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Name: T-rabbit [ Original Post ] Each year, Americans spend $10 billion on pet food for our beloved companion animals, animals we treat like members of our families and whom we love as our closest friends. Yet 95 percent of the food fed to these treasured creatures is made up of materials that are unfit for human consumption and contain little nutritional value. As a result, "man's best friend" has skin disorders, arthritis, obesity, heart disease and a variety of cancers. Without speech, our animal companions cannot tell us of the insidious, often life threatening ill health they experience. A large percentage of commercial pet food is made up of meat by-products, a toxic brew containing diseased and contaminated meat from slaughterhouses, animal heads, toenails, chicken feathers, feet and beaks. It also includes dead animals picked up from the nation's roads, rancid kitchen grease and frying oil from the nation's kitchens, and millions of pounds of dead animals from the country's animal hospitals and shelters. Meat Packing Plant (Photo courtesy Sterling Industries) The meat industry produces a tremendous amount of waste. Half of every cow and one-third of every pig butchered is wasted. Add to that the millions of tons of dead animals each year and you have an incredible waste problem. In the United States alone, rendering is a $2.4 billion industry with 286 rendering plants disposing of over 100 million pounds of dead animals, meat wastes and fat EVERY DAY. A few years ago, Baltimore reporter Van Smith visited a rendering plant in his city and found that the large vats that collect and filter the animals prior to cooking contained a vast array of animals including dead dogs, cats, raccoons, opossums, deer, foxes, snakes, a baby circus elephant and the remains of a police department horse. This one rendering plant alone processes 1,824 dead animals every month. Every year this one plant turns 150 million pounds of decaying, diseased and drug filled flesh and kitchen grease into 80 million pounds of meat and bone meal, tallow and yellow grease. This nutritionally dead, often toxic material provides the base for most pet foods and is found in a vast array of products used by humans as well. Shredding before boiling at the rendering plant (Photo courtesy Fan Separator Company) This meat and bone meal is used to augment the feed of poultry, pigs, cattle and sheep destined for human consumption. The deceptive product label names to watch out for that indicate the presence of this deadly soup include meat meal, meat by-products, poultry meal, poultry by-products, fish meal, fish oil, yellow grease, tallow, beef fat, chicken fat and fatty acids. Fatty acids can be found in lipstick, inks and waxes and other rendering products such as tallow and grease go into soaps, candles, tires, many drugs and gummy candies. The health conscious consumer should avoid all these ingredients in human and pet foods. Downed dairy cow waiting to be picked up by the rendering plant (Photo courtesy Farm Sanctuary) Many toxic chemicals make their way into the rendered products. In addition to the unused meat from the livestock slaughtering process, dead, dying, diseased and disabled animals are also included. These animals are known as "4D meat" in the trade. Along with the meat comes disease, antibiotics and other drugs used during the animals' lives, pesticides, cattle ID tags and surgical needles. Unsold supermarket meats, still in their plastic and Styrofoam wrappings, go into the mix as well as the plastic bags they are delivered in. The millions of dead dogs and cats from veterinarians and animals shelters go into the rendering pots, including their flea collars containing toxic pesticides, ID tags and a variety of powerful drugs. The city of Los Angeles sends 200 tons of euthanized cats and dogs to West Coast Rendering plant every month. This is just from the city's animal shelters and does not include animals from private veterinarians. Euthanized dogs (Photo by Barbara Ward) A common drug found in the rendering brew is phenobarbital, commonly used to euthanize sick animals. The American Journal of Veterinary Research did a study in 1985 that showed there was virtually no degradation of this drug during the typical rendering process and that measurable quantities of it remain present in the rendered material used for pet foods and for feeding cattle destined for human consumption. The grains in pet food bear little resemblance to the nutrient rich cereals we assume are present. Pet food grain consists of the leftovers after the grain has been processed for humans. It also contains moldy grain that has been declared unfit for human consumption. Some of the mold is toxic and potentially deadly. The preservatives added to pet foods, and human foods, are highly toxic. Sodium nitrite, a coloring agent and preservative, ethoxyquin, an insecticide, BHA and BHT have all been linked to cancer. Your dog could be consuming as much as 26 pounds of preservatives each year if it is fed these foods. The state of ill health that these non-foods generate is responsible for a host of health problems and can cause a hypersensitivity to flea and insect bites. Many flea allergies would go away in animals if their diets were changed. 8,000 gallon fat boiler ((Photo courtesy National Bi-Products) The pet food industry is unregulated by government bodies. An organization called the Association of American Feed Control Officials sets the standards. Its membership includes a few state agency representatives, but it is mostly run by commercial pet food industry workers. Don't be fooled by pet food sold at a veterinarian's office. Depending upon the brand, this food can contain most of the same ingredients as commercial pet foods sold in supermarkets. The corporations that own these brands are simply very clever with their advertisement and product placements and begin courting vets during their training with free food, lectures and even clothing. Fortunately, there are alternatives and some are presented below, but you will need to pay more. Rather than paying 15 cents a pound for toxic commercial pet food, you may need to spend a dollar a pound. But the thousands of dollars you could save in treating your pet's food-caused illnesses could more than make this up. As always, larger issues loom. We must cast off the comfortable assumptions we have lived with all our lives, discover the truth and act on it. Change your pet's food today. And change your own, while you are at it! And don't forget the water - if you wouldn't drink tap water, why are you giving it to your pet? I hear a voice, the cry of a wounded animal, Someone shoots an arrow at the moon; A small bird has fallen from the nest. People must be awakened, Witness must be given, So that life can be guarded. -- W.S. Rendra ↓

