The best possible care begins with the best possible nutrition
It is simply not common knowledge that most of the pet food products on store shelves are complete garbage. They are full of mold, harmful fillers with no nutritional value, chemical preservatives, extremely low quality cuts of meat which can include (gulp): pieces of tumors. This can be said of canned food but especially kibble. A great deal of research has been invested in making these products appetizing but not nutritious. The ‘fresh’ pet food options – ie: delivered frozen like Farmer's Dog or freeze dried - are better because they have fewer preservatives but arguably still not optimal (fillers can still be a concern). Raw food diets from a trusted source are a big transition to make if your pet is not already accustomed (examples: RawPets.com and GreenJuju.com).
In a health crisis situation home cooking gives your pet the best possible chance of nutritional support in their battle for recovery while minimizing system disruption that can occur when transitioning from one food type to another.
Information about commercial pet foods
Susan Thixton's in depth investigative expose on the pet food industry. Up-to-date status reports on government activities, consumer initiatives, and corporate maneuvering.
Pet Fooled documentary
"Pet Fooled" is a feature film exposing the inner workings of the commercial pet food industry. Releasing January 2017.
Dr. Josie's Favorite Pet Foods
Ok, let's be realistic: we don't always have time to cook. Here's a list of well researched pet foods you can feel confident about purchasing.
First: know what foods to avoid
Click the button for a list of common foods and spices that are toxic to pets. It is safe to conclude this applies to both dogs and cats unless otherwise specified.
Second: know what foods to choose
Dogs are considered facultative carnivores, they're not actually omnivores. Marketing is good at selling carbohydrate-rich diets, which are inappropriate for a facultative carnivore.
Cats are obligate carnivores. Meaning: their digestive system is not acclimated or evolved to handle carbohydrates.
Third: what to prepare
Now that you are armed with knowledge about what not to feed and what to feed you can find a treasure trove of recipes for pets on the internet. To get you started with a nutritious meal that will make enough in quantity to last a few days we have modified this slow cooker beef stew recipe for pets.
Recipe Books
Dr Judy Morgan
Yin & Yang Nutrition for Dogs
Maximizing Health with Whole Foods, Not Drugs
In this beautifully illustrated guide, the authors of the #1 New York Times bestseller The Forever Dog show how to create a thriving, sustainable lifestyle and environment to help your dog live a longer, happier, and healthier life
In The Forever Dog, Rodney Habib and Dr. Karen Becker explained that your dog’s longevity starts with proper nourishment. In The Forever Dog Life, they offer simple ways you can help your dog live longer and better from the inside-out and outside-in, including easy-to-follow tools, recipes, and tips.
Learn to prepare healthy, homemade meals your dog will love, with more than 120 nutritionally packed recipes for delicious food bowls, fresh food toppers that supercharge any type of pet food, and nourishing broths and stews that entice the pickiest of eaters. And don’t forget DIY training treats, cookies, jerkies, and chews. Accompanying the recipes are science-rich tips for the best ingredients, food hacks, and tools to use in the kitchen.
We could never forget the treats
WOOF GANG ALL NATURAL DOG TREATS
easy on digestion and may help spur the appetite. https://woofgangnc.shop/collections/dog-treats
STELLA & CHEWY
freeze dried liver treats. These can also be crushed up into a powder and added to food. https://www.stellaandchewys.com/?s=liver+treats+
NEWMAN’S OWN BEEF JERKY
can be easily torn up into small pieces then placed on or buried in food for enticement. https://newmansown.com/product/beef-jerky-dog-treats/