*Waving my Magic 8-Ball*..... "Signs point to YES!"
There are many things that can cause your dog to get cancer including but not limited to: genetics, infection, inflammation, hormones, environment, oral care etc etc. Being a very over analytical person (female), I can't help but try to figure out where I went wrong and how I can help. Sure there are things that are completely out of our control, but there are a few that are in your control and diet is definitely one of them.
Interestingly enough, cancer in both people and pets has risen in tandem with the rise in processed foods eaten by both. Now while you have the ability to make your own decisions and put whatever you want in your own body, your dog doesn't have that luxury. Try to make an informed decision for him\her and do a little research. Read the ingredients and look them up if you dare, chances are if the word is too big for you to pronounce there's a chance it's not good for them.
This was a fun article to read:
http://www.dogfoodproject.com/index.php?page=badingredients
My favorites are:
Propylene Glycol - used in antifreeze solutions, in hydraulic fluids, and as a solvent (Yum!)
Blue 2 (artificial color) - The largest study suggested, but did not prove, that this dye caused brain tumors in male mice. The FDA concluded that there is "reasonable certainty of no harm". (Sign me up!)
Cellulose - Dried wood is the most common source for cellulose. It is cleaned, processed into a fine powder and used to add bulk and consistency to cheap pet foods. (The store is closed, feed your dog wood!)
Chicken Byproduct Meal - Chicken byproducts are much less expensive and less digestible than the chicken muscle meat.The ingredients of each batch can vary drastically in ingredients (heads, feet, bones etc.) as well as quality, thus the nutritional value is also not consistent. Don't forget that byproducts consist of any parts of the animal OTHER than meat. (Seriously?)
I know that buying dog food from the supermarket is cheap and extremely convenient, but SPAM is also cheap and convenient and you wouldn't eat that everyday!
This is a good website to rate your dog's food:
http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/
Dry dog foods I've read that are really great are: Blue Buffalo, Evo, Innova, Orijen, and Taste of the Wild. Most dog food companies are coming out with a no-grain line, I can't help but feel that trend has something to do with overall animal health.
I recently switched Lexy to Evo Weight Management Formula because it's very high in protein and that is suppose to be good for dogs with cancer. (more on dog cancer diets to come)
I understand that some of these food may be out of your price range, but you know, animals are not cheap... and honestly if you can't afford at least a good kibble for your dog... maybe you shouldn't have one. Just my opinion, take it or leave it.
If you want them to be healthy when they are old, you should try to start when they are little. Yes, this is little Lexy!
Lexy goes for her Oncology visit tomorrow, wish her luck!
There are many things that can cause your dog to get cancer including but not limited to: genetics, infection, inflammation, hormones, environment, oral care etc etc. Being a very over analytical person (female), I can't help but try to figure out where I went wrong and how I can help. Sure there are things that are completely out of our control, but there are a few that are in your control and diet is definitely one of them.
Interestingly enough, cancer in both people and pets has risen in tandem with the rise in processed foods eaten by both. Now while you have the ability to make your own decisions and put whatever you want in your own body, your dog doesn't have that luxury. Try to make an informed decision for him\her and do a little research. Read the ingredients and look them up if you dare, chances are if the word is too big for you to pronounce there's a chance it's not good for them.
This was a fun article to read:
http://www.dogfoodproject.com/index.php?page=badingredients
My favorites are:
Propylene Glycol - used in antifreeze solutions, in hydraulic fluids, and as a solvent (Yum!)
Blue 2 (artificial color) - The largest study suggested, but did not prove, that this dye caused brain tumors in male mice. The FDA concluded that there is "reasonable certainty of no harm". (Sign me up!)
Cellulose - Dried wood is the most common source for cellulose. It is cleaned, processed into a fine powder and used to add bulk and consistency to cheap pet foods. (The store is closed, feed your dog wood!)
Chicken Byproduct Meal - Chicken byproducts are much less expensive and less digestible than the chicken muscle meat.The ingredients of each batch can vary drastically in ingredients (heads, feet, bones etc.) as well as quality, thus the nutritional value is also not consistent. Don't forget that byproducts consist of any parts of the animal OTHER than meat. (Seriously?)
I know that buying dog food from the supermarket is cheap and extremely convenient, but SPAM is also cheap and convenient and you wouldn't eat that everyday!
This is a good website to rate your dog's food:
http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/
Dry dog foods I've read that are really great are: Blue Buffalo, Evo, Innova, Orijen, and Taste of the Wild. Most dog food companies are coming out with a no-grain line, I can't help but feel that trend has something to do with overall animal health.
I recently switched Lexy to Evo Weight Management Formula because it's very high in protein and that is suppose to be good for dogs with cancer. (more on dog cancer diets to come)
I understand that some of these food may be out of your price range, but you know, animals are not cheap... and honestly if you can't afford at least a good kibble for your dog... maybe you shouldn't have one. Just my opinion, take it or leave it.
If you want them to be healthy when they are old, you should try to start when they are little. Yes, this is little Lexy!
Lexy goes for her Oncology visit tomorrow, wish her luck!
No comments:
Post a Comment