How Ingredients from China Are Still Hidden in Most Pet Foods

Five years have passed since the 2007 pet food recall that led to thousands of pet deaths from dog and cat food containing melamine from China. While this tragic incident raised alarms and awareness of safety issues, pet food products and ingredients from China are still very common on pet store shelves. In fact, over $21 million dollars worth of dog and cat food ingredients, dog and cat food, treats, and chews are imported into the United States from China each month.¹ These ingredients are often hidden from consumers, not appearing on product labels.

Reducing Your Pet’s “Toxic Load” Leads to Healthier Dogs and Cats

For many people, healthier living means choosing more natural products for themselves, and their pets. Dr. Karen Becker, an integrative wellness veterinarian, says, “Many chronic health problems in pets … are in part due to the toxins dogs and cats are exposed to in their daily lives.” Continual exposure leads to what Dr. Becker calls the pet’s “toxic load,” the chemicals and other foreign substances that accumulate in the body of an animal over weeks, months and years.¹ By reducing your pet’s toxic load, you may help them feel better and avoid future health issues.

 

Tips for Selecting a Pet Food to Help Prevent Health Issues

A recent article in the pet trade newsletter Pet Product News discussed the growing popularity of special diets for cats designed to prevent common pet health problems. Since nutrition contributes significantly to the health of pets, one can see why pet parents might be drawn to special diets to prevent specific health issues. However, by taking a broader approach to overall pet health, instead of focusing on any one issue, pet parents can help their dogs and cats avoid many potential health problems and enjoy a longer, more active life.

Can Pets Overdose on Enzymes, Probiotics or Other Pet Supplements?

There is little dispute that probiotics and enzymes are beneficial for pets. They support digestion and immune function, as well as ensuring that pets fully-utilize all the nutrients available in the pet food. For this reason, more and more pet parents are supplementing their dog or cat’s diet with enzyme and probiotic supplements. But what happens if those supplements are pretty tasty, and your dog gets into them when you’re not around and eats the whole container? Fortunately, unlike with synthetic vitamins or minerals in pet food or pet supplements, your pet won’t be harmed by too many enzymes or probiotics.