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What Should You Feed Your Pet?
We pet owners swap parenting stories just like those with human children do. The other day, a neighbor was complaining about her poodle being a finicky eater. She buys all her provisions at a place called Just Food for Dogs which features such products as beef & russet potato, turkey and whole wheat macaroni, and venison with squash. This is a common conversation in L.A. I feed Rose some kibble with a little chicken thrown in. Am I a bad mother or what?
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6 comments for “What Should You Feed Your Pet?”
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Nah, you’re not. I did find that grain-free is good for my cat (and she’s 17 and very picky!) and I’m worried about food from China, but other than that, if she’s eating, good!
My dog’s been a healthy girl for almost 10 years now. I figure she must be getting the right nutrition.
It seems that pet ownership is subject to the same “competition” as parenting, if you succumb to the pressure. Sure, there is always a better food, a better toy, better activities for your pet. When I had my dog, I bought the highest-quality food I could afford, and supplement it with human food that was healthy and safe for him. While other owners that fed a raw diet had pets with stunning coats and teeth, it was unrealistic for me to commit to that. And I wasn’t buying low-quality food, so I felt ok. Quality interaction with your pet is also very important.
I think if you do your best (plus a bit more) and aren’t negligent or abusive, you’re doing ok and maybe better than most. Wendy, the stories you’ve posted about your pet leave no doubt about your commitment.
Designer pet food has become such a trend in L.A. And the owners I talk to are convinced it’s the only food their dogs will eat. Projection, I think.
A subject dear to my heart so had to chime in. I have been feeding mine (2 Labs) a raw diet for almost 2 years now (‘high end’ kibble before that). My older dog was diagnosed with imminent kidney failure and it changed her life drastically and now she is almost 15 (quite an advanced age for a Lab). My supplier is a meat cutter who comes from Holland and is now based in Maryland. I meet him once a month at a rest area on the NJ Turnpike. I hand him a check and he loads the back of my car with my order for the month. Even though they eat a varied diet ranging from beef to duck to salmon it averages out to about $2/lb. I am very happy with this arrangement!
Sounds like a drug deal. I’m so glad to hear it’s working.