Feeding Pets A Fresh Diet: Worth The Switch?

You may be on the fence about the organic food movement for yourself, but you probably know that eating good food is an important component in your daily health.

Although many people don’t realize it, a natural diet is just as important for your pets as it is for you. Just like in humans, natural pet food (without animal byproducts or fillers) can improve health, boost energy level and happiness, and even extend the life of your dog.

Here are just a few things you may find as benefits of switching Spot to the all-natural stuff.

The Differences

Despite what you’d like to think, most pet foods are made from the castoffs of the human food industries, including grains and “meats” that are unfit for human consumption, or a meat-and-bone-meal combo. Many of the animal byproducts used as protein can be full of bacteria (it’s why you should wash your hands thoroughly after feeding time and keep it away from young children), and often have very little actual meat.

Natural dog foods use meat instead of meal, and they use whole grains instead of corn, which is a high-energy protein substitute used in many dog foods. Natural, or organic, dog foods are typically more expensive, but your pet will require far less of it to get his daily nutrients.

Helps Manage a Healthy Weight

A chubby puppy can be irresistibly cute, but when you can rest a dinner plate on your dog’s back, you may have a problem. If your dog has another health issue like diabetes or joint degeneration, maintaining a healthy weight becomes even more important. Providing a nutrient-dense natural diet can help your dog lose weight and exercise more, leading to a healthier life. Just make sure to closely follow the feeding recommendations, as your pet will require much less food to get their daily calories.

Reduced Allergens

Pet food allergies are one of the most commons causes for visits to the vet’s office. Plenty of dogs suffer from irritating skin conditions, prompting their owners to shell out for special shampoos, dips and medications that may not have any real impact on the problem. Many times, these skin ailments are the result of a poor diet, not the dog’s environment. Many dog foods use flavor enhancers, artificial colors and other chemical ingredients that can lead to these allergic reactions, or even more serious health problems. Organic diets use quality ingredients that can support your dog’s immune system, helping to prevent future skin conditions.

Prevents Digestive Problems

Organic pet foods use superior sources of proteins and grains that lack the chemicals and artificial fillers that contribute heavily to digestion problems. Natural dog foods use easily digestible whole grains, rather than corn or other fillers, and high-grade protein – meaning that your dog will only ingest what he needs to stay in top shape.

It Actually Saves Money

This one may be a tough sell for many pet owners – many of the all-natural dog foods cost well more than a dollar per pound, so how can it possibly be less expensive? While it’s true that you’re paying more per pound for a natural diet, your pet will also require less food to get the nutrients they need. Your pup may need some time to adjust to a new diet, but by cutting out all of the fillers and animal by-products, you can reduce their food consumption by 20 – 40 percent. Your food costs will be a drop in the bucket next to reduced vet bills for allergies, joint pain and other ailments that can be helped by a natural diet.

Rainier Fuclan is a freelance writer and dog lover. His puppy, Peanut, has been on a natural dog food diet since he has gotten her and you can see from the picture she looks happy as ever!