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Name: lindalu | Date: Mar 22nd, 2007 3:29 AM

T-rabbit I thought when I read your topic it was going to be about people feeding their dogs untill they are over weight. I have seen so many people who love their dogs to death literally! They feed them their food plus table foods and even junk food! The dog is over weight with all kinds of health, joint and muscle ailments because of it. Then they will say..... I dont know how he got like this, claimimg they dont know what to do! When all they had to do was not feed the dog so much crap in the beginning and stop feeding him it now! ↑

Name: T-rabbit | Date: Mar 22nd, 2007 4:38 AM

lindalu: just for you ;-) Canine Weight Loss How to tell if your dog is overweight Obesity is among the most serious health problems for todays canine. Overweight dogs are unhappy dogs and this article will share with you, how to tell if your dog is overweight, ideas on how to reduce your dogs weight, and how to maintain the weight loss. Genetic make up, the dog is not as energetic as it once was, other health problems, are all causes of obesity in dogs. Identifying if your dog has a health problem that causes them to gain weight is the first step in figuring out how to take the weight off. Working closely with your vet you can determine a proper diet and exercise program to take off those unwanted pounds. How can you tell if your dog is overweight? In order to get an accurate assessment on your dogs weight you should check three areas. The ribs, neck and hips. Some dogs carry their fat in different places. Older dogs for example carry a lot of their fat in their neck area. Some in their hips and others along their sides. By checking all three areas you cover your bases and get a better picture about your dogs weight. Checking the ribs: Standing over top your dog with them securely between your legs, place both thumbs on the spine. Now slowly run your fingers along their rib cage on both sides. You should be able to feel the bones of the ribs without any pressure. If you have to increase your pressure to feel the rib bones your dog is overweight. Checking the neck: Push your index finger and your thumb deep into the side of your dogs neck. Now try to touch your finger and thumb together at the tips. If your finger and thumb are more than a quarter inch apart your dog is overweight. Checking the hips: Run your hand over your dogs back end. You should be able to feel the two pelvic bones without pressing in. If you have to use pressure to feel the bones your dog is overweight. How much weight should they lose? My answer to this question is, how fit do you want your dog? Almost all the dogs I've seen are slightly overweight, even when conditioned. If you need your dog to perform in a sport or other activity they may need to lose as much as 10 pounds. If you want them in fit, well defined shape, losing 5-8 lbs may be all that is needed. Personally, I recommend consulting a canine sports doctor and getting their opinion. They specialize in active dogs and can give you detailed advice on how to condition your dog and get them to a reliable and safe weight. Exercise ideas 1. Bike riding 2. Running 3. Hiking 4. Long walks 5. Play sessions 6. Swimming These are just a few ideas to get you started. Diet and Obesity In a perfect world simply decreasing the amount of food your dog eats and increasing the amount of exercise your dog gets each day would result in a perfectly healthy dog. Unfortunately we don't live in a perfect world and outside factors can interfere. You may work and not have time to properly exercise your dog. Your dog may have a health problem. Genetics may play a role in your dogs obesity. Many factors can contribute to the overall problem. However, changing the diet and providing a balanced meal for your dog is essential to losing weight. I feed my dogs by "eye balling" the amounts. I don't feed what the bag recommends and I would suggest you didn't either. Bag recommendations are much greater than what a properly exercised dog needs. If you dog isn't that active what they bag suggests is far to much food. Feed as much as is needed to maintain your dogs weight. This takes time to figure out so be patient and experiment with different amounts. Yet another reason dogs are overweight is because people feed the same amount of dog food as they did when their dog was a pup. Adult dogs should not eat as much as they did when they were puppies therefore cutting the amount is recommended. You can cut the amount of food down by supplementation. For example, say you feed your dog 2 cups of dog food per day. Cutting that in half, only feeding one cup, and then using a healthy substitute in place of the other cup is an effective way to reduce your dogs food without it getting hungry. You can supplement pumpkin mix in place of one cup of food. Get the kind that is plain and not ready for baking as this contains spices. If your dog doesn't like pumpkin try yogurt or vegetables. In summary Obesity is a serious problem and needs to be addressed immediately. If you find your dog is overweight, get them checked out by the vet and get on a diet program to reduce and maintain a healthy weight. Your dog will live a longer happier life as a result. ↑

