Is there a link between dog food and disease

It seems obvious to us that despite the glossy advertisements and all the hype, a lot of the dog food on offer today is of poor nutritional value and in some cases may contribute to the chronic conditions that so many pets seem to suffer from.   We see more skin diseases, epilepsy, diabetes, hyperactivity, tumours and arthiritis than we ever did thirty years ago.    The manufacture and sale of pet food is a business.    It isn’t cooked over an Aga in a country kitchen – it’s made in factories.   The actual ‘meat’ content is usually very low.  Who knows what the animal derivatives are.  The vet bills for a much loved and ailing elderly pet are often very high.   Yet most dogs in the past were active and healthy to a ripe old age.   We’re getting more conscious about the need to source the ingredients in our own food, and avoid ‘ready’ meals.   Isn’t it time to do the same for our pets?

Poor little chap.   He came in as a stray and looked very neglected.   In fact, he had an incurable skin disease.   It’s possible that his former owners had spent many hundreds of pounds on him.    We see a lot of dogs like this nowadays, do they get thrown out when their owners just can’t afford more vet bills?    Yet the natural state of the dog is to be full of vitality and with a glossy, thick coat, wet nose and shiny eyes. 

Natural diet – Mostly these dogs can be improved and usually cured by putting them on a natural diet – pure food, oily fish, fresh meat, everything organic, herbs, goats milk, free range eggs, fresh air, exercise, dusting their skin with ground herbs helps too.   It doesn’t happen overnight but the difference is amazing.   A dog is a carnivore and his basic diet should be meat.    It’s expensive and there aren’t so many butchers nowadays.   Sourcing organic dog food is the next best thing.   Our dogs have to eat what we provide.  They have no alternative, so sourcing good quality food (and that doesn’t mean the glossiest advertising!) is essential.   

Pero Organic  –  Through endless trials we’ve sourced some of the best foods around.  They are not always the most expensive but they are made with good ingredients.   Pero Organic is the best but our other lower cost alternatives are still good.

Chews, Treats & Accessories  – We have a great selection of chews, treats, beds, collars, accessories for both dogs and cats – in our new Pet’s Pantry Shop as you go in to Reception.   They are all bargain price – much lower than the High Street.   Dried meat and pig’s ears are coming soon.

To Help the Animal Sanctuary  –  Our pet food and accessory sales are all in aid of St.Bernard’s Animal Sanctuary and the waifs and strays and permanent sanctuary residents.   Please come along and have a browse, pick up some samples and do your pet food shopping with us.   Easy parking and we’re open for pet food from 9.0am to 5.0 pm every day.   Local delivery can also be arranged.

We’ll be happy to give you a sample of  any of our range of dog foods for your dog to try – you’ll find them in our Pet’s Pantry in Reception.