The Anti-Kibble Diet: The Benefits of Holistic Dog Food
These days, an increasing number of dog parents are switching from processed kibble and canned foods and turning to holistic dog food. This real food alternative offers myriad benefits for your sweet pooch, including improved digestion, higher energy levels, less inflammation, a shinier coat, and, in some cases, this dietary approach could add healthy years to your dog’s life.
The Dangers Of Processed Kibble
Many dogs seemingly do well on a kibble-based diet, so why would we recommend avoiding kibble? Let’s think about human health for a second. We are constantly warned about the dangers of processed foods and the benefits of a whole-food diet. Dogs are no different, they also thrive on a diet of healthy, whole foods and kibble is heavily processed and filled with preservatives and chemicals.
Even worse, regulations of all kibble brands allow for low-quality meat byproducts that are not fit for humans. Legally, this can even include tissue from diseased animals, which is by no means uncommon, and kibble also often includes rendered fat from dubious, low-quality sources.
Additionally, kibble is primarily composed of low-quality grains and fillers such as corn, soy and wheat gluten. While not all dogs are allergic to these ingredients, they have little nutritional value and just provide junk calories for your dog. These high-carb processed ingredients increase inflammation and can cause allergies and serious digestive issues.
Some kibble brands also contain excessive salt and sweeteners such as high-fructose corn syrup. Dog food does not need salt and it certainly does not need sugar, these are simply added because they are cheap and boost the dull flavor of the kibble.
What Is “Holistic Dog Food?”
You’ve probably heard the terms fresh dog food or human-grade dog food, and Chi Dog food fits into those categories. We use human-grade ingredients, and our food is not raw, kibble or canned; rather it is cooked real food.
The term “holistic” refers to our use of Traditional Chinese Medicine’s Food Therapy techniques to restore health and prevent disease through food. In the same way we use herbs to benefit the body we also use specific foods. Turkey for example is cooling to the body and can be an anti-inflammatory meat. Beef is very hydrating and benefits conditions of chronic dryness such as chronic cough and dandruff.
While holistic dog food can be a smart choice for any dog, if your furry companion suffers from a specific ailment, a holistic food therapy approach to food can be highly beneficial. In many cases, adjusting your dog’s diet can be the most beneficial although as veterinarians, we encourage you to follow the advice of your dog’s vet.
Let’s take a look at one common ailment that affects thousands of dogs every year – pancreatitis.
Opting for a holistic, real food dog food for pancreatitis can be an excellent way to prevent reoccurrences of pancreatitis and provide for a naturally anti-inflammatory meal based on holistic food therapy. Holistic medicine focuses on a lean meat diet of whole foods rather than the common low-fat dog food for pancreatitis diet that is often prescribed to dogs that suffer from pancreatitis. We recommend the Fire Diet, made with lean turkey breast, cooked vegetables and a small amount of grains.
Additionally, appetite is so important for dogs with pancreatitis and many dogs turn their nose up at prescription foods, which are unappetizing. It is very rewarding to give your dog real food cooked meals that they love and are truly nourishing.
At Chi Dog we believe that Food really is the First Medicine!
