As with humans, pets these days are living longer. How fortunate we are to enjoy more years of throwing tennis balls with our dog and dangling strings for our kitty to bat at. But those extra years bring the diagnosis of cancer for some of our furry friends¹. Pet owners are becoming more aware of this health risk and are looking for ways to prevent cancer in their dogs and cats.
Avoiding Chemicals
Pet professionals offer many tips to help reduce the risk of cancer in pets. In a recent article, Nine Ways to Prevent Canine Cancer², three veterinarians weighed in on the topic. The advice includes keeping your pet away from chemicals, like those found in
traditional flea killers, or from herbicides and pesticides in lawn care products. Pet food is another common, even if surprising, source of potentially toxic chemicals. The authors recommended, “feeding your dog a healthy diet free from artificial preservatives, artificial flavors, and dyes.”
Synthetic Vitamins and Minerals
But these are not the only chemicals found in pet foods. Chemically-synthesized vitamins and minerals are added to nearly all commercial pet foods, and these man-made nutrients often contain unwanted and potentially toxic ingredients³. Studies by the U.S. National Cancer Institute have shown a relationship between vitamin supplements and cancer in humans, and so the agency does not recommend them.
But pets are exposed to these same substances when they consume a pet food containing “added vitamins and minerals.” When consumers see this phrase on pet food labels, it tells them that the added vitamins and minerals are man-made, or chemically-synthesized. Nature’s Logic foods, on the other hand, provide all essential vitamins and minerals from whole food and 100% natural ingredients. They are the most natural and safest pet foods on the market.
Special Diets for Pets with Cancer
There are a number of prescription diets on the market for pets with cancer. These diets, as well as grain-free formulas, are all high in protein and low in carbohydrates and sugar. These seem to be the features of pet food most recommended for dogs and cats with cancer.
However there are a few high-quality foods, other than grain-free, that also meet the criteria of being rich in protein and low in carbohydrates. Look for foods with 30% or more protein guaranteed on the bag, and make sure that the protein comes from meat, poultry or fish. Also look for a food with a starch that is low in sugar and carbohydrates, like millet, and avoid pet foods with wheat, gluten or soy in the ingredient panel. Nature’s Logic foods meet these criteria and have the added benefit of NO chemically-synthesized vitamins or minerals. For more information about our foods, visit http://www.natureslogic.com/.
1. http://www.caninecancer.com/cancer1.html
2. http://www.dogchannel.com/dog-health/article_cancer.aspx
3. http://natureslogic.blogspot.com/2010/11/added-vitamins-and-minerals-in-pet-food.html
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