Nutrition and Arthritic Pets
We have talked about the importance of both diet and exercise when dealing
with a pet that has arthritis. I think that diet is such an important issue
that it is one we should discuss in greater detail. It is becoming common knowledge
that as humans, our bodies perform better when we "eat right." It
is equally important for pets to follow healthy food guidelines as well.
The Generic Foods
There are three "groups" of processed foods and it usually one or
more of these that we purchase to feed our pets: 1) the "Generic"
group, 2) the "Premium" group, and 3) the "natural foods"
group. The first group is the focus of this discussion. All three groups appeal
to us for obvious reasons. We like the convenience factor. All we have to do
is "scoop and dish it." This first group that I will call the "generics"
is the least desirable from a nutritional standpoint. Of course, that is why
they carry the lowest price tag. Unfortunately, when you are trying to provide
a healthy diet to an arthritic pet, it frankly does a less than desirable job
in my opinion.
What is that stuff?
This is the category of pet foods that contains animal and plant by-products.
If you are paying attention, they also contain artificial preservatives and
additives. This group of pet foods uses the cheapest possible ingredients. Unfortunately,
manufacturers are not held to extremely high standards here. It is also important
to note that pet food is a "spin-off" of the human food industry.
As we all know, the standards are certainly higher for food manufactured for
humans than it is for pets. What happens is that the pet food segment of this
industry gets the opportunity to "unload" ingredients that would not
pass muster for humans. This is where you will find that even the "grains"
purported to be in these foods is either over processed or is whole grain that
is simply not fit for humans to eat. As well, there are often parts of an animal
used in manufacturing pet food that frankly put, is not the least bit desirable.
Measuring Up
You do not have to become a "food expert" to make decisions here.
Assuming you can afford to spend a little extra for pet food, use some common
sense. Price is a good guideline. If you see a 40-pound bag of dog food that
is on sale for $12.95, it is likely not on the most desirable food list (a least,
not from my standpoint.) If you study the label, it likely will tell you that
this is correct.
Premium and All-Natural
When you move up in price, you are likely looking at "premium" and
"all-natural" offerings. The premium brands are going to be on most
store shelves and usually they are sold by veterinarians as well. Even this
food group does not necessarily have the finest ingredients. Unfortunately,
price alone does not always tell the story here. The "all-natural"
pet foods, generally speaking, are the best of the bunch. These use natural
preservatives and you are not going to find artificial flavoring or coloring.
Of course, the price corresponds to the quality and for some of you it is not
feasible from a budget standpoint. I have recommended using raw vegetables as
part of your pet's diet. It is far less expensive and once they get used to
it (and, if you do not overdo it) it is a healthy and less expensive approach.
Pets with arthritis need solid and healthy nutrition. If your budget allows
you the luxury of giving them the best, then opt for the all-natural group.
Remember, high-quality liquid glucosamine is only part of the picture. To get
an arthritic pet healthier overall , it requires attention to both diet and
exercise as well.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
JR Rogers is the owner of Synflex America Inc. makers of Syn-flex, a premium
glucosamine arthritis formula for humans and household pets. The author's statements
have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not provided to diagnose or to suggest
that liquid glucosamine and chondroitin will treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
For more on pet arthritis products click here.
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