live healthier lives. Paying attention to diet and avoiding foods that have excessive fats and processed sugars, especially in the processed foods we buy, helps us to maintain bodies that are fit and trim.
Yet, do we consider what foods we purchase for our dogs to eat? Are we simply buying certain dog food based on what we think our pets like the best to eat? You owe it to your pooch to pay close attention to what you are putting in it's precious tummy.
Some of the ingredients in commercial dog food have no place in a dog's system. They are unreliable and extremely unhealthy.
Let's take corn gluten meal as the first example. This ingredient is found in most commercial dog foods simply because it is such an inexpensive filler that the manufacturers can use. However, it is also one of the main causes of allergies in dogs. This one simple ingredient has the potential to make your dog miserable.
Chicken by-product meal is also used in the dog food industry. This is made up of parts of the chickens feet, necks, intestines, etc. They use this as a source of protein as well, yet this it is of such low grade that it does nothing for your dog. It also has the potential to be toxic or tainted.
Many dog foods include soybean meal in order to provide a source of protein. The ingredient itself isn't unhealthy, however soybean is the number one cause of allergies in dogs. It just doesn't make sense to include this considering how many dogs are allergic to it.
There are other ingredients to consider, but I think you have gotten the gist of why some of the major brands of dog food that are on the supermarket shelves should be avoided.
When you do your research about feeding your dog the right foods, you will be amazed at the changes you see. Your dogs mood, energy levels, skin, bathroom habits and even their behavior will improve. It's amazing what a change in diet will do.
Does this mean that you can't ever use store-bought dog food? Of course not, but you absolutely must know what to look for. We included a link at the bottom of this article where you can find more information.
There are resources available to begin feeding your dog with food that is not only tasty, but also nutritious to their dietary needs. You want your dog to live a long, happy and healthy life - do what you can to help them out by feeding them the right diet.
