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Food

THE ISSUE: Some of the most common causes of death for dogs and cats are similar to those for people: diet-related diseases, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders and cancer. Yet commercial pet foods, especially the cheapest, most highly processed varieties, are usually grain-based and often contain toxic chemicals, carcinogenic preservatives, artificial sweeteners and colors, and low-quality meat “byproducts” not fit for human consumption.

The FDA maintains strict pet-food labeling rules and reviews specific claims like “maintains urinary tract health” and “hairball control.” However, manufacturers do not need premarket FDA approval for ingredients on the “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) list. Unfortunately, that list includes additives deemed unsafe for humans … but OK for animals.

Ethoxyquin, for example, a pet-food preservative, is implicated in autoimmune disorders, kidney and liver damage, and cancer in pets. Propylene glycol, an ingredient in antifreeze, maintains moisture in dog foods but in high doses is linked to severe sedation, seizures, tremors, anemia and lethargy in animals. And “animal byproducts”? They’re what is left of a slaughtered animal after human-food parts are removed; they can contain things like feathers, hair, gristle and fecal waste (gross).

THE SOLUTION: Animal naturopaths and holistic veterinarians advocate a raw diet for carnivore pets because it most closely matches what animals would eat in the wild. (The FDA cautions, however, that raw pet food is more likely to be contaminated with bacteria such as salmonella. If you’re interested in introducing a raw diet for your pet, visit fda.gov and search for “raw pet foods” for tips to keep you and your pet safe.)

Another option is certified-organic pet foods made without pesticides, antibiotics, irradiation, and artificial colors, flavors and preservatives—the same USDA regulations for human foods. Discuss options with your veterinarian or animal naturopath before switching, and always introduce new food slowly to minimize the chance for reactions, such as upset stomach, vomiting, excess gas or diarrhea. A standard recommendation: 25 percent new food mixed with 75 percent old food for the first three days or so, then 50-50 for three days, followed by 75 percent new food with 25 percent old food for three more days.

TRY: Castor & Pollux Organix Grain Free Organic Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe; The Honest Kitchen Grain Free Beef Recipe; Portland Pet Food Company Hopkin’s Pork N’ Potato