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Healthy Fast Food for Pets
Have you heard the saying 'we are what we eat', and if it is the case, then it is no wonder that our loyal companions are suffering from such a variety of acute and chronic health complaints.
Can you live on take away food your whole life? Some animals have never eaten any fresh food, living on processed foods totally. It is certainly possible to do, but you could not expect to be feeling great all the time on this type of food, and it is unlikely that you would live to a grand old age. Health authorities all agree that we need to eat fresh food for good health and longevity.
Processed food for dogs and cats certainly is convenient, but at what cost, does this time saving practice have for your pet's health? The argument between the ideal food for dogs and cats which is real meat & bones, etc or processed dry or tinned food is much like the question of ideal food for babies (human breast-milk or baby formula?). We have realised there is no further argument on the latter and in time, we will realise the mistaken beliefs for our pets also.
Animals do suffer from similar ailments to humans, such as headaches, nausea, tummy upsets, etc, but they will rarely show it. Animals never complain and if they seem a little off-colour, or sore, then you can be sure they really are feeling pretty bad. I have known of dogs with broken bones still trying to fetch a ball. Just because they don't complain, does not mean we should not consider their health overall.
Why wait until they have a more serious illness, before making the change to a healthier lifestyle. It is only when the animal has been on a healthier diet for a few weeks, that you can generally notice how much more alive they seem, because they are feeling so much better.
It takes only a few seconds to empty some dry biscuits into a bowl, or about a minute, to open a can and tip it into their dish, but to prepare healthy food for your best friend need not be time consuming either.
One of the most common comments people make when a natural diet is suggested for their animal, is "they don't have time to prepare special meals for their animals".
Time is a big factor in many people's lives these days, as most people do not have the time to prepare healthy meals for themselves, let alone the dog! So by simply getting yourself organised in advance, it should not take more than a couple of minutes to prepare highly nutritious food for your dog each day.
There are a few options depending on the amount of animals in your household, and the amount of freezer space you have available.
The basis of a healthy diet for an adult dog or cat should consist of fresh raw meat and bones with vegetables. Small amounts of whole grains may be given also, but this is not essential. A good nutritional supplement blend should be added for additional vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids.
For the vegetables, it is a good idea to keep a container in the fridge to put any off-cuts or old vegies. Use carrot and zucchini tops, broccoli or cauliflower stems or outer leaves, sweet potatoes, or whatever is available, including any fruit that is bruised or over ripe such as apples or pears.
If you have a small dog or cat, then it is generally easier to prepare meals for the week in one go and freeze in daily portions. Simply remove the following days meal and place in the fridge to defrost, so that it is ready to serve at the required mealtime.
For larger dogs, or multiple dog households, then you can either prepare fresh each day or in advance if freezer space is available.
Preparing a Diet (as above)
If you have a food processor, then process all the vegetables until finely minced (grating is too coarse and will usually come out undigested in droppings).
If you do not have a food processor, you may lightly steam the vegies and mash before mixing with the meat. Raw food is always preferable to cooked however.
Buy a weeks supply of meat and bones from your butcher or pet meat supplier. All meat should be preservative-free, and chicken should be free-range due to the high levels of antibiotics, etc in commercial poultry. If fresh or frozen rabbit is available from your butcher, this is an excellent food for dogs or cats. Feed whole for large dogs or chop into sections for smaller dogs.
You may also purchase some extra vegies if you don't keep enough in the fridge at home.
Once you have all the ingredients on hand then it is quite simple to prepare.
It takes less than two minutes to place some vegies into the food processor, give a quick burr, add a little meat, whiz again, place into bowl, add a bone and serve. (Supplement powder may also be sprinkled over the top)
For the amount of time it takes to make yourself a cuppa, you can prepare wholesome food for your dog or cat, and less time if you prepare a weeks supply in advance.
To make up one weeks supply, simply process the weeks supply of vegetables with some meat and divide into seven portions into bags and freeze.
If you normally feed breakfast to your pet, then try giving soaked rolled oats to soften and spoon into bowl with a spoonful of natural yoghurt or beaten egg, or give a meaty bone to chew on while you are at work.
Our pets do not ask for much in return for all the love and friendship they give us, so allow two minutes a day to give your best friend the healthy life they deserve, so they can feel good all the time and live a long and happy life. Nature has provided for all species and canines or felines are no exception to this.
This Web site is intended for Australian residents and is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Information and interactions contained in this Web site are for information purposes only and are not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Further, the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information available on this Web site cannot be guaranteed. Lifestyle Home Services, Its Affiliates or agents do not accept any liability for any injury, loss or damage incurred by use of or reliance on the information made available via or through this Website whether arising from negligence or otherwise.
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