Posted by Alex Johnson on October 4, 20073 CommentsPrinter Friendly

Organic pet food

Animal lovers have always known that it’s the little things that make a difference. Pets and domesticated animals are much more dependent on humans than their wild relatives. Once their basic necessities have been provided, quality of life can be greatly enhanced by small amounts of additional attention. Calming words to an anxious dog, warm bedding for kittens, and physical activity combined with nutritious foods to maintain their general health and condition. Until recently the food equation had seemed deceptively simple. Pet food was essentially the low grade residual from abattoirs and other meat processing industries. It was mixed with surplus cereals, a few basic vitamins and canned in preparation for the supermarket shelves.

Widespread changes in attitude contributed to the scientific revolution in Animal Nutrition. During the nineties, there was significant growth in the manufacture of formulated pet foods. Veterinarians and scientists were employed to create superior foods which emphasised the unique nutritional requirements of different breeds. Working dogs for example were assessed for the number of calories used each day and the importance of balanced minerals and vitamins. Show animals were assessed for the nutritional elements required for optimum coat condition and bone density. These premium feeds were expensive and in some cases rejected for their freeze-dried, clinical style presentation.

Organic Pet food is presented as an alternative choice for individuals wishing to acknowledge the importance of their animals without necessarily treating them like science experiments. While there are many organic brands and products to choose from, the best ones will be identified by their focus on digestibility. An organic certification ensures higher quality ingredients without the artificial preservative and pesticide residuals commonly detected in conventional pet foods. Healthy sources of protein include organically raised lamb, mutton, beef, and poultry. The cereal and grain additives are selected for digestibility and their contribution towards metabolic efficiency.

Maintaining an efficient digestion is one of the best ways to strengthen the immune system. Most people find that their pets consume smaller quantities when offered organic foods. This is entirely normal and suggests that the animals are able to absorb a higher percentage of the available nutrients. When the immune system is strengthened in this manner, owners should notice increased resilience against infection, allergies, and other health complaints. Further evidence of a strengthened immune system should eventually appear in the form of glossier coats, improved alertness, and higher energy levels.

Category: Living well

Tags:

Comments:

  1. Mark on October 5th, 2007 at 8:50 am

    I feed working dogs brisket and kibble, always have. Not easy to figure why they should eat better than ninety percent of people on the planet. It may not sound like it but I am in favour of organic food, FOR PEOPLE, that is. I also love my animals but feel the need to keep things in perspective.

  2. Lilly Karvan on October 7th, 2007 at 2:20 pm

    What are some of the organic petfood brands? Anyone.

  3. Dot & Eileen on October 11th, 2007 at 2:07 am

    We didn’t even realise this option was available. Dot has two black spaniels and a ginger cat named Charlie who’s getting on a bit now. It would be nice to spoil them occassionally.

Share your thoughts:

Subscribe to Organic Guide