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Heart disease is relatively common in pets, affecting about 15 percent of dogs. Higher incidence rates are observed in Boxers, Doberman Pinschers, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Information concerning the role of dog food leading to heart disease is scarce. What is sure, however, is that dogs suffer due to their owners falling victim to the multiple misconceptions and myths concerning pet food. Diet is found to be frequently the cause of canine heart disease.
Dangers of unconventional diets
Nutritional deficiencies in pet dogs could occur due to owners feeding unconventional diets. The list of such unsuitable diets includes vegetarian diets and fresh dog food prepared at home. A few owners even insist on giving their pets raw vegetarian food. On the other end, dogs subsist entirely on boutique dog foods. Dog food brands use marketing to sell fad pet nutritional supplements and foods that advertise the benefits of a grain-free diet. However, there are some good ones, like Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain-Free Healthy Weight Recipe.
A quick read of the label reveals several exotic ingredients which confuse the dog owner who wants the best for the pet. The many diet choices and persuasive advertising make it hard for pet owners to understand whether the diets they feed their dogs are linked to nutritional toxicities or deficiencies. Bad diets could potentially lead to heart disease.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Dilated Cardiomyopathy or DCM is connected with nutritional deficiencies. It is a fatal disease linked to heart muscles. The afflicted heart enlarges and beats weakly. Giant and bigger breeds of dogs are susceptible to DCM. Irish Wolfhounds, Doberman Pinschers, and Great Danes are the most affected.
Recently, many veterinarians have reported DCM in dog breeds that are generally not associated with the condition. There is a suspicion that the prevalence of DCM is directly linked to the probability of that dog being fed an exotic diet. Such kinds of diets come bearing the label grain-free dog food. The prevalence of DCM is linked to a taurine deficiency in dogs.
It could be due to the reduced chemical production as a result of deficient diets. Other causes include increased taurine losses in feces or the chemical's altered metabolism within the body. One significant cause of DCM in dogs is the owners' gullibility when it comes to advertising. Many of them are victims of the grain-free pseudoscience. There is absolutely no truth to such marketing spiels.
Gourmet Pet Foods to Choose From
Is your pet tired of the flavorless filler you slop into their bowl? You wouldn't feed your kid gruel, so why is that what you feed your dog or cat? Just because they scarf it down doesn't mean they wouldn't prefer something better. They are a part of the family and deserve to enjoy their mealtime just like anyone else. For their health and well-being, consider some of these gourmet pet foods for your furry friends like Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Chicken Dinner with Garden Vegetables and Brown Rice Canned Dog Food. Just remember that these are for the pet and not for you.
Gourmet Dog Foods
Merrick Smothered Comfort Canned Dog Food
This canned dog food sounds more like a slow cooker recipe, made with real chicken, barley, carrots, sweet potatoes, apples, and blueberries. With no artificial colors or preservatives, this food has all the vitamins and minerals for a healthy canine diet without any filler.
Wellness CORE
Dry food does not have to be as bland as it sounds. Case in point, Wellness CORE. 100% grain-free, this best dry cat food has none of the starchy filler we have come to associate with kibble, and in its place are the meaty proteins, fruits, and veggies to pump them full of fiber and vitamins.
Nature's Variety Instinct
Another option is gourmet kibble. Nature's Variety made this dry food for every dog's well-being. This kibble is designed to meet the dietary requirements of dogs of all ages and sizes, and this kibble is even good for dogs with sensitive stomachs, built off a single protein and one hypoallergenic starch. If you are worried about getting the right food for your pup, buy a bag of Nature's Variety Instinct and worry no more.
Spot's Stew Wholesome Chicken Adult Dog Food
Made from real, high-quality ingredients, like chicken, eggs, green beans, carrots, and zucchini, this kibble is 100% gluten-free and packed full of the things your dog wants. Made without any corn, wheat, or rendered animal bits, this choice kibble is slow-cooked and quality controlled to guarantee the best dog food possible.
Gourmet Cat Foods
Natural Balance Delectable Delights Catatouille
The perfect wet cat food for your continental kitty, this handcrafted gourmet cat food will transport your cat to gay Paree. A wholesome blend of chicken, spinach, green beans, and carrots can have all the vitamins and nutrients your cat needs to stay healthy. Guaranteed to meet even the most refined palate, this delectable dish is sure to win you brownie points with your cat. Bon appetite!
Tiki Cat Tahitian Grill Canned Cat Food
This canned cat food gives your kitty a taste of the sea, containing nothing but gourmet fish. Without any filler you might find in a lesser brand, this best wet cat food have only the stuff your cat needs to live a happy, healthy life. Give your cat this low cal, no carb alternative and make every day a luau.
Stella and Chewy's Freeze-Dried Chicken
Cats never used to cook their food, so why is that what we give them? Stella and Chewy have chosen the freeze-drying process to help you give your cat raw meat that won't cost you nearly as much as buying it fresh. Give your cat the food their body is built for without breaking the bank.
Wellness Healthy Indulgence Tuna for Cats
This 100% grain-free gourmet cat food is a healthy alternative that doesn't sacrifice flavor. With a taste no cat could pass up, this slow-cooked meal has everything in it your cat wants and needs to live a happy, healthy life, like real tuna, turkey, egg whites, carrots, squash, and sweet potatoes. Try this fishy feast and watch your cat do backflips.
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