by Todd Ackerman

Created on: July 02, 2007

Pet Food: What You Need To Know

Our beloved pets are exposed to the elements of the environment which can tragically shorten their lives, just as it does with their human caretakers. Just like us, they are victims to the hazards of pollution, stress and diet. A strong immune system is vital to safeguard against these potentially deadly killers. A fervently healthy diet is essential in building an iron strong immune system, ensuring the longevity of our faithful companions. "You are what you eat," not only applies to us as humans, but animals as well.

Many people are under the mistaken impression that high quality commercial food is enough to protect their furry princes and princesses. Although, there are some brands which maintain higher standards for what goes into their food than others, do not allow yourself to become too complacent. Many of these store bought products can be downright questionable. They may not contain enough protein, and may contain a deadly of cocktail of toxins and dead domestic animals.

Ann Martin, an animal activist and commercial pet food critic says, "Commercially formulated pet food contributes to cancer, skin cancer, skin problems, allergies, hypertension, kidney and liver failure, heart disease and dental problems. The only thing missing from the label is the skull and crossbones."

Too many commercial brands contain "by products." Many of which, are contaminated with a wealth of undesirable ingredients. These "by products" or "bone meal" contain parts not commonly tasted by the human palate, such as, lungs, ligaments, bones, blood, intestines, spleens, udders, and uteri. With poultry, these "by- products" include; heads, beaks and unmanicured feet. Not very appetizing, even for the carnivore feasting in the wild.

Almost all high quality commercial pet foods use "renderings," which may not be processed for up to a week. These are processed from what is known as "4D" animals, also called "downers." As 4D implies, these are animals that are dead, dying, diseased, or disabled before making their journey to your prized pet's food bowl. For obvious reasons, they are banned for human consumption, but are sent for rendering along with other parts unfit for human use including; outdated grocery store meats (complete with their plastic and Styrofoam wrappers), road kill, cut-away cancerous tissue, fetal tissue, rancid restaurant grease, animals that die on the way to be slaughtered, injection sites, blood clots, and euthanized pets - no kidding!

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