Chances are you are feeding a pet food which contains more than one of the ingredients discussed below. The pet food industry has a broad range of unsavory options when it comes to what substances may be used in pet food and freedom to print enticing pictures, however misleading, on their packaging. It is only when our pet’s health begins to degrade and eventually fail, that most people begin to question why. After all, a healthy body can only be as good as what is put into it.

To promote the best health you can in your companion, read and understand the uses of the common ingredients below and make sure to always read your labels!

Top 12 Pet Food Ingredients to Avoid

Corn, Corn Meal, or Corn Gluten Meal

Years ago pet food manufacturers discovered that pets adore the sweet taste of corn. Corn is one of the most heavily subsidized crops in agriculture, making its market price lower than the cost of producing the corn.

The gluten in corn is used as an inferior protein source in pet foods. Corn protein in itself is not a complete protein source and must be balanced with animal proteins to create a usable amino acid profile for pets.

Unfortunately corn is often abused as the single most abundant ingredient in many pet foods, contributing to the many diseases linked to high carbohydrate diets, including obesity, chronic inflammation, diabetes and cancer. The cob of the corn becomes filler with very little nutritional value. The quality of the corn is also a problem as many foods use low quality corn containing toxins such as mycotoxins and mold which cause damage to a pet’s liver and kidneys.

Carnivores were never designed to obtain the majority of their energy requirements from carbohydrates. In fact they have zero nutritional requirements for carbohydrates or grains. Yet the majority of products on the market regularly consist of up to 50% carbohydrates, with some even higher.

Eons of evolution have designed carnivores to obtain energy from amino acids (protein) and fatty acids, fat from prey animals through the process of gluconeogenesis. Other than simple economics there is no reason to challenge the eons of evolution nature has put into place when it comes to feeding carnivores like dogs, cats & ferrets. When we force such a dramatic change in metabolism and utilize least cost ingredients, adverse effects over the long term become much more likely. The same effects of junk food on humans can be seen in today’s companion animals.

Wheat

Wheat is another ingredient found in abundance in many foods. The repetitive and persistent exposure of wheat to pet animals has resulted in allergies and intolerances to wheat and wheat gluten. This is another starchy crop that should be avoided.

Wheat gluten is also utilized as an inexpensive protein source. Wheat gluten contamination was the cause of the massive 2007 Menu Foods pet food recall, which caused a countless numbers of companion animals to suffer from kidney failure, debilitation and death. Menu Foods manufactured food for hundred’s of common brands. This ordeal would have been avoided if the pet food companies involved used quality ingredients such as human grade meat rather than lower cost cereal alternatives.

Soy

Along with corn and wheat, soy is one of the most common allergies in companion animals. Carnivores were never meant to eat soy, it is commonly used in pet food as an inexpensive substitute for meat protein. As an additional problem, is that it is estimated that some 89% of soy and 61% of corn crops are genetically engineered. Genetically modified foods are shown to adversely affect our pet’s health, just as it does with us.

Cellulose

Cellulose is essentially nothing more than 100% filler. It can be purified and obtained from anything from plant material to saw dust.

By-Products

Cat and dog food routinely contains by-products. By-Products are left over wastes from human food production. By-Products come in two forms: named and un-named. Examples of named by-products include chicken by-products and pork by-products. By-products can include necks, feet, intestines and undeveloped eggs.

Un-named by-products include meat by-products. Meat by-products can include brain, blood, kidneys, lungs and stomachs.

By-products, in many cases, are derived from 4D meat sources – animals that have been rejected for human consumption because they were presented to the meat packing plant as Dead, Dying, Diseased or Disabled.

Animal Fat

Unlike chicken fat (a named animal source), un-named animal fat is a rendered product from animals of unspecified origin.

Again in many cases animal fat includes meat sources from the 4D class.

Meat Meal

Meat Meal consists of rendered, unspecified sources of animal tissues.

What this definition does not mention is the 4D class of meat sources may still be legally used in meat meat.

Meat and Bone Meal

Meat and Bone Meal is a rendered product from mammal tissues, including bone.

