I lost two dogs to cancer in a 1.5 year period. During that time, I heard stories from other pet owners whose companion was either going through the same thing or who had lost pets to cancer. Why is cancer so prevalent now in our pets? Is it simply a case of better diagnosis since we Americans spend millions on pet care? Is it the result of greater exposure to a toxic soup of chemicals from food and environment?
I hoped to find some answers in this book. In the introduction, it states the book (among other things) will teach you “how to read pet food labels and what you need to avoid for your pets’ sake.” It was exactly what I wanted. At just 178 pages, I figured it would be a quick, yet informative, read.
In reality, the book is an extended diatribe against the commercial pet food industry. Its ultimate advice is to avoid commercial pet food (except for some canned cat foods) and prepare a homemade, raw food diet designed by Dr. Fox. Recipes appear in the appendix.
At times, the book is downright insulting. The two worst statements are:
But the mere convenience of commercial pet foods is no valid reason for informed consumers to continue to feed them to their pets in all good conscience. (page 42)
If people are capable of properly feeding their own families, they are certainly capable of feeding their own pets without resorting to opening a bag or can of processed food to do it. (page 114)
Clearly, the authors are in need of a reality check. Perhaps they should have suggested that, unless you earn an upper six-figure salary, pet ownership is not for you.
I want to emphasize the copyright on the book – 2009. We are in the midst of one of the worst economic downturns in decades. People are not able to properly feed their own families. Pets are surrendered daily because their owners cannot afford them. In fact, as I write this, one of those abandoned pets is sleeping in my lap.
I can appreciate the authors’ passionate beliefs. I agree that pet food industry has tremendous problems – as does the human food industry. This book should have included more information for people who may not have a choice and must feed their pet a commercial pet food. For example, the section about ingredients could have contained some recommendations such as “avoid this food if the top five ingredients are these.”
In the end, I was left with a very bad taste in mouth. If I find a book that offers better information, I will review it here. In the meantime, here is some advice from a longtime pet parent. Avoid the cheap store brands; the money you save now will be spent later at the vet’s office. Buy the best food you can afford. Take your pet to the vet regularly. Give your furry companion plenty of water, exercise, and, most importantly, love.
Rescue Mommy
Thank you for the realistic advice. The so-called experts usually forget the "real" world aspects of raising or keeping pets. Bravo!
ReplyDelete