Why Natural Dog Food is Better Than Commercial Brands
As humans begin to adopt new-age diets that advertise
weight-loss miracles and improvements to heart health, man's best
friend has begun to experience the same benefits.
Natural dog foods and
supplements have made their way into homes that aim to enhance
common canine ailments like arthritis.AL.com reported that the city
of Homewood, Alabama, is going to be providing its furry friends
with a different kind of pet store. Called the Whole Dog Market,
the store is set to open its doors at the end of September. It'll
display organic and all-natural pet foods,
leashes, collars, and other accessories that were made in
either Canada or the U.S.The shop will also boast two dog-washing
stations that use natural shampoos and grooming products. Awash,
including the tub, cleaning materials, tools, hairdryer, and
towels, will cost $15. It's one of the first offerings of its kind
in Jefferson County."It's great. You can close the door, bathe your
dog, talk to your dog, groom and dry your dog and then pick out
some treats and head home together," said William Finney, co-owner
of Whole Dog Market, quoted by AL.com.The store stands at 1,500
square feet, which is considerably smaller than leading national
pet chains. Whole Dog Market also plans to give back to the
community by hosting fundraising events with their dog-wash
stations. All of the proceeds will be donated to local charities
throughout the year. Whole Dog Market's location isn't the home
shop, as its Atlanta-based stores have been in operation since
2005. It was originally started by Finney's aunt, Jean Finney, and
has two locations in Atlanta and one in South Portland, Maine. When
coordinating fundraisers, the launch markets have donated more than
$300,000 per year. Organic dog food has made waves among pet
owners, but not everyone has jumped on board with the craze.
However, knowing the added benefits could get more dog parents to
start feeding their canines the right, all-natural meals to improve
their health.
What are the benefits of natural dog food?
According to Abe's Market, owners who feed their
pets commercial dog food are essentially
supplying them with the canine equivalent of fast food. The
ingredients aren't as wholesome as natural foods, being chock-full
of preservatives that can do damage to your dog's body. Replacing
your pooch's meals with something more natural can have numerous
benefits to his health. Here are three ways natural foods can
improve your dog's well-being.
- Stronger immune system: Organic Authority
explained that organic pet food is commonly
recommended by veterinarians because it's more nutritionally
complete than grocery store brands. With better value and nutrients
than leading foods, natural dog meals are more digestible for
canines. This means their bodies can absorb the nutrients, leading
to a stronger immune system that they can maintain with every
meal. In turn, owners can save money by having to make fewer
vet appointments for costly infections and illnesses that require
professional care.
- No by-products: If you look at the ingredient
list on your canine's food, chances are it's full of animal by-products and unhealthy
fillers like ground corn and corn gluten, according to Angie's
List. It's important that pet parents take the time to research
what's in the meals they're feeding their furry friends to become
more aware of the damage they can do. The next time you get ready
to purchase a new bag, look for all-natural foods without
artificial flavorings and preservatives. Instead, you want
high-quality ingredients like chicken, fish, and eggs. If you need
further guidance, talk to your veterinarian about what's best for
your dog.
- Save money: Angie's List pointed out that, at
first glance, organic foods may have higher price tags than
traditional bags but might cost less in the long run. Because
they're packed with healthier ingredients, your dog will be able to
eat less food per serving and still obtain the necessary nutrients
for a stronger immune system and body. Owners won't need to
constantly replenish their supplies and will begin to see
significant savings over time.
While the Whole Dog Market might be convenient for Alabama
residents, it can't beat the advantages of signing up
for PetPlus. Members get direct access to hundreds
of natural dog foods and
supplements at affordable prices without needing to leave the
comfort of their homes.
PetPlus provides a 25 percent discount from
over 4,000 veterinary clinics around the U.S., producing immediate
savings for pet parents. Sign up and see why it's the only place
you need to shop for all of your dog's needs!
Super Bowl No-no Foods for Dogs and Cats
Super Bowl XLVIII is almost here!
Chances are you have plans to watch the big game, and whether
you are tuning in to see two titans of football clash in a
spectacular finale to a remarkable season, or for the high-budget
and often hilarious ads that major corporations will be running
during the game (and probably for the rest of 2014), you know
that the snacks will be
a-flowin'.
Chips, dip, wings, brews, soda -- all sorts of yummy finger
foods and refreshing beverages. But be aware, for our dogs and
cats, many of these snacks can be quite dangerous.
RELATED STORY: The Most Poisonous Foods for Dogs
Alcohol
Beer is a crucial component of many peopleโs Super Bowl Sunday,
but for our furrier friends, this type of foamy, cool refreshment
should be avoided at all costs. A cat or dog's liver is not able to effectively metabolize
alcohol, making them very susceptible to alcohol poisoning.
Chocolate
If you are having any cookies, trail mix, or candy at your
party, donโt share any with your pet. Chocolate contains
theobromine, which is poisonous to pets. Also, chocolate contains
caffeine, which has a much more concentrated effect on pets and
can seriously affect their
heart.
Soda
Sugar, caffeine, and carbonation -- sweet deliciousness to us,
but for a dog or cat it can cause some serious health problems. Pets do not ever need
to consume anything with sugar in it, and if they do, it can cause
health complications. The caffeine in soda, as mentioned above, is
bad for their heart.
Guacamole
This wonderful dip is likely to make an appearance at your Super
Bowl party, but the bowl should be carefully watched, as it
contains a few things that can ruin your petโs day. There are
plenty of fruits and veggies that are
great for pets, but avocado, while not incredibly poisonous, is
not good for pets either. The more likely culprits are onions and
garlic, which are very dangerous to pets. So guac is a no-go.
Wings
Everybody loves wings -- theyโre finger-licking good! However,
thanks to the tiny, brittle, and easily-swallowed bones at their
core, these scrumptious snacks are best left for human guests. Bone
shards can cause choking and damage to a pet's digestive system.
Good thing our pets donโt have fingers to lick!
For a better idea of what foods are alright for your pets, check
out our helpful video.
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