Warming health report: Poor, elderly to hurt most (AP)
AP - Global warming will affect the health and welfare of every American, but the poor, elderly, and children will suffer the most, according to a new White House science report released Thursday.
Gem, our recently rescued dog is on a couple of organic supplements to aid his damaged hind leg and to assist his joints to heal and strengthen. The ones I am using and recommended by the veterinarian are Glucosamine (Synflex) and Cod Liver Oil mixed in with his daily food. I will keep you informed of his progress.
It's safe to say that we are all crazy about our dogs and that the pet industry is easily a billion dollar industry in the US alone. Everyone wants the best in bedding, clothes and buy bulk stevia extract for their special dog or dogs. Many have even turned to feeding their pet organic dog food, often available only at specialized shops or over the Internet. Nevertheless, organic dog food is big business and many dog owners swear by it, I have not gone that far yet but am researching the subject having realised just how many problems Gem has, none of which were mentioned when we rescued him 6 weeks ago. I was not happy with the pills that the Vet had put Gem on basically because they were chemical based.
A typical organic dog food begins with beef that has been produced using strict organic guidelines, pretty much the same process for human organic foods including that the cattle be raised without exposure to synthetic fertilizers, growth hormones, antibiotics or other chemical substances. The cattle must graze on organically-created pastures with a diet producing the leanest beef possible and beef that is high in omega 3 and omega 6 oils, linoleic acid, vitamin E and beta carotenes and strict records have to be taken at every level of the process.
For optimal sources of fiber, organic dog food adds organic vegetables in ways that maintain their high vitamin levels.
Some vegetables in organic dog food include carrots, red beets and broccoli. Herbs that provide an antioxidant effect include organic thyme, oregano and rosemary, all of which have healthful properties in dogs.
Because dogs need essential fatty acids, organic dog food provides organic sources of linoleic acid and linolenic acids.
These essential fatty acids are important in handling lipid soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E and K; in addition, they help metabolize cholesterol in the pet. Organic sources of these fatty acids include cold-processed canola oil, sunflower oil and organic vegetables and seeds. Organic flax oil contains omega 3 fatty acids for a shiny skin and coat.
One of the least recognizable types of fatty acids in organic food is the omega 9 fatty acid category, which consists of stearic and oleic acids. These help stabilize the flavor, texture and aroma of dog food and are derived from cold-pressed sunflower oil. Cold processing makes this oil a good antioxidant for dogs.
It is believed that up to 20 percent of all dogs suffer from some type of allergy and its believed that food sensitivity accounts for a third of all allergies. Organic dog food, because it complies with strict food safety and production methods, is believed to be hypoallergenic to dogs. Some dog food companies routinely test their products for allergens and, because they carefully trace their ingredients, there is a decreased chance of dog food allergens.
Most organic dog food avoids being allergenic by keeping common allergens, including cord, soybeans, wheat, meat by-products, milk by-products, artificial flavors, chemical preservatives and artificial colorants, out of the product. As a preservative, many manufacturers use bee propolis to preserve the product; this is a naturally occurring substance that is low in allergenic potential.
With my research so far I am beginning to believe that organic dog food is extremely healthy and safe for dogs and, in some cases, it may be worth the extra cost. Gem certainly is enjoying the supplements that we are adding at the moment and I hope that it will have an impact on his overall health in the long run.
I will keep you informed.