Natural and Organic Foods For Pets Too

Posted @ Jun. 30 2011 07:22AM by Ray - health-wellness

By Chris Bell

While many of us have turned to eating natural foods, the trend is now gaining momentum for pets. This is due in part to the growing number of people who are eating healthier and want the same for their pets. Some pets may even be benefiting from their owners who have poor eating habits and don’t want to see their pets eat that way. Either way, natural foods for pets accounted for approximately 7% of the nearly $44 billion spent on pet food in 2010. Dog food is the largest single pet food category. According to Petfood Industry magazine, trends in pets’ diets are increasingly mirroring human food trends. For example, blueberries and pomegranates, considered to be powerful antioxidants, are expected to be the next trend in pet food.

While some view the trend as anthropomorphizing, others believe people are wisely reading labels on foods for themselves and their pets. Many natural pet foods no longer contain grains like corn and wheat, which are fillers that many pets are allergic to. Others may use only organic ingredients, such as meats from animals raised sustainably without the use of hormones or antibiotics. Typically, pet foods with few, if any, additives and real meat and vegetables cost more, but shoppers seem increasingly happy to pay the price.
Since opening their first store in 1999, the stores of Red Bandanna Pet Food have always carried foods considered to be natural brands. In the late 90’s, support behind the natural pet food movement was not as widespread. Today people are educating themselves on the benefits of feeding a natural diet to their pets, and as a result natural pet foods and supplements are increasingly in demand and more readily available.

EDUCATION IS KEY
Diane Beaty, Red Bandanna district manager, sums it up, “Our employees go through extensive training to guide customers through the process of choosing the best foods, supplements and other items to improve the overall health and well-being for the life of their pet.” This training helps employees deliver the support customers need to make the best dietary choice for their pet. For owners who own dogs and cats, each pet has different dietary needs. For example, both pets are carnivores, but cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they may eat plants sometimes, but lack the digestive capabilities to make use of them, so they rely on meat for their nutrient needs.

Care for pets goes beyond meal time. Pets go through various stages of life and health and may require a wide selection of products from general supplements – good additions for all pets’ diets – to more specialized products like Doc Ackerman’s Epilepsy & Seizure supplement. Red Bandanna, which has 14 stores, including a location in Peachtree Corners, offers items such as Neem Oil, which is a way to naturally protect pets from fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and other insects.
“By feeding pets quality food, you can add years to a dog or cat’s life,” said Diane Beaty. As time passes, one more day or one more week spent with a pet can mean the world.”