National Pet Awareness Month is this November, and to celebrate the pets of America, Hound & Gatos Pet Foods Corporation is offering information regarding the many dangers contained in pet foods. “Education is key,” says Will Post, President of Hound & Gatos. “It is imperative that we understand the effects that certain ingredients can have on our pets,” he says.
Serious health problem can arise from ingesting ingredients that are toxic or unhealthy for our pets. With the knowledge of what should be avoided and information to read labels correctly, the pet owner can be confident that their four-legged companions are getting the best nutrition possible. “Feed your pets with the same diligence you feed your family,” affirms Post. “Cats and dogs thrive on a pure meat-based diet, with zero by-products, artificial fillers or plant protein, and making changes to this effect will help your pet live a happier, healthier, and longer life.”
The American Pet Products Association estimates that $21 billion will be spent on pet food in 2013 alone. However, the majority of Americans are unaware that the food they are feeding their pets can lead to serious health problems in the future. Celebrate National Pet Awareness Month this November by getting educated about your pet food.
Here are a few ingredients found in many popular pet food brands that should be avoided:
Generic liver. A common mistake that people make when reading pet food labels is the assumption that liver in a can of lamb dog food is, in fact, liver from that animal. Liver is a cheap filler product. Chicken and beef allergies are fairly common in pets and, in many cases, generic liver contains one and/or both. The inclusion repeats the cycle as a pet owner may come in and purchase lamb or rabbit pet food, unaware that chicken and/or beef liver is included in the food, and the pet will continue to suffer from allergies and stomach issues. Avoid the mystery meat and choose a pet food that is all-natural meat and clearly identified. Hound and Gatos DNA-tests it’s pet food to ensure that the product is 100 percent accurate to what is on the label.
Carrageenan. A fairly unknown substance, it is derived from red algae seaweed and acts as a binder and thickening agent. It has been found to lead to gastrointestinal problems and linked to colon cancer.
Fluoride. The use of fluoride in water and pet toothpastes is a controversial topic. Most veterinarians discourage the use of toothpaste containing fluoride or water with high fluoride content because excess amounts can lead to vomiting and kidney damage. No Hound and Gatos products contain any amount of fluoride.
Coloring Agents. Any ingredient listed as Yellow 5 or Red 40 or Blue 2 is an unnecessary, damaging ingredient. The color additive is controversially argued due to potential harmful side effects. Coloring is unnecessary in a pet food and it is best to avoid the coloring agent altogether.
Corn Bran or Corn Cellulose. An inexpensive ingredient, it is used as a filler to add bulk to your pet food. It has no nutritional value and is completely unnecessary for your pets.
“Celebrate National Pet Awareness month by getting educated about your pet food. Now is the time to stop and read the labels on your pet foods. Avoid any foods that contain artificial substances or fillers. Your pet food should be 100 percent all animal protein,” affirms Post, “A simple change in your pet food can lead to a happier and healthier pet.”
The Hound and Gatos Pet Food line is made in the United States, not China, where over half of all pet food imports originate. It’s currently available at over 1600 hundred stores nationwide and 600 stores in Canada, including stores such as Choice Pet Supply in New York, Connecticut, and Arizona, Treats Unleashed located in Missouri, Pet Food Express in San Francisco or online at PetFoodDirect.com, just to name a few.
To learn more about Hound & Gatos, including where to buy products, visit their site at: www.houndgatos.com or call your local pet store.