About eighteen years ago my two dogs got very sick after eating a well-known commercial pet food. This led me to begin questioning what goes into pet food, who manufactures the pet food, and what kind of regulations or government oversight of pet food companies exists. What I found out was shocking, and I realized I had to share this with other pet owners. Seven years later I wrote my first book, Food Pets Die For: Shocking Facts About Pet Food. At the time most people thought I was “crazy” or “paranoid” and refused to believe that the multi-billion dollar pet food industry is basically self-regulated and can dish up the dregs of society and sell it as “pet food.”
In 2007 the pet food industry faced the largest recall in its history with more than 60 million cans and bags of pet food recalled by the FDA. Now, a growing number of consumers are asking the hard questions and educating themselves about the importance of good nutrition for their animal companions.
Everyday I get emails from people asking about pet foods and what to do. For the skeptics, I usually begin with the question:You would not feed your child (or yourself) something from a can or box every day, so how can you feed your pets this way and expect them to be healthy?
My basic advice is to cook for your pets or buy pet foods that contain organic grains and meats, as well as fruits and vegetables that are fit for human consumption. These foods may cost a little more, but you will save in veterinary bills if your pets are eating a wholesome diet.
I’ve always told people that if they are going to feed kibble or canned food to add some human-grade ingredients such as fresh vegetable and fruit or meat and even things such as oatmeal. You will find that your pet enjoys these additional foods and will be much happier.
As consumers learn to read labels on pet foods, they will see that there are numerous mystery ingredients that are harmful to pets. For starters, avoid feeding foods that contain ingredients such as meat meal. Meat meal can be derived from sources such as road kill, zoo animals, euthanized companion animals, garbage from supermarkets and diseased material from slaughterhouse facilities. I go into great depth in my book about what these mystery ingredients really mean and where they come from. I also offer healthy natural alternatives.
Many people don’t have the time to cook for their animal companions. I understand. Fortunately, there are some very good natural pet foods now available. There are a handful of pet food companies, including The Honest Kitchen, that produce quality pet food that I would feel safe feeding my pets.
Since 1990 I have fed my dogs and cats a homemade diet consisting of meat, grains, and fresh vegetables. All of them have lived long lives and have done extremely well eating human-grade food. My giant breed dogs have lived 14 years or more when the life span of the giant breeds are usually eight years. My cat, Simon, is nearly 23 years old. Last year, my Siamese, Yakkie, died at the age of 27 years! I view their long and healthy lives as a testament to eating healthy, human-grade foods. If you eat healthy food regularly, and you experience the benefits of good health, so will your dogs and cats. Bon appetit!
Ann Martin
Ann Martin is recognized internationally as an authority on the commercial pet food controversy. The Third Edition of her bestseller, Food Pets Die For: Shocking Facts About Pet Food, was released July 2008. Her second book, Protect Your Pet: More Shocking Facts(NewSage Press), delves into other health concerns for dogs and cats. You can read more about her books at: www.newssagepress.com. You can email Ann Martin at: anmartin1@rogers.com.
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