Deluxe Easy-On Boot Leggings

which do just that.

Eating fat does not make you fat, carbohydrates do

Do you recognize the main macronutrient category that is missing from the natural prey-concept meal? Yes, processed carbohydrates. When eaten routinely, these are the culprits causing weight gain. The excessive consumption of carbohydrates is transformed and stored in the liver as triglycerides. When healthy fats are consumed, and minimal carbohydrates, the body’s cells will use the fat as fuel, instead of sugar, and learn to burn fat. This is the premise behind the keto weight loss diet. An additional benefit is that cancer cells cannot burn fat as fuel. They need sugar. So, a diet devoid of sugar will starve cancer cells. Currently one out of two pets die from cancer. So, a weight management diet that is high fat, moderate protein, and no processed carbohydrates has multiple benefits for you and your pet.

Why is kibble a bad, outdated diet choice?

A dry kibble diet is loaded with processed starches which cause weight gain, poor oral health, and gastrointestinal inflammation. Gut inflammation causes “leaky gut,” or hyperpermeability, which is the underlying reason for many allergies and autoimmune diseases. The starches that break down into sugars promote the wrong bacterial growth in the mouth and help build dental tartar, irritation, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. Dry crunchy kibble does not clean teeth. This is one of the worst fallacies promoted by the veterinary field.

How much sugar is in your pet’s food? Look at the back of the bag. Find the Analysis. It will list percentages for protein, fat, fiber, and moisture. The percentage of carbohydrate/starch/sugar will not be listed. Yet when you review the ingredients, it will be clear to you that there are carbohydrates in the food. You will see grains such as corn, wheat, or soy, or in a “grain-free” kibble, you will see processed carbs such as potato starch, tapioca, or chickpea. When you add up the percentages listed, they will fall short of 100 percent. So, subtract that total from 100 and that is your carbohydrate/ starch/sugar percentage. In a “good” kibble it may be as low as 35 percent or a particularly “bad” kibble as much as 75 percent. What? A diet that is 1/3 to ¾ sugar? Would you feed a child a diet that is 1/3 sugar? Sadly, some children and many pets eat a menu filled with more than a third processed sugars which cause obesity, diabetes, dental disease, and neurologic disorders, such as hyperactivity and irritability. And, we wonder why so many pets have behavioral disorders!

Holistic care addresses everything Pet parents and their pets have many of the same disorders. The holistic health system believes that we must care for the mind, body, and spirit of all concerned to help any one individual. Your pet is affected by your emotions. You and your pet can benefit from exercise and a variety of fresh food. Processed food is not fresh and is not ideal for anyone. It is not common sense to eat the same food day after day. No commercial or homeprepared recipe is perfect. The way to stay out of trouble with nutrition is variety, not rocket science. Scientifically prepared diets are woefully inadequate.

So, in this New Year, take the time to educate yourself and be your pet’s advocate. Realize that the means to feeding a fresh diet exists for you and your pet. Seek the guidance and resources you need to make some positive changes for the best quality and longevity of life for you and your pet.

Dr. Jodie

Holistic Veterinarian

Author, Educator, Speaker

Delivering the best approach for puppies, kittens and aging pets with chronic disorders.