http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/story.html?id=b6689003-0064-471f-a202-ac809c106930&p=2
Rachel Naud, For Neighbours
Published: Thursday, May 29, 2008
The spring of 2007 was pivotal for the pet food industry.
As hundreds of dogs and cats died from kidney failure caused by eating tainted pet food, owners scrambled to ensure they were providing the best and safest fare for their animals.
It sparked an increased interest in healthy pet food alternatives, as owners grew wary of the kibble found on grocery store shelves.
But the recall wasn't the only factor in the rush to healthy fare for Fido -- in fact, as more people explored the organic route for their own health, they asked: why not bring the pet along on this journey to healthier living?
"People realize what an impact eating fresh foods makes in their own lives and are realizing that our pets are meant to eat fresh foods as well," says Jody Zesko, owner of Calgary-based Healthy Hounds. "Pets are family members. We want them to live the longest, healthiest life possible and we can help accomplish this by feeding pets natural fresh foods full of enzymes and that are free from chemicals."
When selecting a healthy food for your pet, Zesko advises to search main ingredients derived from animal protein as opposed to plant protein.
For instance, ingredients such as chicken, lamb and turkey should all appear before grains.
"Ingredients are listed on the package by weight," says Zesko. "Companies can make it look like their food contains a lot of animal protein when, in fact, the protein comes more from grains and grain fractions."
Ingredients to avoid when searching for healthy pet fare are items such as meat meal or animal fat.
"You have no idea what kind of meat this is," says Zesko. "You should know if it comes from chicken, turkey or lamb."
It's also important to avoid artificial colourings, flavours and preservatives such as BHT/BHA and propylene glycol. And because many dogs are sensitive to wheat, corn and soy, it's also wise to avoid pet foods made with gluten, digests and byproducts.
Calgary-based store Pet Planet is promoting healthy pet food with its newly launched campaign; I don't do grocery (idontdogrocery.com).
"We just explain the difference between grocery store food and premium food," says Sally Kananen, corporate operations manager for Pet Planet. "It's really important when deciding whether a food is premium or not because grocery store food may read similarly to a premium food but there are significant differences.
"In grocery store foods, you'll see human-grade meat and byproducts instead of human-grade meat and fruits and vegetables."
Kananen says although a bag of premium healthy pet food may be more expensive, it actually saves owners money in the long run.
She says grocery store pet food may be chock-full of empty calories found in byproducts and fillers, so pets need to eat more of it.
However, one cup of premium food will equal two cups of lower-quality food.
"So to look at it, you would think it would be more expensive but in the end, it saves you money and you have a healthier pet for it," she says.
- - -
Choices for Healthy Pet Fare
When it comes to healthy pet food, there are plenty of options. Here are just a few:
Healthy Hounds primarily sells raw, frozen natural diets from Canadian manufacturers. However, for those who don't want to adopt the raw food diet, dehydrated food is another excellent choice. "Dehydrated food comes in chicken, wild salmon and buffalo," says Zesko. "Simply add some warm water to rehydrate."
Kananen says popular health-conscious food also includes fare made by Eagle Pack, Horizon and Go Natural. And for owners who want to reward their pets with healthy treats, Darford Certified Organic Dog Biscuits and Waggers Original Dog Treats and Champion Chips make for nutritious, delicious pet snacks.
Rachel Naud, For Neighbours
Published: Thursday, May 29, 2008
The spring of 2007 was pivotal for the pet food industry.
As hundreds of dogs and cats died from kidney failure caused by eating tainted pet food, owners scrambled to ensure they were providing the best and safest fare for their animals.
It sparked an increased interest in healthy pet food alternatives, as owners grew wary of the kibble found on grocery store shelves.
But the recall wasn't the only factor in the rush to healthy fare for Fido -- in fact, as more people explored the organic route for their own health, they asked: why not bring the pet along on this journey to healthier living?
"People realize what an impact eating fresh foods makes in their own lives and are realizing that our pets are meant to eat fresh foods as well," says Jody Zesko, owner of Calgary-based Healthy Hounds. "Pets are family members. We want them to live the longest, healthiest life possible and we can help accomplish this by feeding pets natural fresh foods full of enzymes and that are free from chemicals."
When selecting a healthy food for your pet, Zesko advises to search main ingredients derived from animal protein as opposed to plant protein.
For instance, ingredients such as chicken, lamb and turkey should all appear before grains.
"Ingredients are listed on the package by weight," says Zesko. "Companies can make it look like their food contains a lot of animal protein when, in fact, the protein comes more from grains and grain fractions."
Ingredients to avoid when searching for healthy pet fare are items such as meat meal or animal fat.
"You have no idea what kind of meat this is," says Zesko. "You should know if it comes from chicken, turkey or lamb."
It's also important to avoid artificial colourings, flavours and preservatives such as BHT/BHA and propylene glycol. And because many dogs are sensitive to wheat, corn and soy, it's also wise to avoid pet foods made with gluten, digests and byproducts.
Calgary-based store Pet Planet is promoting healthy pet food with its newly launched campaign; I don't do grocery (idontdogrocery.com).
"We just explain the difference between grocery store food and premium food," says Sally Kananen, corporate operations manager for Pet Planet. "It's really important when deciding whether a food is premium or not because grocery store food may read similarly to a premium food but there are significant differences.
"In grocery store foods, you'll see human-grade meat and byproducts instead of human-grade meat and fruits and vegetables."
Kananen says although a bag of premium healthy pet food may be more expensive, it actually saves owners money in the long run.
She says grocery store pet food may be chock-full of empty calories found in byproducts and fillers, so pets need to eat more of it.
However, one cup of premium food will equal two cups of lower-quality food.
"So to look at it, you would think it would be more expensive but in the end, it saves you money and you have a healthier pet for it," she says.
- - -
Choices for Healthy Pet Fare
When it comes to healthy pet food, there are plenty of options. Here are just a few:
Healthy Hounds primarily sells raw, frozen natural diets from Canadian manufacturers. However, for those who don't want to adopt the raw food diet, dehydrated food is another excellent choice. "Dehydrated food comes in chicken, wild salmon and buffalo," says Zesko. "Simply add some warm water to rehydrate."
Kananen says popular health-conscious food also includes fare made by Eagle Pack, Horizon and Go Natural. And for owners who want to reward their pets with healthy treats, Darford Certified Organic Dog Biscuits and Waggers Original Dog Treats and Champion Chips make for nutritious, delicious pet snacks.
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