Recently many cat and dog food companies and rendering plants have undergone scrutiny over their inclusion of euthanized pets in meat and bone meal. Ann Martin, in her book, “Food Pets Die For”, exposed this revolting practice and the detection of sodium pentobarbital in pet foods, a veterinary drug used in the euthanasia of pet animals.

Chemical Preservativces: BHA, BHT, Propyl Gallate, Ethoxyquin or Sodium Nitrite/Nitrate

BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) and BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) are petroleum derived preservatives used in food and hygeine products. TBHQ (tertiary butylhydroquinone) is another petroleum derived preservative.

Ethoxyquin is used as a food preservative and a pesticide. In pet foods it is typically found in meat and fish based ingredients. Ethoxyquin is banned for use in human products because it is believed to cause cancer. It is important to note that when a manufacturer obtains an ethoxyquin preserved ingredient from a supplier the manufacturer is not required to list ethoxyquin on the pet food ingredient panel.

Propyl Gallate is another preservative used in foods, cosmetics, hair products, adhesives, and lubricants

The use of these harsh chemicals are known to cause cancer and are considered neither inert nor safe, yet are widely used in pet foods.

Powerful preservatives provide an inexpensive means of providing long product shelf-life. Naturally preserved products may utilize tocopherols (Vitamin E), citric acid and rosemary extract to prevent rancidity.

These natural preservatives are common in truly healthy pet foods as the manufacturers realize that the small additional expense is worth it when it comes to our pets safety.

Sugar

Table sugar is often used to perk interest in the unsavory concoctions pet food manufacturers make. There is no reason for added sugar to be placed in pet food, other than the reason mentioned.

Propylene Glycol

Like sugar, propylene glycol is used as a flavour enhancer due to its sweet taste. It is another questionable ingredient in pet food. In human uses it is a common ingredient in stick deoderant and make-up as a humectant. It is interesting to note that propylene gycol is the less toxic chemical sister to ethylene glycol, “anti-freeze”.

Artificial Colours

Coloured kibble bits are not for the benefit of the dog or cat, they are in fact to make them more appealing to you! Our pets could care less what colour their food is, this is simply another marketing trick to catch your attention in the meriad of pet food labels. Artificial colours are synthetic chemical dyes that have no place in pet food. There have been cases that link FD & C colours to cancer and other ill effects.

Conclusion

We can see that any pet food can claim healthy and natural when such is not the case. Recommended by statements also have little impact on the quality of these pet foods.

Quite simply quality pet foods do not use these ingredients. Clearly pet foods found in supermarkets and even pet chain stores do not have the best interests of your pets at heart.

So, what are the alternatives?

Fortunately there are plenty! Whether you are looking for alternative dry or canned foods, or would like to switch to a natural raw food diet, there are plenty of healthy options available for you.

Optimal Pet Foods is a pet store that specializes in healthy pet food options in Calgary, AB.

http://www.optimalpetfoods.com

Author: Sheila Hammer
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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If you are heading on a getaway with your puppy, regardless if you are driving a car or even taking a jet, you will want to think about a dog crate. The fact is, if you want to go on an airline with your canine he must be in a dog crate and won’t that be a lot easier if she already thinks of his crate as a safe haven? Getting your pet used to and even welcoming a crate will certainly make it a lot less complicated when you have to travel.

If you are not bringing your pet with you on vacation, you may have to board him somewhere, and when he’s being boarded, he is destined to be in a crate or a kennel. Of course, he’ll probably be scared of this new situation and worried because you won’t be there, but if he is already familiar with being in the crate and considers it a safe spot this can significantly help towards relaxing his nervousness.
Crates are also able to help in the course of potty training. It is well-known that puppies do not soil where they slumber, therefore if you want to keep your canine from going in your house, using a crate is recommended.

However, it should be mentioned that you should consider your dog’s physical needs above all and you need to realize that he can only hold it for so long especially if he is a pup. It becomes inappropriate to place your pet dog in the cage for 10 hours while you are at the office when you know he can only hold it for 5 hours. This will just be asking for failure.

