Natural Nutrition

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     One of the most important decisions you have to make to keep your dog healthy, concerns nutrition. Food is the engine that drives your dog through a better and longer life. There are several schools of thought on what types of nutrition you should feed your dog. You can reduce these two camps into two: manufactured and heavily processed food and natural nutrition.

Those who believe in feeding their dog "natural" food believe it results in an increase in wellness and longevity. The supporters perceive commercial food as being less capable of providing the right nutrition for canines. Commercial processed foods, they argue, are too heavily processed and contain unnecessary chemicals and other additives. Some, they feel, are actually harmful for your dog and/or interfere with your canine's ability to reach his or her full potential. The question remains: "What is natural nutrition and why is it supposed to be so good for my canine companion?"

What Is Natural Nutrition

Natural nutrition refers to the contents of certain types of dog nourishment. It is natural because it does not contain any synthetic additions. A truly natural product has not contact with either pesticides or chemical preservatives. It comes from natural food sources. Top preference for the sources would be organic meat, fish, grains and vegetables. Another term that may arise is holistic. There is, however, a difference between these two types of nutritional suppliers.

Organic food is approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program or its equivalent in Canada or Europe. All the ingredients do not contain or come into contact with hormones, chemicals or pesticides at any stage of their development. The process of the grains, meat and vegetables into the diet does not involve the addition of any of these same products or other chemicals, particularly preservatives, into the food at any time during the manufacturing process.

Holistic nutrition is slightly different than organic is. While the demand for high quality ingredients that are chemical, pesticide, hormone and preservative free is the same, there are distinctions. Holistic nutrition is part of a more complex system of health and well-being. Its specific intent is to provide a positive effect on the animal's health.

Basic Natural Nutrition

Whether you prefer the labels holistic or organic, read the labels to understand what the food contains and whether it is healthy and suitable for your canine. Does it contain sufficient nutrients? Are these the right type in the right amount for your canine?

What natural/organic/holistic nutritional food consists of is written clearly for you to read. Look at the label. The very first ingredients on the list will indicate how natural and nutritious the food will be for your dog.

The first ingredient on the label indicates the largest percentage of the food consists of this. It should be any of the following

?Whole chicken
?Whole turkey
?Whole lamb
?Whole venison
?Whole meats

Natural nutrition does not consist of meat by-products. Meat products is a catchall term for anything from horse hoofs to ground giblets. Whole meats contain the highest nutritional value.

The next ingredient to consider is the whole grains. Unlike commercial products, natural nutrition relies on whole grains. They avoid wheat, flour and white rice. Instead, these contain brown rice and oats. These food are better fiber sources and easier for on the digestive tract.

It is necessary to add preservatives. Organic and holistic dog food rely on natural alternatives. These include tocopherols or vitamin E. Natural nutrition also will include natural antioxidants. This includes rosemary. These are to help your canine in the fight against diseases. The food also contains phytonutrients commonly found in fresh fruits and vegetables, particularly blueberries, parsley, carrots and apples. These help promote health and healing in your dog.

Conclusion

Natural nutrition does not mean a raw food diet. It means providing your dog with a healthy diet. If you combine whole, natural grains and meat with phytonutrients and antioxidants, you create a powerful tool. Together these ingredients can help your dog create and live a long and healthy life.