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In simple terms, natural means, “existing in or
produced by nature, without imitation or artificial ingredients.”
For pet food, this is defined as nutritional products made without
the use of artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. Today almost
all of the most well known and heavily advertised pet foods, including
many “premium” brands, use these artificial ingredients
in their formulations. These ingredients may enhance the appearance
or taste of the products, but they may not provide any nutritional
value for your dog. Most brands contain by-products
– scraps or leftovers from meat processing – which
are poor sources of essential proteins and other nutrients.
It is easy to see how confusing
this can be especially when trying to decode the ingredients list
on your dog’s food package. To help out, here’s a good
rule of thumb: if you see the word “by-product and/or don’t
recognize the items in an ingredient lists an actual vitamin, mineral,
meat or grain, be cautious. Think about it – does your dog
really need multi-colored kibbles? Of course not! The colored kibbles
are made more for entertainment purposes rather than offering additional
nutrition. And they are usually made with artificial colors.
A natural and wholesome food makes for a more satisfying meal, so
your pet will be less likely to overeat and have more energy. It will
also leave your pet with a shinier coat, brighter eyes and a greater
resistance to disease – in short, the healthiest way to go for
your pet. |
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