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What's In Dog Food?
What's In Dog Food?
Explore the mysteries of dog food, and learn how to keep
your dog healthy.
by A. M. Wilmot
June 21, 2004
According to holistic veternarian Dr. Jane Bicks, the maximum
life span of dogs is estimated to be around 25 to 30 years,
yet the average dog generally lives no longer than about 13
to 14 years.
She says that this deficit is due largely to poor nutrition.
For example, canned food is about 75 to 78 percent moisture,
which leaves very little room for nutrition.
In addition to containing what is generally considered the
bottom of the barrel ingredients in terms of nutritional density,
most conventional dog food products contain especially large
amounts of sodium to make them palatable, as well as dairy,
by-products, chemical preservatives, artificial colors and
other potentially harmful ingredients. The carbohydrate ratio
is too high in some dog food brands as well, eventually leading
to obesity, which is increasingly becoming a serious problem
with dogs.
In fact, obesity is one of the greatest health concerns facing
our dogs; it can cause unnecessary suffering and a shortened
lifespan.
Renowned research scientist Dr. Barry Sears believes that
dog food should have about the same 30-30-40 ratio as the
human Zone diet. This means a relatively small amount of carbohydrates.
Not only do many dog food brands have a particulary large
amount of carbohydrates, they are mostly grain based, which
are exactly the ones the Zone diet tries to minimize.
Another problem, according to the USDA Agricultural service,
is that mites often get into dog food pellets, which can cause
a number of problems such as disease. They recommend keeping
dog food cool and dry, and vacuuming in the places where the
food is stored the food at least once a week. In addition
keep the area around the dish where the dog food is served
clean.
Also, do not leave any dog food in your pet's bowl on warm,
humid days.
It should be noted that harder working dogs require more
protein and fat in their diet to maintain stamina and good
body form. A dog food that is complete and balanced and includes
at least 26 percent protein and 1650 kilocalories of metabolizable
energy per pound is ideal. During the seasons when dogs are
not working, their energy requirements decrease. Feed less
of the high calorie food or change to a less nutrient-dense
dog food.
Dr. Jane Bicks has been honored on many occasions by the
veternary profession and is the author of several books inlcluding
'Thirty days to a healthier, happier dog' and 'Dr.
Jane's Natural guide to a healthier, happier dog'. She
has been involved in many advisory boards including Canine
Companions for independence and has served as the President
of the Veterinary Medical Association of New York City.
To find out more about her holistic food and other dog food
nutrition facts, go to http://www.dog-food-nutrition.com/
- A. M. Wilmot
A. M. Wilmot is an author and researcher in the fields
of human and pet health. For more info. go to http://www.dog-food-nutrition.com/
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