PET FOOD ISN’T ALWAYS ECO-FRIENDLY
THE FACTS ON ANIMAL POLLUTION IN OUR OWN HOMES
Dogs and cats are exposed to many of the same carcinogenic and toxic chemicals as humans, especially in their food. But average levels of these chemicals were found to be substantially higher in pets than in people. According to “Polluted Pets,” a 2008 report from the Environmental Working Group, dogs were found to have 40% higher levels of dangerous chemicals as humans, and cats had 96% higher levels of the same chemicals. By upgrading your pet’s food to a healthier, eco-friendly brand, you can improve your furry friends’ quality of life while also helping save the planet. But how do you identify which brand is best for your pet and the environment? WAIT, IS PET FOOD REALLY THAT BAD? Many brands can be problematic to your pet’s health. Consider pet food with “meat meal” on the label — meat meal is processed dried meat that’s usually used in kibble and is composed of low-quality meat, bones, hooves, feathers, and other parts of the animal. How can they possibly use hooves and feathers, you ask? The “meal” is cooked at extremely high temperatures,
A lack of regulation in the pet food industry has been an issue for many years. Checking recalls on brand-name dog food brands will reveal that they’ve found salmonella, E. coli, and even the euthanasia drug pentobarbital in some dog food brands. Yes, the same chemical used to put dogs down! WHAT’S THE IMPORTANCE OF AN ECO-FRIENDLY BRAND? Like with other foods that we buy, picking an eco-friendly pet food brand will help support farmers and businesses with smaller carbon footprints, which keeps chemicals out of the ground and local waterways. As far as picking an eco-friendly brand, look for an organic, human grade, and/or non-GMO label when you’re shopping. Check out the packaging and whether or not it’s made from sustainable and renewable materials
— these are all signs of an eco-responsible company. Two popular, healthy brands are Honest Kitchen and Lily’s Kitchen!
No matter what kind of shenanigans our pets get into, we can all agree that they deserve healthy, happy lives. That can often start with their food. Let us know what brands are your favorite!
making it much less nutritious than higher-quality meats and fish. (No wonder some pets are so desperate for our table scraps!)
PATIENT TESTIMONIAL
NANCY GETS HER LIFE BACK
“All I can say is ‘I’ve come a looooong way!’ A year ago, I was bedridden with severe back and left hip pain. Having had back surgery 10 years prior, going down that road again was not an option for me. I went from hospitalization, to acute rehab, to home health therapy, to outpatient therapy. My at-home physical therapist had recommended North County Water and Sports, saying that one of his previous patients had spoken highly about this place. I was a bit skeptical since I’m not into water or sports, but I was willing to give it a try. I wanted to get better, and better is what I got! “The people here are so kind and compassionate, and Chris was amazing with me. He listened to my concerns, my pain, and my limitations and set up a program exclusively for me. He knew when to push me and was always very encouraging. I have had therapy in numerous different places over the years, and I can say that this place, especially Chris, is by far the best place ever.
“Thank you for making my life better and for giving me the tools to continue to do my own stretching and exercises at home.
“Thank you for giving me my life back!”
–Nancy D. Spinks
www.waterpt.com 2
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