Home Cooking for Fido

ORGANIC DOG FOOD?
Your Guide to a Healthy, Longer-living Dog

He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader.
He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart.
You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.
—Unknown

Definition of Organic Food

We have all heard of the health benefits of organic food, but is it just hype? What is the difference between nonorganic and organic foods? Let’s define the terms. Dictionary.com defines organic and nonorganic as follows:

Organic –adjective

         Pertaining to, involving or grown with fertilizers or pesticides of animal or vegetable origin, as distinguished from manufactured chemicals: organic farming; organic fruits.

         Characteristic of pertaining to, or derived from living organisms such as plants and animals.

Nonorganic –adjective

         Not involving production by organic methods, esp. for food.


         Well, that’s pretty straight forward. Organic foods are derived from natural living plants and animals grown and raised with no chemicals or unnatural additives. Nonorganic foods are not.

         Mounting evidence shows that people, especially those with chronic illnesses, have benefited substantially from eating only organic foods. It’s been said that you are what you eat, and if it’s true for us then it’s true for our loyal and trusted friend, the family dog.

         You will hear the term “all natural” dog food, but be wary of those claims. Only if the ingredients come from living organisms and haven’t been synthesized or chemically altered can the ingredients be considered organic. Many large agro-conglomerates use man-made substances to make their products disease resistance and to stimulate an increased rate of growth.

Don’t Believe the “Official” Reports.

         Many so-called independent studies are made by those whose very existence depends on continuous government grants. Therefore, their reports are bound to be bias toward those who pay the bills. The real evidence is in favor of organics, so why hesitate to give your pets the advantage?

What’s the Problem with Conventional Foods?

         Basically, it’s a problem of ever decreasing vitamin, mineral and nutritional values. It’s been shown that over the past 60 years of conventional farming that our foods have become ineffective as a defense against attacks on the immune system. It comes as no surprise that the incidence of obesity, cancer, diabetes, heart and kidney failures, and other serious illnesses are on the increase.

         If you remember that “organic” means life, the use of poisons to produce life-sustaining food doesn’t make good sense unless your goal is to mass produce as much food as quickly as you can to meet massive market demands.

Why Should I Change to Organics?
         Studies show that conventional foods are not able to provide the nutrients that you and your pet’s immune systems need to fight off the many viruses, cancers, and other microbes that constantly invade our bodies. As a quick comparison; commercial dog foods equate to our junk food; they taste great but have no little or no real nutritional value, not to mention, fattening.

What’s in Commercial Nonorganic Dog Food?

         There are three main ingredients in commercial nonorganic dog food in the order of their importance: meats, vegetables, and grains. On the surface it looks healthy, but let’s take a closer look at what’s really in those kibbles you are feeding your dog.
Meats are unidentifiable for the most part. You will not see the species of meat named in the cheaper commercial brands and that’s because they are a mix of carcasses from road kill, diseased and euthanized zoo animals, and euthanized pets.

         All dry dog foods contain what’s known in the trade as “meal” made from meat. Meal is the product of rendering most of the moisture and fat content from meat and grain by-products.

         Fillers usually consist of high-starch grains and vegetables like corn, wheat, rice and potatoes, either whole or in their cheaper rendered form of gluten. High carbohydrate content and empty calories are the major cause of pet obesity, diabetes, heart, and kidney problems. Also, because the fillers in conventional dog food have little or no nutritional value, they contribute to the reason why your dog is listless, suffers from dry skin, and scratches and sheds constantly.

         Chemicals consisting of carcinogenic preservatives and red and yellow dye food dyes are dangerous to your pet. A chemical, Ethoxyquin, used to spray on your lawn as an insecticide, is commonly found in pet foods because it is a very cheap preservative.

         If you see it advertised that conventional commercial dog food is chemical or pesticide free, it’s a big fat lie! The dog food companies are not required to list the contents of ingredients that have been contaminated before they receive the shipments. What they mean is that THEY did not add any chemicals or pesticides to the ingredients.

What Are “By-products?”

         If you’ve ever scanned the ingredients list on a bag of commercial dog food (if you’re lucky enough to find them listed), you will notice the words “meat by-products.” By-products can either be fit (human grade) or unfit for human consumption. Commercial dog food contains by-products that include all but the oink, moo, and squawk. And yes, that includes the fur and feathers.
One of the secrets to reading dog food ingredients is to look for the word that precedes the term “by-products.”

         If you see the term “meat by-products” you know that this is a mix of dead zoo animals, road kill, and what’s known as 4-D livestock (dead, diseased, disabled, dying).

         It is these unscrupulous practices that have given a bad name to the term “by-products.” However, all dog foods, nonorganic or organic must use by-products in the production process. Remember, the key is the word preceding the term “by-products.” For instance, if the label reads “chicken by-products” or some other named species of animal, this indicates that only the parts from that named animal, fit for human consumption, are used for by-products.


What Goes into Organic Foods?

         Essentially, the same ingredients go into organic dog food except for one big difference. Greens and grains are grown in soil certified that it contains no man-made chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides for at least five years. And all animals are fed only organic foods. The cooking process is slower and at a lower heat in order to preserve the essential nutrients and enzymes.

         Meats are human-grade and always identified as to species such as:
         Chicken
         Beef
         Turkey
         Pork
         Venison
         Buffalo
         Lamb
         Salmon

         Vegetables and fruits are from organic farms and gardens grown in soil that is not “farmed out” or depleted of nutrients. All vegetables and herbs are fertilized with natural, non-chemical substances and grown in soil certified not to be contaminated by chemical or pesticides for at least five years. Only vegetables with the highest vitamin content are used.

