Natural Montmorillonite Clay in Pet Food

Montmorillonite clay is a natural ingredient often used in human health foods and sometimes also found in natural pet foods. It is the primary component of a volcanic ash known as betonite, which has been deposited into inland sea waters. Montmorillonite clay is used in some natural pet foods for a very specific purpose.

How to Avoid MSG in Pet Foods

MSG is a common hidden ingredient in pet foods, even in so-called “premium” and “natural foods.” Monosodium glutamate is used to enhance the flavor of many processed foods, for both humans and pets. It has been determined to be safe by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), however, it is a form of salt and many pet-parents would like to avoid feeding it to their pets.

Is Your Pet’s Food Truly “Natural?”

Take a close look at the packages of commercial pet foods marketed as “natural.” Chances are very good you will see the following phrase: “Natural with added vitamins, minerals, and other trace nutrients.” What looks like a positive to most people shopping for pet food is actually a disclaimer. It is intended to inform consumers that this particular product does not contain natural vitamins, minerals, and trace nutrients, but instead contains chemically-synthesized forms. This is the only way pet food manufacturers that use man-made nutrients can use the word “natural” on their foods.

Possible Link Between Dog Food and Hypercalcemia

Excessive Vitamin D3 can cause hypercalcemia. While nothing conclusive has been determined at this time, veterinarians are reporting a possible link between a particular Blue Buffalo formula and a number of dogs coming down with hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia is an excess of calcium in the blood, which can lead to the calcification of organs. In 2006, some Royal Canin prescription diets were formulated with too much synthetic Vitamin D3 causing hypercalcemia, which led to the death of a number of dogs and cats who were fed the food.

Why Feed Raw?

As more and more pet parents seek only the best natural pet foods, some are asking us what the buzz is about feeding dogs and cats a raw diet. Feeding a properly-formulated raw food to a carnivore is feeding your pet what it most appropriately should eat. Raw meat and poultry, along with proper percentages of bone and organ meat, supply a naturally correct profile of amino acids and most vitamins and minerals. Also, inherent in the raw food are enzymes and bacteria that aid in digestion and play a key role in a healthy immune system.