What's in your food
There are hundreds of choices of pet food for your dog and cat, and all of them claim to be the healthiest food in the world for your pet.
This can be overwhelming for many people and we realize this at the Urban Dog. Regardless of where you get your dog or cat’s food, always do your own research into what is in the ingredients list. It will make a world of difference to the well being of your pet.
Ingredients should be things you recognize - ingredients such as chicken, turkey, carrots, peas, oatmeal etc.
The food you choose can vastly affect your pets health. If you only ate organic fruits, vegetables and choice cuts of meat you would be far healthier than if you only ate fast food. A healthy diet, plenty of exercise and lots of mental stimulation can help your pet live longer, happier and healthier life.
Links we recommend for your research:
www.dogfoodanalysis.com
www.susanthixton.com
The Good Stuff The Bad Stuff
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Ingredients that SHOULD BE in your pet food. |
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Chicken, Lamb, duck, beef etc. this means only muscle meat used. |
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Chicken meal duck meal beef meal etc. this means both muscle meat and bone were used. Bone is an excellent source of calcium. |
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Oatmeal whole rice or barley these are easily digested grains and contribute to healthy skin condition and coat condition. |
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Fruits and vegetables a healthy diet should be well rounded. Fruit and vegetables are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals. |
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Herbs contribute to digestion and overall health as well as good breath and helps eliminate bad body odor. |
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Probiotics promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the intestines aid in digestion |
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Taurine an essential amino acid which helps in the development of lungs, brain and heart. |
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Omega fatty acids helps promote a healthy skin and coat. Can help prevent arthritis. |
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Ingredients that SHOULD NOT be in your pet food. |
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Corn, Corn Gluten, Corn meal -These are indigestible fibers, which can cause allergic reactions, dry itchy skin, ear infections and overactive mucous membranes |
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Chicken, beef or any other meat by-product animal pieces left over from rendering (boiling) can be feet, beaks feathers etc. |
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Wheat low grade grain product. Causes allergies in dogs. No nutritional value solely a filler. |
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Animal meat If the term “animal” is used then it is not one of the usual food animals like chicken or beef, could be from any species such as raccoon skunk etc.. |
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Husks or Hulls indigestible protein sources missing the healthy part of the grain. |
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Brewers rice by-product of the alcohol industry left over rice after fermentation. |
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BHA,BHT Ethoxyquin these are unhealthy preservatives |
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Animal Digest anything in the animal digestive tract at the time of rendering. |
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Beet Pulp low grade vegetable protein, used to increase the protein percentage in food not meeting standards. |
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Sugar used to increase energy and palatability in pet food. |
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Soybean meal can cause allergies and digestive upset. |
