ABOUT PAPTOO!

Not surprisingly, our animals' health is beginning to mirror our own.  Today we are seeing many of the problems that have plagued humans, such as obesity, diabetes, chronic inflammation, and even cancer - at epidemic levels in our pets.

Take a look around, you find that people really do like their pets.  They tend to have similar characteristics, and unfortunately, that includes similar health problems.

We are frequently  bombarded with information and advice about human nutrition, but don't see much written about quality nutrition for our furry companions, who rely solely on us to make the choice of what they eat.  Do you know what's really in your pet's food?

Many commercial pet foods contain the following:

• Poor quality protein sources such as soybean meal, wheat, corn, corn meal and corn gluten (known allergens to pets and humans) instead of quality meat.
• Carbohydrates, in fact, are a Cat's worst enemy; their digestive tract is simply not designed to absorb them.  Dry Kibble alone? Not a good idea says Dr. Jean Hofve, DVM.  Cats originally  were desert animals.  Their kidneys were designed to be extremely efficient in order to conserve water.  Historically they ate a fresh diet of prey containing 70% body fluids.  Kibble is a mere 5% to 10% moisture.  Thus, a cat's kidneys are going to be overworked for an entire lifetime if you feed just kibble.  Many problems are eliminated by taking cats of dry food and feeding canned or, preferably, fresh meat instead.  These problems include Feline Urologic Syndrome (FUS), Bladder Stones, Kidney Failure, Skin Disorders, Arthritis and Constipation.  CATS ABSOLUTELY NEED WET FOOD & LOTS OF IT!
• Chemical preservatives such as BHA & BHT, used to retard spoilage, are potentially dangerous to the liver and kidneys.  Ethoxyquin & Sodium Mitrate have been linked to cancer.
• Propyl Gallate is a chemical used to retard spoilage and may cause liver damage.
• By products are whatever remains of the carcass: bones, blood, intestines, lungs, ligaments, feet, claws, beaks, feathers, hair and all other parts not consumed by humans.  There have even been traces of Phenobarbital found in several commercial products. 
• Polypropylene glycol, which is a chemical used in anti-freeze, is used as a preservative and flavor enhancer.  The taste is very sweet. 
• Corn syrup is used as a humectant, which gives food a dampness and flexibility (as in semi-moist foods).  Pets get addicted to this taste and it can cause "Finicky Eater" syndrome.  
• Artificial food coloring's (FD&C Reds, Yellows, etc.) are used in many foods and treats, including rawhide chew toys, mainly used to entice the owner into buying.  They can be harmful, cause toxicity, have no nutritional value, and can have allergic reactions.
• MSG (mono sodium glutamate) a popular flavor enhancer used to disguise inferior quality food.  Many pets and people have allergic reactions.
• Read your pet's food label.  Should you find any of the above listed ingredients in your pet's food, consider changing to Human Grade products that do not contain these harmful ingredients.  Wholesome food, fresh filtered water, supplements, exercise and your love and attention is all your pet needs to have a healthy, happy life.
  

A healthier pet means fewer trips to the Vet!

My Very Best Regards,
Linda Yost, Owner
Certified in Companion Animal Nutrition