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Most conventional pet foods contain animal byproducts that are unfit for consumption. It is important to read the label so you know what your furry friend is eating, with the first ingredient on the list being the most important. (Photo by Kara A. DiCamillo)

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By Kara A. DiCamillo

Each month, we pet lovers are dishing out the dough for pet food and treats. While it might be tempting to go with the least expensive option, eating well is just as important for your pet’s wellbeing as it is for yours. Do know what is in your animal companion’s food? I didn’t know until my pooch’s upset stomach was upsetting me, and I decided to do some research.

As I began to look up the ingredients in my dog’s food, I was amazed at the amount of byproducts used in conventional brands. Byproducts are reconstituted waste from the beef and poultry industries, such as the necks, feet, and intestines of livestock which are considered unfit for human consumption. Additionally, the first ingredient in many of the supermarket dog foods is corn, wheat, or soy, none of which are easily digestible. As it turns out, ground yellow corn was what was upsetting my dog’s stomach.

So where do you begin when switching over to a food that is better for your pet? First, read the label so you know what your dog or cat is eating. Keep in mind that the first ingredient is the most important. The FDA requires that companies list the ingredients that are in pet food, and the first ingredient should either be meat or fish. After that the list should be vegetables, meal (not byproduct meal), and any other ingredients that are wholesome and that would appeal to you as well. Make sure that the ingredient list doesn’t contain artificial preservatives and colors.

Thankfully, there are many all-natural, organic, and even holistic pet foods on the market now. Pet food that is labeled certified organic means that they have to meet the strict standards of the USDA. A wide variety can be found in pet stores such as Petco, and even a quick Google search shows a number of different brands. That said, remember that “all-natural” and “organic” are popular marketing terms these days. So just make sure to still turn the package over and read the ingredient list.

You might want to go with a vegetarian option, which is completely doable. Many brands now offer vegetables as the main ingredient in their pet food. I read a post by Alicia Silverstone on her blog The Kind Life which featured the 100% plant-based diet she feeds her own dogs. While it is somewhat more time consuming than just dumping a scoop into a bowl, what is wonderful about her method is that you know every ingredient that your dog is ingesting. What is more, a vegetarian diet reduces your carbon emissions and your water footprint.

Our dogs and cats rely on us and cannot choose what they eat. So make sure you read the labels and know what you are feeding your furry family members.

For related articles, see: Tips to Turn Your Pet Into An Eco-Conscious Companion Environmentally Friendly Dog Waste Disposal

© 2012 SCGH, LLC. 

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