Why I Started Making my Own Dog Food - Recipe Included!
O.M.G.
The week of Christmas, I found a lump on my pup’s (Penelope’s) back thigh. I assumed it was a lipoma and wasn’t too concerned, but figured I would have the vet take a look just to be on the safe side.
After hearing from the vet that her lump has a different consistency than a lipoma, they suggested we do a biopsy to rule out cancer. I agreed to the test immediately and was taken aback. Cue the tears! How could my little girl possibly have cancer at the age of 4? Have I caused her harm somehow without even knowing? (By the way, if this is any indication of how I’m going to be after having a child (if I decide to have children) watch out world. I’m going to be a mess haha).
After the biopsy had been performed by the vet technician and I had Penelope back in my arms, I Immediately called my sister in tears. The first thought that came to mind was how I needed to stop feeding her people food. You see, I feel so guilty when I’m eating, that I “sometimes” share a piece or two or three with my little girl. Sharing is caring right? Well, not in this case. Clearly bread, chips, etc. shouldn’t be eaten by dogs. Hell, they probably shouldn’t be consumed by us either.
Now that I had gone down the rabbit hole of people food, it sparked the thought of “What is in her dog food?” I have never researched her food and just always took recommendations from other pet owners. I had no idea what ingredients were being used, where the ingredients were sourced from…NOTHING! Knowing I had done so much research in the last 18 months on my own diet, I was surprised I hadn’t stopped to think about what I was feeding Penelope.
Well, let’s just say I spent the remainder of the day after her 9am appointment, researching anything and everything I could about dog food. I watched documentaries, read articles online and took to social media, which I must say I found fascinating. So many pet owners could relate and had a ton to share.
You see, similar to our food industry, once you start pulling back the curtains, there is so much information that shocks me and catches me by surprise. I have so many questions around the treatment of the animals (chickens, pigs, cows, etc.) that go into both our food and our pets, as well as the ethics vs. economics behind it all. None of this should come as a surprise though if you know me well enough and know why I’m passionate about eating almost fully vegan.
So with that, I thought I would share some of my biggest learning’s I have had around the pet food industry. Please keep in mind that I am not an expert and that this information is solely a cliff notes version of some of my biggest takeaways from the resources I found online and in documentaries. I hope it helps aid in your own journey as the wonderful pet parent I’m sure you are!
Before I jump in to my takeaways, I want to note that you in no way should you feel bad about your “pet parenting.” If you are providing an animal with love, food and shelter they are lucky to have you! Your “pet parenting” decisions are yours, and yours alone, so only allow your own thoughts and feelings impact your decisions. We all lead very different lives and need to make the best choices for ourselves and our animals.
SHOP FREEZE DRIED RAW DOG TREATS:
LEARNINGS
With that…here is a full recap of some of the biggest eye-opener tidbits I learned this week. I hope you find the content helpful.
Corn, wheat, and soy are not good for dogs and cats. These ingredients can cause diabetes, allergies, etc.
BHA is a toxic preservative.
Radioactive color additives are put in food for marketing purposes. Dogs and cats are color blind.
Package Label Rules
Packages containing the words “dinner, nugget or formula” only have to contain 25% meat.
Packaging with the word “with” only has to contain 3% meat. While “flavor” can mean it contains little to zero meat.
If “by product” is called out on a food label, it is defined as the animal leftovers after they have been slaughtered and all edible parts have been removed.
The dog food industry does not have to disclose the source of the meat being used, which raises questions on how quality and safety are regulated. Animals are rendered for a variety of reasons (death (natural, disease, etc.), slaughterhouse remains, etc.) and then used in creating pet food.
When pets eat dry food, they are put in a state of dehydration.
The process of making shelf safe dog food is done at extremely high temperatures which causes two carcinogens.
Dry pet food is typically shelf safe for up to 25 years due to cooking methods and preservatives.
Go to the FDA website, type in compliance policy. Scroll down to animal feed and read about contamination of pesticides, industrial chemicals, natural toxicants, filth, and unpermitted drug residue.
NOTE TO SELF
Remember your thoughts and views don’t have to align with the masses. Just because society has taught so many of us to think one way, does not mean you shouldn’t think outside of the box or change your norm. Great things come from those who think differently and find what works best for them and their families.
Be well my friends!
Jen
Investor // Landlord and DIYer // Realtor // Business Consultant // Globe Trotter // Converting Vegan.
