I met a very sweet terrier at Three Dog Bakery last week. As often happens among us pet owners, his parents and I had been to chat about the joys of terriers. His mom mentioned that he tended to have tummy troubles and asked if my terrier had problems too. I referred her to my website, so I hope she is reading!
I adopted Gracie nearly three years ago. She had minor skin and digestive issues. (I have since read this is common with terriers.) The vet said her health was fine. He mentioned diet and/or environmental allergies might be to blame. A trip to the vet is always the first thing you should do if your pet is experiencing problems. Sometimes, a medical condition might be to blame.
After receiving her clean bill of health, I experimented with various remedies. I tried giving her Benadryl for her irritated skin. I tried various foods, including that pricey prescription diet food. I saw only minor improvements with her skin and tummy upset.
During this time, I of course searched on the Internet for answers. In my research, I found that grain and fillers in food can cause both digestive and skin issues in our pets. Some pet parents have found that a grain-free diet works wonders for their furry friends. Others swear that certain meats are best.
In Gracie’s case, she does very well with Castor & Pollux’s Organix organic dry and canned food. I admit the canned food sometimes gives her issues because some batches have been a bit greasy lately. Overall, though, her health is much improved on this diet. Her skin looks great. Her tummy is less upset.
I am not a big fan of those prescription foods you can only buy at the vet’s office. There are literally hundreds of great foods out there now. Visit your local pet supply store, and you will see! Buy a small bag, and gradually transition from the old food to the new food. That step is very important to prevent digestive upset.
Be patient. It could take some time to find the right food. It is worth the effort, though. Your pet will thank you!
Rescue Mommy
Showing posts with label dog food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dog food. Show all posts
Monday, May 21, 2012
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Book Review: Not Fit for a Dog: The Truth About Manufactured Dog and Cat Food.
Not Fit for a Dog: The Truth About Manufactured Dog and Cat Food. Michael W. Fox, B. Vet. Med., Ph.d, D.SC., M.R.C.V.S.; Elizabeth Hodgkins, D.V.M.; and Marion E. Smart, D.V.M., Ph.d. (2009)
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:
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
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
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