If the title of this blog post caught your attention and you’re wondering what is wrong with kibble and the pet food industry, I would highly recommend watching the documentary called Pet Fooled. This documentary digs deep into the commercial dog food industry, including their subpar standards and the lack of nutrients found in commercial kibble. Here is what we have learned from watching this documentary:
1. So, how did kibble even come to fruition?
During World War II, manufacturers were no longer allowed to use cans for food because materials for cans were needed for the production of artillery. Pet food companies had to figure out a way to make the pet food shelf stable. This is how kibble was born - dehydrated pellets that are shelf stable but way more devoid of nutritional value than what we were feeding before.
2. Every animal has a species appropriate diet.
For example, a hummingbird needs honey and nectar to survive, while snakes should only eat meat because they are carnivores. If you put honey in front of a snake, he would never eat it as it is not a species appropriate diet for him. How can we relate this to dogs? Dogs are very resilient creatures and can eat a variety of foods. We can encourage or push dogs to eat a non-biologically appropriate diet and technically they will survive, but they won’t thrive and their overall vitality will decline. You can feed them kibble but it will slowly ruin their quality of life because it is not what they were meant to eat.
3. So, what should dogs be eating?
Dr. Harvey’s of course! We produce the finest all-natural foods, treats, and herbal supplements. Our products contain absolutely no added chemicals, preservatives, synthetic additives, or coloring agents. We believe that companion animals should be fed fresh whole foods and proteins, and that “health begins in the kitchen!” Quite simply, our healthy products give companion animals the nutrition they need to achieve optimal health, avoid the ailments caused by processed “pet foods,” maintain a strong immune system, and increase their lifespan. And just as valuably, our wholesome products give guardians the peace of mind that comes from knowing that they’re doing the “right thing” for their beloved companion animal, and playing an active role in their enhanced health and longer life.
4. Kibble is the opposite of a biologically appropriate diet for your canine companion.
Kibble is made of 30-60% carbs - including but not limited to ultra processed corn and wheat. Any meat in kibble only has to meet feed grade quality. That’s the absolute lowest quality of meat. Up until 2019, kibble sourced its meat from 4D proteins (dead, dying, diseased and disabled animals). Many kibbles still use those sources. If you look at labels of many commercial kibbles, they mention things like “chicken byproduct.” Byproduct is essentially what’s leftover after an animal has been slaughtered and everything useful has been taken out of it. So what you’re left with are remnants, scraps, no nutrients and what we call ‘byproduct.’ Kibble is also very processed and many times cooked at temperatures as high as 900 degrees fahrenheit. So, any nutritious ingredients there may have been in the food have now been destroyed by the high heat. This also takes out all of the moisture. Your dog is now left dehydrated and void of any essential nutrients.
5. The negative health effects associated with kibble are long.
You can see the effects of kibble both on the inside and the outside. Some of the harmful side effects of kibble are:
- Allergies
- Diabetes Malnutrition
- Obesity
- Immunosuppression
- Metabolic issues
- Urinary crystals and stones
- Some Cancers
- Kidney disease
- Pancreatitis
- Elevated liver enzymes
Here at Dr. Harvey’s we understand that there are cost and time constraints. However, even just feeding your canine companion one or two all natural, super healthy, species appropriate meals per week can make a huge difference. You can make small changes that will make a big impact. What should you expect to see when switching over to an all natural, species appropriate diet? You’ll notice that your dog will have more energy, a shinier coat, better smelling breath, improved eyesight, an improved immune system, and so much more! What are you waiting for? Make the change now for a better future for your pet. I promise, it’s worth it.
