The Problem with Processed Pet Food

 

In the last 50 years, as the commercial pet food industry has grown, veterinarians have reported the rise of diet related illnesses such as gastric diseases, skin diseases and allergies.  Studies have also shown processed foods to be a factor in increasing numbers of pets suffering from cancer, arthritis, obesity, dental disease and heart disease. 

 

Dr. Donald Strombeck, author of Home-Prepared Dog and Cat Diets, is a leading expert on dog nutrition and health and states in his book, “Adequate and balanced nutrition is necessary for all life’s well-being.  Inadequate nutrition produces many disease conditions and can shorten life expectancy.”

 

Processed commercial food does not promote the maximum health and well being of our pets. It often does not provide balanced nutrition, uses poor quality ingredients, and contains harmful chemicals and preservatives.

 

Ingredients of Typical Pet Food

 

Over 95% of commercial pet food manufacturers use pet-grade meats, grains, and other ingredients that have been deemed unfit for human consumption by the FDA. 

 

Pet-grade meat and by-products come from animals that arrive at the slaughterhouse dead, dying, diseased or disabled.  The meat and by-products are often laced with potentially harmful chemicals such as hormones and antibiotics.

 

The quality of the grains used is usually very poor, and includes those which are moldy, rancid or contaminated.  Dogs and cats are not able to completely digest corn, so its nutritional value is low, and many animals are allergic to corn and wheat. We have also learned that many animals are allergic to chicken.

 

Chemicals and additives are used to improve appearance or prolong shelf life. No formal studies have been done on the consequences of long term consumption of these additives, but many experts believe that this build up of toxins is related to the rise of diseases such as cancer in dogs and cats.

 

Benefits of Fresh Food

 

Nutrition is the foundation of good health for dogs and cats.  The best diet for your pet is one that consists of a variety of fresh, whole foods enhanced with supplements, when necessary, to promote optimal health, prevent disease or to address health issues.

Fresh food contains enzymes, probiotics, antioxidants and vitamins and minerals in their most natural state.  The fresher the food, the more digestible the nutrients in that food will be.  Vitality Vittles uses the freshest ingredients and no processing (except for the chopping/mincing we do of the ingredients), which means the enzymes, antioxidants, probiotics, vitamins and minerals are intact and digestible.

In addition to our Standard and Optimum Nutrition formulas, we also can work with you and your Veterinarian to create a Custom Nutrition formula for your pet’s specific nutrition needs and considerations for food allergies.

Pets being served the fresh wholesome Vitality Vittles meals on average have cleaner teeth, fresher smelling breath, lustrous coats, more energy, lower stool volume, and reduction in allergies. 

Vitality Vittles is the perfect way to ensure that your pet’s diet meets these standards for the greatest health and wellbeing of your best friend!

Statistics

• Of the dogs who are diagnosed with a condition that could be helped with a therapeutic diet, 93% of them have either never received a nutritional recommendation of are not on the product for an appropriate period of time.  (AAHA 2003 Pet Owner Survey)

• Recent studies indicate that 25%-40% of dogs in the US are overweight. (AVMA 2002 US Pet Ownership Sourcebook)

• Allergies in dogs have increased by 40% since 1950.  (Strombeck, D. Home Prepared Dog & Cat Diets)

• Gastrointestinal diseases account for 35% of problems seen in dogs, and the number of cases seen by vets each year has increased by 50% since 1950. (Strombeck, D. Home Prepared Dog & Cat Diets)

 

 

Disclaimer: Vitality Gourmet cannot guarantee your pet will achieve optimum health from Vitality Vittles meals; results vary from each dog/cat. Vitality Vittles is not intended for puppies/kitties under the age of six months. It is also not intended for pets under the age of two, unless you are supplementing with premium “hard” food to strengthen their teeth and gums. Please introduce Vitality Vittles meals slowly, since an immediate change from “hard” food to a fresh natural diet could initially create loose stool, diarrhea or possibly vomiting or spit up for a couple of weeks.  Add a small amount of quality hard pet food and healthy snacks between meals.  Be sure to provide fresh filtered water throughout the day.  Our incorporated name is Wellness Alliance Network, Inc. and operates as a dba: Vitality Gourmet.