Furthermore, you want to select a cage that is small enough to ensure that your dog can’t find a distant corner to do his “business”. Crates must only be used for potty training provided you can keep close track of your dog and let him out once you notice he’s exhibiting the signs he must go.

Having a cage readily available for your canine satisfies his natural instincts. In the wild, dogs like to reside in dog dens or sleep within protected areas. Your dog’s crate will be able to become a den to provide your pet the security he requires right in your own house.

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Want to learn more about Crate Training, visit Canine Crate Store, home of the best plastic dog crates.

Los Angeles, CA, United States (AHN) – Ke$ha is getting ready to unleash the “Animal” once again. But this time, it’s even hungrier.

Ke$ha is set to release “Cannibal,” a new 9-track album that will be available on its own or bundled with her platinum debut “Animal.” Think Gaga’s “The Fame Monster” last year or Usher’s “Versus.”

“Cannibal” will be led by the first single, “We R Who We R,” which hits radio stations this week. “Cannibal” sees Ke$ha re-teaming with her “Animal” contributors Dr. Luke, Max Martin, Benny Blanco for the new tracks.

“This year has been carnivorous and life-changing. I have my rowdy, gorgeous fans to thank for taking me on the ride of a lifetime,” Ke$ha said in a statement. “My only goal with this record is to keep them dancing.”

“The songs on ‘Cannibal’ were made to inspire people to ignore any hate or judgment and be themselves unapologetically,” she continued. “It’s the perfect companion to ‘Animal’ and I hope you guys like it. And if you don’t like it — bite me.”

“Cannibal” is set to hit stores on November 22nd. “Animal,” released in January, has yielded the top 10 hits “Your Love Is My Drug,” “Blah Blah Blah” feat. 3OH!3, “Take It Off,” and the #1 “Tik Tok.”

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The book Marley & Me deals with the loss of a tail wagging companion and brings to light many important aspects of a human-canine relationship. For anyone who has ever sat down to read this book, the first chapter is one that creates a real choke hold on dog lovers. Marley so captures the essence of the emotional bonding that takes place between a person and a special canine that for most readers it brings about the experience a joyful-cry. Author, John Grogan’s words captured the hearts of readers in such a way that his first book propelled with ease to the top of the best seller’s list in 2005.

Although written for an adult audience, Grogan’s work quickly became popular among young readers. Along with his latest memoir, The Longest Trip Home, Grogan has since authored several books geared for children. Grogan’s highly acclaimed collection of fully illustrated children’s books includes: Bad Dog Marley, Marley Goes to School, and A Very Marley Christmas. Grogan’s books are ones that help an individual cope with the loss of a tail-wagging companion as his works expresses both the joy and sorrow encountered in the privilege of sharing one’s life with a canine.
Because of the special nature of dogs, many classic books that are composed around canines. Included in canine literature are the books: Old Yeller, Lassie, Beautiful Joe, Big Red, Rin Tin Tin, White Fang and The Incredible Journey. Of course no children’s classic canine-book collection would be complete without the novel, A Dog of Flanders. Most of these books have been adapted for film or TV, but the books serve more as a form of literary art, rather than entertainment.

Dogs are such unique creatures that various canine-ality types have been immortalized in cartoonland, with some of our favorites including: Snoopy, Scooby Doo, Blues Clues, Hunckleberry Hound, Underdog, Odie, Droopy Dog, Pluto, Goofy and Quick Draw McGraw. Both the big screen and the little screen have produced its share of celebrity hounds and animated classics such as: Lady and the Tramp, 101 Dalmatians, The Shaggy Dogs, Turner and Hooch, Wishbone and Benji. Clearly, and as exemplified by celebrities like Paris Hilton and Oprah, dogs rule Hollywood.

The emotional bond that develops between humans and canines is like no other human-animal relationship on the planet. In light of the many important roles and services dogs provide, canine attributes deserve special recognition and praise. With all due respect to the other creatures with whom we share this planet, it is the diverse nature, skill set, and intelligence of the canine species that comes into play with so many important aspects of human existence.

