Tips for Selecting a Pet Food to Help Prevent Health Issues

There is a growing popularity of special diets for pets designed to prevent common health problems. Since nutrition contributes significantly to the health of pets, one can see why pet parents might be drawn to special diets to prevent specific health issues. However, by taking a broader approach to overall pet health, instead of focusing on any one issue, pet parents can help their dogs and cats avoid many potential health problems and enjoy a longer, more active life. 

Whole Foods May Reduce Health Risks in Pets

Health-conscious consumers know that eating whole foods and avoiding highly processed foods are good strategies for optimal health. The same is true for our pets. “Whole vegetables, like pumpkin, broccoli, spinach and carrots are going to provide quality nutrition that the dog’s body can actually utilize for optimal health and strength,” says Tracie Hotchner, author of The Dog Bible.¹

In addition, pet diets that contain fruits and vegetables can be protective to health. These whole foods are thought to help in reducing the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and some cancers. They are also low in calories, which helps prevent obesity², another health risk common in pets. Selecting a pet food with lots of whole fruits and vegetables can help your cat or dog stay healthy in several key areas.

Chemical-free Foods Recommended to Help Prevent Cancer in Pets

Cancer is all too common in pets. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce your dog or cats risk of developing this often-deadly disease. Experts recommend “feeding your dog a healthy diet free from artificial preservatives, artificial flavors, and dyes.³” But these are not the only chemicals found in pet foods.

Chemically-synthesized vitamins and minerals are added to nearly all commercial pet foods, and these man-made nutrients often contain unwanted and potentially toxic ingredients.  Studies by the U.S. National Cancer Institute have shown a relationship between vitamin supplements and cancer in humans, and so the agency does not recommend them.  Pets are exposed to these same substances when they consume a pet food containing “added vitamins and minerals.” When consumers see this phrase on pet food labels, it tells them that the added vitamins and minerals are man-made, or chemically-synthesized, and have potential toxicities associated with them.4 Selecting a pet food that is free of chemicals of any kind further broadens the preventative health benefits for your cat or dog.

Example: Urinary Health in Cats May Not Require Special Food

Urinary problems can be common in cats and so some pet food companies are marketing special formulas designed to address these issues. Again, if pet parents think about overall health and select a high quality food, they will not need the special urinary health pet food. The same whole food, chemical-free formulas that help to prevent heart disease, stroke and cancer will also help your cat’s urinary health. You may just want to choose the canned form of these healthy pet foods.

Canned pet foods have much higher moisture content, usually 75%-78%, than dry foods which contain only around 10-12% moisture. This is why canned-food diets are often supplemented with the more nutrient-dense, dry pet foods. For cats predisposed to urethral blockage, a diet consisting exclusively of dry food may not be the best choice. Feeding canned food will increase the water your cat consumes, helping to prevent future urinary problems.  

Researchers have also found that a cat’s urine pH is an important contributing factor to the occurrence of urinary obstruction in cats. Mineral deposits and crystals are less likely to be formed in more acidic urine. A diet high in animal protein, as is biologically-appropriate for cats, naturally acidifies urine.5 Selecting a pet food rich in whole foods, without chemicals, and high in protein provides optimal nutrition and helps prevent many potential health problems, including urinary issues in cats.

One Healthy Pet Food Can Do it All

Taking a broader approach to pet wellness by selecting a pet food that provides optimal overall nutrition may be the best way to prevent health problems in your pet. Nature’s Logic makes the only full-line of raw, canned and dry commercial pet food with no chemically-synthesized vitamins, minerals or other nutrients. Our high-protein, low carbohydrate diets are made only from whole foods and 100% natural ingredients. For more information please visitwww.natureslogic.com.