Name: lindalu | Date: Mar 22nd, 2007 5:25 AM

My dogs will only eat their dog food, with no table scraps of any kind! My old lady dog is an exception! with her beeing sick and so little that makes her happy I will from time to time give her a little some thing from the tabe. I think it comforts me more to see her happy, than it makes her happy to get it! My sister had two Bull mastiffs both became extremely over weight because she was not only feeding them their food she fed them all kinds of table foods. She would cook these dogs a human meal and take them for take out for fast food. She loved them and was verry upset when they died but she fed them to death! I really do think there needs to be more education on animal nutrician. What kinds of foods for each dog is best, how much to feed them and the importance of feeding them only their dog food. There are to many over weight and un healthy dogs due to poor feeding! ↑

Name: T-rabbit | Date: Mar 22nd, 2007 5:28 PM

Daily basic feeding guide for adult dogs. An individual dog's requirements may differ from this chart. The feeding directions are based on using an 8 oz. measuring cup. Puppies can be fed up to 1 1/2 times the highest amount listed in their category. Typical Breed Weight As An Adult Dog Dry Food Dry Food Mixed With Can Food Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Toy Poodle Up to 10 pounds 1/3 to 1 cup 1/4 can + up to 3/4 cup Miniature Poodle, Scottish Terrier 10-25 pounds 1 to 2 1/4 cups ½ can + ½ to 1½ cups Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, Springer Spaniel 25-50 pounds 2 1/4 to 3 3/4 cups 1 can + 1 to 2½ cups Collie, Boxer, Labrador, Golden Retriever 50-75 pounds 3 3/4 to 5 cups 1½ cans + 1 3/4 to 3 cups Great Dane, Malamute, St. Bernard, Mastiff Over 75 pounds 5-8 cups 2 cans + 2½ to 5 1/4 cups Good Basic Feeding Tips * Most dogs should be fed once a day at the same time every day. Feeding at the same time will keep your dog on a bathroom schedule. However, some dogs, especially the larger breeds, need to be fed more then once a day. Ask your vet how many times a day you should feed your dog. * Feed your dog the same type and brand of food every day. Unlike humans, a dog digestive system cannot handle changes in food. It can cause upset stomach and diarrhea. * When switching to a new food gradually transition him to a new food by mixing portions of both foods until you slowly phase the old food out. Your dog may experience diarrhea if his food is suddenly changed. * If you are mixing water to dry food you should mix 4 parts dry food to 1 part water. * Keep fresh Drinking water available at all times. Change the water at least once day, more for dogs who drool. * Keep food and water bowls clean. * Don't overfeed your dog. * Follow the guidelines on the dog food package for recommended feeding amounts. * Monitor your dog's weight and activity level, and make feeding adjustments as necessary. * Some dogs can do well on self-feeders. If your dog is overweight, or if he is going to the bathroom inside the house, you may want to get him on a feeding schedule. . The first ingredient in your dog's food should be a "Meat". Not a "Meat Meal" or Meat By-Product, but the real thing. Dogs were not meant to primarily eat Corn and Wheat. If the first ingredient in your dog food is a Corn, Wheat, Meat-MEAL or Meat-By-Product Steer clear. The first ingredient represents what the dog food is most made out of. By-Products are the left overs, such as the Eyes, Hooves, Skin and Feet (unless the dog food specifically stats otherwise.) ↑

Name: I love my APBT | Date: Mar 23rd, 2007 5:49 AM

Well.......I don't feel so great. Aside from throwing out the overpriced dog food ($45 a bag?) which has already been done- any tips or "organic" brands you reccomend? If I have to cook for my dogs every day so be it but it there a really healthy alternative? I figured spending alot on dog food meant something good but sadly it doesn't........Please help! I feel guilty for feeding them body parts! ↑

