Keeping our pets healthy

 

Our pets add so much to the quality of our lives. Even if we don’t currently have pets many of us remember with great fondness our childhood pets. Although pets come in all sizes and shapes from gerbils, pet rats, or fish, most Americans have at least one beloved feline or canine critter running around the house. Humans receive many benefits from pets: protection, recreation, socialization and unconditional love. Studies from University of Illinois show when pet owners interact with their animal, blood pressure and pulse rates are lowered. Other powerful chemicals released during an interaction with our pets stimulate the immune system and bring us a sense of well being. We simply owe them the best care we can provide.

Our animal friends are many times subjected to the same dysfunction we are when exposed to a diet made up of processed foods, poor water and toxic chemicals. They cannot tell us they don’t feel well, yet astute pet owners know when their pet doesn’t feel well. It is so distressing when their conditions become chronic and nothing seems to help.

Where to start? In general what is good for us will help them as well. There’s a growing awareness among health conscious consumers, that processed food with artificial additives, not optimal for human health, does not provide the best nutrition for our animal companions either. Unfortunately, much of the commercial pet food is made in part from meat that has been condemned for human consumption- high in toxins, pesticides and hormones.

Studies show that animals fed some whole foods and raw foods are more resistant to disease than those that exist primarily on cooked processed foods. Optimally, our animals would receive a freshly made diet daily just as we do for ourselves. The reality is that in today’s busy world most of us do not have time. If your animal has a taste for it, give them freshly prepared vegetables, raw or steamed from your diner. Skip the high fat meat shavings or skins that you wouldn’t eat either. After all their cholesterol is probably high too!

Nothing is more slimming to the waistline of a paunchy pooch or pretty kitty than a few raw foods. Of course there are those animals that will pout, turn up their nose and hold out for their usual canned fair. Dogs especially don’t like changes in their diet, not to worry they won’t starve themselves nor will cats, give it a chance. For those that cannot be coaxed, coddled or in any way persuaded to eat raw or cooked vegetables or fruit, try some small portions of high quality raw meat.

Other tips for healthier pets naturally-

1.Use a balanced supplement during times of stress or illness. A digestive enzymes given to aging pets will help them get the most out of their food .

2. The quality of the water you feed your pet should not be overlooked. Their small bodies concentrate toxins and chlorine more quickly than ours will.

3. Use herbals and homeopathics when appropriate in place of high powered drugs.

Feeding your pet a high quality diet that includes some raw foods, a few supplements and good water will give your pet increased vitality, longevity and fewer trips to the veterinarian. It rewards you with a sense of comfort knowing the very best is being provided for your loving pet.

Till next time, Rebecca