         Many vegetables are high in vitamin C and are enormously important for your dog’s immune system, promoting healthy skin, and a beautiful coat. A partial list of vegetables with a high content of vitamin C follows:
— Broccoli
— Brussels sprouts
— Leafy Green vegetables
— Acerola cherries
— Rose hips
— Watercress
— Strawberries
— Kiwi fruits

         Grains used are usually; wheat, rice, oats, or barley. They are never used as a primary ingredient in organic dog foods.

         Producers of organic dog foods always list named meat species as their primary source of protein. Grains are used in small enough amounts that they pose no danger to your dog. Dogs can absorb almost all of the nutrients from these grains.

Dog Foods to Avoid

Avoid dog foods that contain flavor enhancers like salt and preservatives like BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin. Determine, if possible, if toxic FD&C red #40, blue #2, or yellow# 5 food colorants are present. These are included for eye appeal. And, by the way, your dog is not impressed with the color of his food. The color is there to entice you!

         More additives you should avoid are:

         (1) Glyceryl Monosterarate. Used widely in the foodstuffs, cosmetic, medicine and plastics industries. Due to the uncertainty of chemical additives, this ingredient should be avoided.

         (2) Phosphoric Acid. Is used in fertilizer, detergents, food flavoring and pharmaceuticals. It’s inexpensive and harmless usually used in poor quality dog foods as a flavor enhancer. It is also used as a flavoring in Coca Cola.

         (3) Propylene Glycol. Used in antifreeze solutions, in hydraulic fluids, and as a solvent.

         (4) If the dry food was sprayed with flavor enhancers such as left over restaurant grease, get your money back immediately. You can usually tell by the rancid smell once the bag is opened.

         (5) Do not feed your dog dry food that lists grain as its primary or main ingredient.


Health Benefits of Organic Dog Food

         There is no question that your dog will benefit from a diet of meat, vegetables, and grains free of chemicals and other toxins. After a switch to organic food you will notice, within a matter of weeks, a marked difference in your dog’s energy levels, the healthy appearance of his coat, his eyes, bright and alert, no more constant scratching and shedding. You will notice a change in his whole attitude as he exhibits an alertness that will surprise you.
When you check out the organic foods, look for organic logos such as:

• Organic Trade Association
• USDA Organic
• Green America
• Animal Wellness Magazine Approved

RECIPES


Love, Exercise, Shelter, and Fresh Water

         These are the ingredients for a happy, healthy dog. But there’s one ingredient not listed, and that’s food. When you select the foods with the best ingredients, it is one way to ensure his long life and continued health. If you have the time to learn the ingredients, and if you have the inclination, cooking your dog’s food is an excellent way to show your love and appreciation for your companion. Dogs who are fed home cooked meals must feel very special. Here’s a quick, easy recipe for a home cooked meal. Use all organic ingredients if possible.

Terrier Tuna Egg Cheese Supreme

• 1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs (or save and freeze the heels from 12-grain wheat bread, for example). If frozen, thaw and tear into approx. 1” squares
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup shredded 2% cheese. (any of the hard varieties)
• 1 can 8 oz. can tuna in water. (drained)

In a frying pan add a little olive oil and heat medium-to-high. Place all the ingredients into the heated oil and break 2 eggs over the top. Stir continuously until all the ingredients are moistened. Cook until thoroughly heated (2 – 3 minutes). The food will be moist and hot. DO NOT feed your dog hot food! Because dogs gulp their food, you could cause damage to the esophagus. COOL first.

         This quick, easy meal is packed with nutrients that dogs love and need. Introduce it gradually into his diet as a mix with his dry food (25% to 75% dry).If the tuna eggs cheese supreme was a big hit, try this more ambitious recipe. We all know the benefits of chicken soups and stews for humans. The same is true for dogs.


Spot’s Chicken Stew

The trick is to use all fresh ingredients and again, try to go for all organic foods. This recipe is from the book The Whole Pet Diet by Andi Brown. Andi calls it:
SPOT’S CHICKEN STEW
• 1 ½ pounds whole chicken or turkey (bones, organs, skin, and all)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh garlic
• 1 cup green peas
• 1 cup coarsely chopped carrots
• ½ cup coarsely chopped sweet potato
• ½ cup coarsely chopped zucchini
• ½ cup coarsely chopped yellow squash
• ½ cup coarsely chopped green beans
• ½ cup coarsely chopped celery
• 1 tablespoon kelp powder
• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
• 11 to 16 cups spring water

In a 10 –quart stainless steel stockpot add all the ingredients and enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat as low as possible and simmer for 2 hours (the carrots should be quite soft at the end of cooking time). Remove from the heat, let cool, and debone the chicken. Using a blender and working in batches, blend the ingredients into a nice puree; the stew should be thick. Using zip lock bags or plastic yogurt containers, make up meal-sized portions. Refrigerate what you’ll need for three days and freeze the rest.
Serving size guidelines:
Dog’s Weight……………………..Total Daily Portion
Up to 10 pounds………………….1 to 1 ½ cups
11 to 20 pounds…………………..2 to 3 cups
21 to 40 pounds…………………..4 cups
For each additional 20 pounds, add 2 cups. Remember, all pets are individuals so let your intuition and observations guide you.

         If homemade dog food appeals to you check your local library and the websites for homemade organic dog food for recipes. Note: Cooking slowly at a low heat will help preserve the enzymes so important for the digestion process.

         Let’s face it, high-end premium dog foods, whether organic or not will help extend your dog’s life. Organic foods are, however, are much healthier for your pet than conventional foods. You will be pleasantly surprised to see the change in your dog’s appearance and attitude after an organic diet for just a few short weeks. You can expect to enjoy the company of your companion for many years to come.