In recent years, some adults have readily adopted a holistic diet to live a healthier lifestyle and now we've discovered it's beneficial for pets too. According to Pet Product News, holistic pet food sales reached $15 billion in 2008, and when prepared properly a holistic diet can improve a dog's health, behavior, longevity, and temperament.
Mark Poveromo, founder and owner of the holistic pet food retailer, Thomaston Feed, believes nutrition is the foundation of a dog's health. In his new book, To Your Dog's Health! Canine Nutrition and Recent Trends Within the Pet Food Industry, he explains how a holistic diet does not negate the importance of vet visits, but it keeps them to a minimum. His new book outlines the pros and cons of a raw food diet. By implementing this diet, dog owners can eliminate or decrease the need for vaccines, flea-tick medicine, and heartworm treatment. He even outlines specific diets for dogs with cancer and kidney disease. In To Your Dog's Health! Mark explains:
- Which brands -- even super premium ones -- are lacking nutrients.
- What to look for when reading dog food labels.
- Which processed dog foods are okay to use.
- When it's time to change your dog's diet.
- Why homemade cooking is the best thing for your dog.
- How to transition from one diet to another.
- How to add enzymes – nature's catalyst – to your dog's diet.
Mark emphasizes that all foods are not created equal nor are they digested equally, which impacts a dog's health. Additionally, most pet foods are fried or baked at such high temperatures that the good parts are destroyed – vitamins, minerals, good bacteria.
So why is good food for dogs hard to find? "The national pet store chains tend to sell only the big four manufacturers: Eukanuba, Nutro, Purina, and Science Diet," says Mark. "That's because the multitude of pet food manufacturers makes it unfeasible for many stores to carry all of the products that are obtainable. Suffice it to say, however, that the best foods are found on the shelves of your independent dog and food retailer. Thankfully, at those independents you can become educated as to the foods and supplements that will give your much-loved pets the best nutrition."
When it comes to educating dog owners on proper nutrition for dogs, Mark makes it clear there is a choice involved as well – your wallet or your pet. "There's no question a proper, balanced diet for your dog takes more money and more time to prepare," says Mark, "but your Fido should be worth it."