With over 400 recognized breeds of dogs around the world, the canine species is the most varied mammal on the planet. The selective breeding of dogs to enhance particular characteristics has created a plethora of new shapes and sizes over the past 150 years. Many of these characteristics were breed for task-orientated purposes, as dogs have historically held positions as herders, guardians and rescue animals. The annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, considered to be America’s most prestigious dog show, judges a wide variety of breeds during the two-day event. More than 2500 dogs, from over 150 breeds are judged closely by eminent American Kennel Club (AKC) judges. One can truly see how varied this species has become during the past century and a half by watching the Westminster.

The dynamic essence of the canine spirit becomes so intertwined with ours that they can be trained as eyes for our blind, ears for our deaf, as well as they can give independence to our physically disabled. Dogs have the natural instincts to become therapists, without obtaining a doctorate’s degree. Where the average pet is not permitted or allowed in our society, service dogs are welcome as they perform a valuable function and duty for their guided human partner.

Dogs have proven to be able to blend their senses with ours on such a profound level that they forget they are a separate entity. Guide dogs act as human extensions rather than just merely a human’s pet. These special creatures have the incredible ability to mirror their partner’s needs, while they give up their individuality to become a reliable source of instincts and survival for humans.

The canine is among the few creatures who serve alongside our police and military officers. The U.S. Military has been using working dogs since World War I. Dogs were used in WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Bosnia, Kosovo, Afganistan and Iraq. During Vietnam alone it is estimated these courageous canine heroes saved over 10,000 lives. All branches of our Armed Forces utilize Military Patrol Dogs specialized in drug and bomb/explosive detection. Currently in the Middle East there are approximately 600-700 Military Patrol Dogs being used.

Of all of the tributes there are to our canine companions, one that exemplifies their unique capabilities and special role they have in our lives is the book Dog Heroes of September 11th. This book is one that should grace every dog lovers coffee table, as it is the first major publication to salute the dogs who came to the aid of our nation after the terrorists’ strikes on America. Written by award winning canine journalist, Nona Kilgore Bauer, the book pays tribute to the dog and handler teams that were deployed after the attacks. A portion of the proceeds from the book benefit the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation and its mission to produce certified search and rescue teams to protect our whole nation. This book is a must read, the stories are amazing and truly inspirational.

In trying to access how and why dogs impact our lives, it is important to point out their many varied attributes, from being integrated as life saving heroes to a cuddly tea cup pocket pooch, dogs give us so much of themselves to human existence. Perhaps the most extreme example of human-canine relationships is shown in the annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Alaska. Even the Tour de France takes second place to this test of human-canine endurance, willpower and survival. Where riders in the Tour ride as a team, the dogs of the Iditarod act as a single unit with their musher. The mushers and their team of typically 16 dogs cover 1,161 miles in eight to fifteen days. During this highly competative race, teams frequently race through blizzards causing whiteout conditions and sub-zero weather, along with gale-force winds that can cause wind-chill factors to reach -100 degrees Fahrenheit. To be able to endure this race takes the will power equivalent to that of cancer survivor Lance Armstrong. It is no wonder that humans bond so closely with these tail wagging creatures and their death can have such an emotional impact on us.

It is easy to become attached to our pets and it is difficult to let go of this attachment. One way of viewing the loss of our tail wagging companion is to realize how intertwined their spirit becomes with our soul. Perhaps it is their loving spirit that ascends to a higher dimension that carries our senses and perceptions to a new level. Letting go is just a matter of realizing how blessed we were to have enjoyed their tail wagging companionship for the time that we were able to. Although the pet that we lost will always have a special place in our hearts, carrying the happiness they gave us benefits much more than carrying grief over our loss. What they gave us were sharper instincts and intuition, that is something that we can give back and pass along in an attempt to keep those tails waggin!

Betty Bulldog has been loving and respecting dogs for 25 years. She offers free dog health information for dog lovers at dogZdogZ.com. Also take a free dog training course. Keep those tails waggin! Betty Bulldog http://dogZdogZ.comArticle Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/putting-a-dog-down-easing-the-emotional-pain-1405984.html