Organic Dog Food Information

1. Artificial dyes are known to incite allergies, skin and coat problems. Synthetic preservatives, like ethoxyquin and BHA/BHT, carries with it more serious problems.



2. Ethoxyquin, a known carcinogen, is also used in many human and dog foods. What is interesting is that the amount of this chemical in some dog food has represented as much as 300 times the amount in human food.

Ethoxyquin, sometimes listed as "E" and sometimes not listed at all, is a chemical preservative that carries a warning from Monsanto on handling and the skin and eye irritation it causes. It is listed by OSHA as a hazardous chemical and respirators must be worn when working around it. Vets have pointed to this chemical as the reason for bone and liver cancers found in dogs. BHA/BHT are more synthetic chemicals that have proven toxic to the liver and kidney. While there are not many manufacturers that continue to use this, opting instead for mixed tocopherols. But if you have fish meal in your dog food, the ethoxyquin is added before it is delivered to the pet food company and therefore does not legally require listing by the manufacturer. This is only the tip of what's happened and what's happening in commercial dog food, but it is clear why many are turning to organic food.

There's nothing healthier for your dog than fresh food. Often people lead such busy lives they can't prepare food for themselves, let alone for their dogs. But there are wonderful alternatives available from many companies that specialize in high quality, even human grade foods for your dog. You can find local stores on the internet or internet stores that will ship your food to you every month. There are short and long term benefits of changing your dog's diet to a high quality organic one, reflective of many of the same benefits such a diet has for humans:

1. Strengthened immune systems result - get the chemicals out and the body can function as it should


2. Longevity and quality of life as dogs age - nutrition is very important to general good health


3. Higher energy levels - When nutrients are more bio-available, energy gets a boost.


4. Weight loss - dogs will be satisfied with less food when fed quality proteins, not unnamed animal by products and meals. Quality oats, barley and other grains are filling and good for the dog, unlike corn wheat and other inferior grains.

There are many organic foods that are not double the cost of the food at the supermarket. Take a look on the web and see what you, er, your dog, is missing.