The Natual Way is
the Actual Way!
(from the July 2004 issue of  the HealthyPetNet News)

Spring and Summer is that time of year that explodes with the birth of the kittens and puppies.   Next to the holiday season, it's the time of year when many people decide to bring a new pet into their home.

It's time for their clumsy skittering across our kitchen floors and an unfortunate influx of hungry cries on America's streets and alleyways.

According to the American Humane Association, 64% of animals that enter shelters in the United States are euthanized, which equals 2.7 million in a national survey which involved 1,000 shelters. Sadly, about 20% more cats tend to be euthanized than dogs because cats are more likely to enter a shelter without owner identification.

Some pets are lucky. They are raised in a loving environment with careful attention to their health. Since most Americans are more concerned about our health than we've ever been, we should have equal concern for our pets ... especially regarding the ingredients in their food.

In theory, we would want the ingredients in our pets' food to be acceptable for human consumption. If byproducts are no longer tolerated in our food, why should they be tolerated in our pets' food? We're also starting to realize that our pets need daily supplements just like we do, in order to take care of their bodies for the inevitable woes of aging.

In the span of an animal's life, an early start at good health ensures less vulnerability to degenerative diseases, joints that are less likely to creak with pain and a healthier heart. We love our pets and we want them to live with us for as long as possible. That's why we are dedicating this month's issue of the HealthyPetNet News to the holistic care of pets starting from puppy and kittenhood onto adulthood, covering things from feeding to ear cleaning and grooming.  Even if your pet is not an infant, it's not too late! Hop on the HealthyPetNet wagon and come along for the ride!

HealthyPetNet is dedicated to the optimal care of dogs and cats. All products are formulated by Dr. Jane Bicks, a highly respected and nationally recognized holistic veterinarian.

She formulates products to help support the body's natural defenses in order to encourage good health and discourage illness. Dr. Bicks reminds us that a family veterinarian is the other part of the wellness package.  HealthyPetNet products are in no way formulated to tackle a sick dog or cat that should be seen by their vets. HPN knows that through a healthy eating regimen, a good maintenance system and a healthy lifestyle, many health concerns don't have to manifest into the painful reality of illness.

The Food Factor

The very first thing we usually encounter as new pet owners is the issue of food. What should we snatch off the shelves and what should we run away from? Introducing a young animal to the world of food should be a very delicate and sensitive process. We must monitor closely how much food we give our new pet versus how much they are eating. We should be stringent about how quickly we increase the amount of food because we always run the risk of overfeeding.

It's also important to be weary of dyes, chemicals, artificial preservatives as much as possible. For example, BHA -- one of the most common synthetic antioxidant preservatives mainly used to prevent food discoloration and rancidity -- has been found in scientific studies to cause stomach cancer in lab rats at certain doses. In lesser doses, the preservative doesn't have a cancerous effect but there is no telling what BHA can do to the body in small doses over long periods of time.

Protein is crucial in a pet's natural development.  Look for foods with whole ingredients such as meat, eggs, fish and dairy rather than byproducts.

Unbleached rice is also one of the most digestible carbohydrates and supplies a wonderful source of energy for your pet. Corn and wheat, on the other hand, are much harder to digest. It's also a really good idea to look for antioxidants. In recent years, we have become much more conscious of our antioxidant intake, so why shouldn't we have the same attitude towards our pets? Free radicals also wage war on their bodies so let's fight off those rascals so that we can all live longer together!

HealthyPetNet’s Life Abundance is easily digestible for both dogs and cats and it is formulated with all of these things in mind. Life’s Abundance foods contain no corn and wheat, no dairy, no artificial colors or flavors and no added chemical preservatives.

Order Life's Abundance Pet Food from one of the following resources: Dog Food Zone Cat Food Zone HealthyPetNet

It utilizes all whole-ingredients as opposed to eyebrow-raising byproducts. It’s comprised of quality chicken meal, egg, chicken liver meal, herring meal and turkey meal, all coming straight from a human processing plant. After all, our pets don’t deserve less quality foods than we do. Also, Life Abundance is dense with vitamins, nutrients, fatty acids and antioxidants extracted from the inside of seeds. It’s a great way to start out your pet’s eating life. A healthy food means a hearty immune system, healthy bones, and healthy skin and coat.

Chapter 2:  The Ear Police

©Pet Articles 2004 - 2006
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