How Your Dog Can Have A Long and Healthy Life

First Published: September 2005
Last Update: September 2005
Author: Tippy & Alfred

Studies have show that many chronic and degenerative diseases seen in humans many be caused or complicated by a poor, inadequate diet, minimal exercise, lack of fresh drinking water, and even emotional stress.

It is not coincidental then, that these very same issues may negatively impact the health of your pets as well. The health care and maintenance program you provide the pets in your care, together with help from your veterinarian, will go a long way in determining the quality and longevity of their life span!

Making sure your dog stays healthy does involve some work.The most important person involved in keeping things that way is, of course, you. Only you know how they feel. You are the one on the front lines who senses if something unusual is going on. Certainly, the opposite is true; some pet owners wait for illness to arrive before paying serious enough attention to their pet's health to take action.

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On the plus side, however, taking care of your dog's health is really not as hard as it might seem. If you are not already actively involved, you can, with very little effort, get started quickly and easily. Is it worth the effort? Of Course, if you love your pet, the answer is yes!

Not only is the good health of your pet well worth the time and energy it takes to insure they live a long and healthy life, it will save you money in the long run too!

Unhealthy, Inadequate Pet Food

Exercise is important. So is the availability of lots of fresh, clean drinking water. But for now, we are going to talk about pet food. Did you know that three out of the five major pet food companies in the United States are actually subsidiaries of major multi-national companies?

From a business standpoint, for them, this is ideal. First, it increases bulk purchasing power. Second, it represents a captive market in which to capitalize upon their own industries waste products, which form a convenient source of "ingredients" for your pet's food. Third, it reduces the retail price on their pet food products.

The High Cost of Cheap Kibble

At first glance, $9.95 for a 40 pound bag of dog food may appear to be quite a bargain. However, keep in mind that the purchasing price of such pet foods does not automatically determine their quality.

It is unrealistic to expect so called "bargain" kibble to contain plump whole chicken meat, choice cuts of beef, wholesome grains, and all the nourishing nutrition your pet will ever need.

The added cost to include quality products like those would force the manufacturers to raise their prices.

In the long run, so called "bargain" foods actually turn out costing you more.

Here's why.

Studies show that almost without exception, your pet will eat More "bargain" food than a nutritious, natural alternative.

He has to be in order to make up for the missing nutrition. Your pet will actually eat Less of a quality, nutritious food because it contains all the nutrients necessary for good health. The natural tendency for your pet's body is to retain more from this nutrient rich brand, because it's ingredients are used to build new cells, and healthy blood.

Because "bargain" foods do not contain the nourishing nutrition your pet needs on a daily basis, it passes quickly through the body. This quick exit, translates into the dog or cat becoming hungrier sooner.

Suddenly that 40 pound bag of $9.95 kibble isn't such a great deal after all. On top of everything else, consider the amount of money you likely will save simply by not having to spend it on veterinarian bills trying to save your pet from any number of illness that may be caused by un-healthy foods.

What does it cost you for a trip to your vets just for a routine checkup? $75 to $100.00 or more is the typical price for just walking in the door, then if there are any medications or procedures, the bill can quickly skyrocket to well over $500.00!

While the cost of a natural dog food with quality ingredients is a bit higher up front, where would you rather spend your money? Paying a little bit more for their nutrition....or paying a vet in an emergency situation to try and get your pet well again?

It's your choice.

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