Name: lindalu | Date: Mar 23rd, 2007 2:40 PM

I Love My APBT What was the name of the food you tossed out? *Nutro* is a great organic food many people love that brand! ↑

Name: Lizzi | Date: Mar 23rd, 2007 2:51 PM

lindalu, my grandpa had a dog that died from (I'll call it an OVERDOSE of HAMBURGER!!!) My grandpa loved this dog sooooo much he just wanted to give him everything he liked and wanted to eat. Grandpa would force us to make hamburgers for the dog. We knew it wasn't healthy for him but grandpa insisted we feed him hamburger everyday because he loved it! The dog rarely ever touched his dogfood because he knew he was going to be getting hamburger and the rest of grandpas plate/bowl day in and day out. The dog never really was overweight and even looked healthy but he ended up having to be put to sleep MUCH too young because of the damage all the hamburger and people food did to him.Grandpa cried his heart out as he laid his dog to rest but with the next dog that entered his life he did the exact same thing.He loved his dogs so much he wanted to keep them happy by feeding them all that they wanted.Grandpa just didn't understand what he was doing. ↑

Name: lindalu | Date: Mar 23rd, 2007 4:24 PM

Lizzi thats to bad, poor grandps! Unfortunately the old school says feed the dog table scaps. Some meat is ok for your dog as long as its lean, in fact many people still today have their dogs on a raw meat diet! How did grandpa's second dog do? ↑

Name: Lizzi | Date: Mar 24th, 2007 9:58 PM

Well grandpas 2nd dog outlived him I'm afraid. But the second dog was obese due to grandpa feeding him scraps all the time. After grandpa died the dog went to live with my brother who fed him ONLY dog food and the dog lost much of his weight. He died awhile back ,and his health went way downhill,but by this time he was an old dog so even though everything seemed to bring him down fast once it started,i think he mostly died of old age. That dog was well taken care of and extrememly loved though for sure! ↑

Name: Lizzi | Date: Mar 24th, 2007 9:59 PM

he was definitely a HAPPY doggy all his life! ↑

Name: lindalu | Date: Mar 25th, 2007 4:02 PM

Lizzi I would like to say thats great grandpa made his pets happy, but its not to say that he was healthy! It is possible he may have lived longer and more healthy had grandpa noticed he was over weight! My old lady dog is starting to get a bit over weight, so even though she loved to eat ...I as a pet owner have to realize it wouldnt be healthy to let her over eat! I think we all love our pets, we do however need to learn that letting them get fat is not a show of good pet ownership! Now it doesnt matter neather dog is here and grandpa did the best he knew! ↑

Name: Dreamsofchild | Date: Apr 5th, 2007 4:11 AM

Hello what is a good safe brand of dry cat food for adult cats ages 6 to 10 years. Thanks Dreams ↑

Name: lindalu | Date: Apr 5th, 2007 4:21 PM

Dreamsofchild Spa Select by Blue Buffalo is a good dry cat food. I feed it to my cat, it gives a wonderful healthy coat and it also helps with hairballs! ↑

Name: fostercare | Date: Apr 6th, 2007 5:44 AM

Please help puppy mill rescued bulldogs, if you are intersted in helping a rescue, please visit our webpage below and contact us via email http://www.zyworld.com/bulldogfoster/Home.htm ↑

Name: austintroup | Date: Apr 9th, 2007 9:39 PM

I don't believe ne thing u just said...... Dogs are Dogs what do you think they'd eat if they had to survive in the wile?? I don't think they'd be looking for the most perfect dog food ever...they'd go instinct not your bull! ↑

Name: austintroup | Date: Apr 9th, 2007 9:40 PM

wild** ↑

Name: T-rabbit | Date: Apr 10th, 2007 1:20 AM

austintroup: you must not have heard of the recall on major brands of dog food. You may feed your dogs death in a bag but I prefer my pets stick around a while longer. I know how bad it is as I have seen four dogs die over this recall two of them being a close friends dogs. What are you feeding may I ask? I feed a raw/barf diet!! So my dogs are as close to being fed what "THEY WOULD EAT IN THE WILD." Let me know how your dogs are doing in ten years when mine are still alive. ↑

Name: Randi | Date: Apr 10th, 2007 4:28 AM

austintroup your dog is not living in the wild. A lot of things have changed. Do you just let your dogs go kill animals and fend for themselves? Or do you keep them contained and feed them a commercial food? ↑

Name: lindalu | Date: Apr 10th, 2007 5:42 PM

Austintroup If you care about the health of your dog, you will feed him/her a good healthy diet! ↑