Unfortunately, many commercial pet foods are not aiding our pets to live long, healthy lives. Unfortunately, dogs and cats have the same health problems as their humans today, such as cancer, heart disease, circulatory problems, poor digestion, diabetes, and obesity. Many veterinarians consider cancer to be at epidemic proportions in our cats and dogs. They estimate 12 million cats and dogs had cancer last year.¹

 

Many commercially available dog and cat foods may contain feed-grade instead of human-grade products. Feed-grade allows for toxins, such as mold produced mycotoxins. They also contain meat or bone meal, which comes from dead animals, euthanized animals, and other ingredients such as waste from restaurants and stores. They may also contain rendered fats for moisture that could expose them to salmonella, heavy metals, and bacteria. The ingredients in dry and canned pet foods may also cook the ingredients at high temperatures to kill off bacteria, which reduces the nutrients.2

 

 

What to Look for in Dry/Wet Food: Natural preservatives (Vitamin C/E) or no preservatives Made in the U.S.A. Human-grade ingredients Ingredients to Avoid: Corn and wheat gluten Meat and grain meals and by-products BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) Ethoxyquin Food Dyes (Blue 2, Red 40, Yellow 5 and 6, 4-MIE) P.G. (Propylene Glycol) Rendered fat3

 

 

What to Look for in Dry/Wet Food:

 

• Natural preservatives (Vitamin C/E) or no preservatives
• Made in the U.S.A.
• Human-grade ingredients

Ingredients to Avoid:

 

• Corn and wheat gluten
• Meat and grain meals and by-products
• BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)
• BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
• Ethoxyquin
• Food Dyes (Blue 2, Red 40, Yellow 5 and 6, 4-MIE)
• P.G. (Propylene Glycol)
• Rendered fat³

 

Human Foods You Should Not Give Your Pet

 

Never feed a dog or cat xylitol in any form, and check labels to be sure xylitol is not an ingredient. While it is safe for humans, it is lethal for dogs and cats.

 

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), other foods to avoid are chocolate, avocado, wild, unknown mushrooms, rhubarb, nuts, grapes and raisins, citrus fruits, apple seeds (contain a form of cyanide), caffeine in any form, milk and dairy foods, and alcohol.⁴

 

Human Foods You Should Give Your Pet

Water

 

Nutrition for our pets also means access to plenty of clean water. Like humans, their body cannot function properly if it is dehydrated. Water account for nearly 80% of the body, and it is necessary for 100% of bodily processes.⁵ A diet of dry dog food will mean that your pet needs more. Within hours of water deprivation, the body begins shutting down vital organs to preserve water for the heart and brain.⁶

 

Greens

 

Adding greens like spinach, chard, or kale to your pet's diet can help. A Purdue University study showed a 90 percent decrease in cancer risk when leafy vegetables were added to processed food at least three times a week.⁷ Try adding Digestive Greens to your pets meals for an added greens boost!

 

Probiotics

 

Just like us, dogs and cats could benefit from probiotics for optimal gut health. In the wild, predators ingest live probiotic cultures from their diet of prey animals and ingested soil. Pets may develop gut issues, poor nutrient absorption, skin problems, and reduced immune function without balanced gut flora.⁸

 

 

Exercise

 

 

Exercise for our pets prevents premature aging. Strong bones, obesity, improves metabolism, and aids in pumping out toxins. Basically, like humans, it will generally improve their quality of life. Find a form of exercise that is appropriate for your pet. Swimming, running, walking, or hiking. They love to get outside with us!⁹

 

 

For the Love of Animals

 

 

 

So if you love animals but don't have the time it requires to take care of a pet or are not in the position to provide a home for a pet right now, you could always contact your local animal shelter and become a volunteer. These animals need help to trust humans, come out of their shell, and become adoptable. Dog walking is a big part of what is needed as a volunteer, this not only helps us get exercise, but it also lowers the animal's stress levels.¹⁰

Written by Jodi Schneider, in-house Vibrant Health Coach "I began working in a wellness center and discovered Vibrant Health products. I was impressed with how complete the formulas were and the brand's integrity by disclosing all the ingredients on the label. It helped me help others as to whether this product would work for their unique biochemistry. I also found it much easier for people to take one product instead of buying several products. I know for sure if it is too complicated, people do not stick to it, and if it is too expensive, they may not be able to continue. I became a Health coach because I have learned from experience that if we do not have our health, it is challenging not only to enjoy life, but it also inhibits us from fulfilling everything we want to do in this lifetime. Good health is everything! I tried to encourage and enlighten people to care about the vehicle that is making it possible to do everything they do every day! After all, I believe healthier people are happier people, which makes the world a better place to live." - Jodi

^References:

1. https://www.gaia.com/article/can-holistic-health-care-improve-your-pets-longevity-and-wellbeing
2. https://www.petsafe.net/learn/pet-food-the-good-the-bad-and-the- healthy
3. https://www.gaia.com/article/can-holistic-health-care-improve-your-pets- longevity-and-wellbeing
4. https://www.gaia.com/article/can-holistic-health-care-improve-your-pets-longevity-and-wellbeing.
5. https://www.thewelldogplace.com/articles/how-much-water-do-dogs-need
6. https://www.gaia.com/article/can-holistic-health-care-improve-your-pets- longevity-and-wellbeing
7. https://www.gaia.com/article/can-holistic-health-care-improve-your-pets- longevity-and-wellbeing
8. https://animalwellnessmagazine.com/new-rescue-dog-2/
9. https://www.thesprucepets.com/great-ways-to-exercise-with-dogs-1117865
10. https://www.ccspca.com/blog-spca/benefits-animal-shelter-volunteer.