(the blue underline links are direct links...just click on them to be directed to that page)
We love our pets, right? I hear daily stories from you all, I receive fun stories and videos via email about adorable animals, and I am saddened as well when I hear someone lost their beloved four-legged friend. The pet industry is no longer about "just a dog" - it's now, "Meet Schnookums, he's our 'child' - he sleeps on our bed and we take him everywhere and we take him to the best doggy daycare and we would do anything for him..." because we realize there is more to them that just a body with no thoughts or emotions. They do have thoughts, they do have emotions and they are quite entertaining!
In the past couple of years we have been learning so much about nutrition: for humans and animals, and in recent weeks I've become increasingly frustrated with the realization that not a whole lot of thought goes into what we're feeding our pets.
But it's not just our fault - we're being told these foods are "good" for our pets by brands that we've always thought are "good" so we think we're doing what's best for them. These companies are doing what they're supposed to do. Pull at our heartstrings to buy their brand - that's business. I completely understand and was in the same thought process not long ago.
[I will refrain from using actual brands that I have heard are not "good" - you do your own research there - I'll supply a reading list]
We have no idea what we're doing. Do some research - you'll find out A LOT. Pets are coming out with all sorts of diseases, skin issues, cancers and more. Do you ever wonder why?
As far as animals go, it's not just buy a bag of your basic store brand cat or dog food or even sweet feed for your horses. There's so much more included and so much more you should know about the foods that are being offered "with essential vitamins and minerals."
Did you know that most of the dog and cat food brands that you purchase for your pets contain animal by-products and rendered animals. Do you know what "rendered animals" are? Do you know that much of those products have (wheat) gluten and corn? Doesn't sound so bad, right? Corn, wheat = healthy. NOT for dogs and cats. Do you know what and how many chemicals go into producing the food and the final product?
What do dogs and cats naturally eat and need? Wet food = meat. And not wet, canned food with gravy (gravy has wheat gluten). Read the labels. Just like our own human foods, we should be reading the labels.
Sweet Feeds for horses. What's in "sweet feed"? Sugar. Horses don't need the amounts of sugar in these feeds. I'm sure they like them and they taste better. I'd rather have sugar too if you're going to offer it to me but I should be eating way less. Sugar can aid in all sorts of tummy and immune system upsets. Just read up. They didn't eat bottles of molasses out in the wild did they? A great addition: Free Choice Minerals - NOT the salt blocks. Dynamite has a great system but I know there are more out there. I can scan a great article and email it over if you'd like it.
We don't even blink before administering wormers and vaccines - we don't even ask if it's actually needed. Do you know what they do to their systems? Here's just one article on worming: http://www.holistichorse.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=374:wormers-toxic-reaction-a-natural-alternatives-&catid=67:sharis-healthy-horse-hints&Itemid=127
We (humans) are using so many vaccines, medicines, and pain killers for ourselves and our pets but we are not supporting our natural systems at the same time. If we're not supporting our/their immune systems, how are we expecting to stay healthy?
Our physical bodies are amazing. Why are we not supporting them to do what they do best? Instead we're bombarding them with all sorts of things it does not want and need. I'm guilty of it too, and am taking steps to change that each day. Some days I slip but I keep moving forward.
Read up, become informed, and take action. You don't have to go all out, and I don't expect you to, just do the best you can - even small changes can make a big difference and your pet will thank you for it.
Here are some things that are great to supplement your pet's feeds:
Probiotics. I cannot stress this enough. We should be taking it, dogs, cats, horses. Probiotics help to strengthen the immune system and the flora in the gut. If your gut, your stomach, is not healthy, then your immune system won't be either. Skin issues - in my experience [see suggested reading/contacts] - start with the stomach. "What are you feeding your pet?," is the first thing I hear my friend Alecia say and now that I know more, that's the first thing I say, too! Balance the gut, and I'll almost bet the skin issue will clear up. Areyou or your animal taking antibiotics? Antibiotics kill all of the "bugs" good and bad in your system - take a probiotic to bring back the good stuff.
*Side note: I loooovvee that large pharmacy's are now giving away antiobiotics [insert sarcasm here]
Acupressure, Acupuncture, Reiki, Massage, Chiropractic - I've seen amazing results first-hand. (For those of you that don't know, when I was 17, I became a certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist and will be taking classes in Reiki soon)
Suggesting Reading/Contacts/Links/etc:
Alecia Evans: 5 Weeks to Wellness for Pets
*Alecia offers an incredible class but is also available for one-on-one (phone if need-be) consultations with individualized nutrition and supplement for your pet. I recommend her 150%. Absolutely. Also email her to sign up for her monthly newsletter - it has great tips! For those in the Northern/Central area, I can bring Alecia in for workshops if I can get enough interested.....
Dynamite Specialty Products
*Mike now distributes for Dynamite because we were blown away with the results we saw in our own animal's lives. Dynamite carries supplements for all sorts of needs: minerals, joints, immune support, and more (they have stuff for humans, too). I have our own personal testimonials at: http://www.mjmphotography.biz/ - go into the photography page, then galleries, then Dynamite Testimonials. For Mike's site go to: www.dynamiteonline.com/michaelpeterson
The Nature of Animal Healing : The Definitive Holistic Medicine Guide to Caring for Your Dog and Cat by Martin Goldstein D.V.M - a great book and I'm only on Chapter 4! (www.drmarty.com/drmartybook.htm )
Did you know that some behavioral issues with pets might be because they don't feel well? I get cranky when I don't feel well. Have you ever tried Bach Flower Essences? They're all natural and you can use them for you, your kids, and your animals. I've seen amazing first-hand results. (http://www.bachflower.com/)
Equine Wellness Magazine
Animal Wellness Magazine
Holistic Horse Magazine
Hilton Herbs (for canine and equine)
This is only touching on the very tip of the iceberg. Read up and ask the professionals listed above (and others you might find or email me and I'll give you some more). I have a whole binder with articles related to a natural approach that I've put together. Ask me and I'll send the info right over.
So, yes, this was long and thank you for your time. I know the economy is rocky but wouldn't you rather spend money on preventative maintenance on your pets (you, your kids) with great food and supplements than those high vet bills? I would (and do). They know what they need, we just have to offer them the choice.
Have a wonderful week...
*Molly :)
(I'll post more of a personal update soon but I just had to get this out)
