Monday, February 21, 2011

A Look At Natural Dog Food

By Jamie Lansley


When choosing natural dog food there are other aspects to consider. Some pet owners prefer dry also known as kibble. Some choose a diet which may consists of organic or natural products. This diet may include raw foods otherwise known as B. A. R. F or biologically appropriate raw food diet.

According to their nature, canines and most animals receive nutrition feeding on the internal organs and carcasses in the wild. Grains, rice, are not normal components of feeding. Feeding on the internal organs of animals offer the essential minerals, vitamins provide the energy necessary to maintain their health.

Popular packaged diets are meal. Meal consists of meat and bone products of different animals. The term means it is not sold when fresh, having been stored for days or more. This product is not what is considered human grade by the FDA and or USDA. Its components include fecal matter, hair, often feathers, and gristle.

Meal is produced by rendering. The process is the boiling of these parts to separate the fat solubles and water solubles from the solids. During processing nutrition can be lost. Hormones used to fatten livestock, antibiotics and drugs for euthanisia may not be destroyed during the process.

Providing the best nutrition for pets is not without benefits. Happier pets are active pets. Dogs should routinely exercise. A diet of that which supplies the necessary vitamins, minerals help to maintain energy levels. Diets with substandard nutritional value can contribute to disease, including digestive problems.

Organic is a choice of pet owners. While organic is always natural, it is best to remember that natural is not always organic.

Organic diets contain no pesticides, herbicides or antibiotics. The standards for organic also require that no artificial colors or chemical preservatives be included. The most important standard is that the meats used in the process be of human grade guaranteeing the nutritional value remain intact.

The choices of a natural diet are frozen, freeze-dried and dehydrated. A set standard is that the foods be processed at a minimum.

In considering a diet more biologically appropriate, the frozen food option may be best. This contains the highest level of nutrition as it is not processed by heat in any way. However, this diet should be refrigerated which may be an inconvenience to pet owners as storage may be limited. Just as the organic diet, this diet can be costly.

Other dog owners find the freeze-dried option best. Storing can be on shelves rather than refrigeration. Freeze-dried holds the highest in nutritional value.

Although it loses vitamin C during its processing, dehydrated is an equally viable option. Because of the dehydration process, vitamin C can be depleted. Most owners include a supplement to compensate for the nutritional lost.

In choosing a natural dog food, pet owners seek methods of maintaining the health and happiness of the family life companion. Whether cost or convenience, talk with a veterinarian for a full overview.




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