Pets Guide

Bad Dog Food – Safe Dog Food: How to Tell the Difference,

When the film “Marley and Me” opened on Christmas Day, 2008, its U.S. ticket sales exceeded $100,000,000 in four days. What about this film hit a nerve with American audiences? I can tell you this: at film’s end, my wife and I both cried our eyes out shamelessly. Why? Because love our dog. And judging by the tears in the packed theater, a whole bunch of people love their dogs. Now, what does this have to do with bad dog food? OK — I’m getting to that.

Just because we can’t spend as much on food for our pets as we do for our family, it doesn’t mean we should give our four legged friends bad dog food. Those that use a can opener to feed their dog, or rip open a 20 lb bag, might be shocked to find out what their pet is actually eating.

After watching bologna made on the TV Show “Dirty Jobs” I pretty much decided I’m all through eating bologna. All kinds of things go into each pound of bologna that I would probably have been better off not knowing. It reminded me of that old TV ad justifying the ingredients in chicken nuggets: Parts is parts was the explanation. Excuse me, I think I’m going to be ill.

“Mystery meat” is probably the description any one of us would use to try and explain what goes into bologna. But at least it is not made up of cats and dogs that were euthanized. Or from dead animals scooped off the roadside.

You might think that’s ridiculous. But it has been reported that zoos and highway departments both send their dead animals to pet food companies. The City of Los Angeles disposes of 200 tons of euthanized animals each month in the same way.

It’s true that there are stricter rules (we hope) on foods processed for human consumption. But do our pets deserve to be fed euthanized dogs and cats? That’s what they are eating if they are being fed commercial brands. It is bad dog food.

What is your alternative? While there are a few safe organic dog foods available, the best solution is to make natural homemade dog food yourself. It is not hard to do, nor is it expensive. It can be made as you are making your family dinner. Many dog lovers make it once a week and freeze it. Recipes are available in books and on line.

Our dog is part of our family. No, we don’t go around picketing animal shelters or throwing ink on women in fur coats. A dog is not a human. But a dog is still a beloved part of a family. We owe it to these “best friends” to give them a healthy diet, and they depend on us to do just that. Why not evaluate what you feed your pet. Take steps to eliminate bad dog food.