Submitted by Nilla’s Tub DIY Dog Wash & Health Food Store
These days, many pet owners are switching to dehydrated food. Dehydrated pet foods offer all the advantages of raw without any of the negatives. Raw food is often the preferred diet choice for holistic veterinarians and pet owners. It is fresh, non-processed food that is rich in vitamins, enzymes, and bio-nutrients. Benefits include a decrease in allergies, itch-free skin, odorless breath, improved energy, and less poop!!
If you’ve never given it much thought, there are plenty of reasons you might want to give dehydrated a try. Before
stocking up on another bag of kibble, consider these points that might help save you space and money — all while being more nutritious for your dog.
- It’s healthier. Dogs and cats require a high-protein diet, but short of feeding them raw food, it’s difficult to meet their needs on kibble alone. Raw foods can be difficult to digest, which is beneficial for building a strong digestive tract in a young or otherwise healthy pet, however, for certain pets this may present a challenge. The dehydration procedure helps to begin the digestive process, which makes it far easier on the digestive tract of a pet that is older or simply not accustomed to a raw diet.
- There’s minimal processing. Traditional kibble is processed at very high temperatures, often exceeding 5,000 F, and this destroys many vital nutrients. Dehydrated food is pre-cooked to maintain the taste and nutrition for your dog. The proteins retain their value without breaking down and provide the same benefits you’d find in raw pet food. It’s also free of artificial chemical preservatives, including BHA and BHT, which are potentially hazardous when consumed every day over the course of many years.
- It lasts longer than you think. When glancing at a box of dehydrated food that says it only contains ten pounds worth of meals, you might be put off. Remember, though, that this is the weight when it’s dry and not wet. That ten-pound bag can almost quadruple once you start using it, meaning that it can last for months, depending on the size of your pet.
- It’s safe for humans. We’re not saying you should scarf down your dog’s dinner, just that if you come into contact with it, it’s not going to make you sick. Raw dog foods might contain harmful bacteria that could pass foodborne illness onto humans.
- It’s easy to use on trips. If you find yourself on the road a lot and tend to take your pup everywhere you go, then dehydrated food definitely meets your needs. You can easily pack it into your luggage or bag without adding much weight at all, then whip it out and have it ready quickly by simply adding some water. Dehydrated food contains all of the essential protein and nutrients found in meat but it doesn’t spoil.
- It’s easy to store. Unlike most options, dehydrated food doesn’t require much special care to keep it from spoiling. It can be stored almost anywhere in a house, doesn’t require refrigeration and tends to last longer than many types of kibble and wet food when kept at normal temperatures. The boxes are compact and fit in tight spaces, so there’s no bulky bag to contend with or packages taking up valuable real estate in your freezer.
- Dogs love it. Not all dehydrated food looks appetizing to humans, but most dogs, and some cats, tend to eat just about anything that smells interesting to them. They aren’t likely to turn their nose up to a bowl of dehydrated goodness; even the most finicky of pets are probably going to give it a try. Plus, it comes in a variety of different protein sources, so you’re sure to find something that works.
In short, dehydrated pet foods are a healthy and safe
alternative to raw with all the benefits and none of the disadvantages.
You can start by mixing it in with their kibble.
This article was written by Ben Kerns and is reprinted with permission from The Honest Kitchen Blog. Honest Kitchen makes pet food that’s all natural, made in the USA, 100 percent human grade, super healthy, minimally processed, with no GMO ingredients and nothing from China. It’s people food, made especially for pets. More information about their products can be found online at www.HonestKitchen.com.
Nilla’s Tub DIY Dog Wash and Health Food Store for Dogs and Cats, located at 211 Landmark Dr. in Normal, carries a full line of products from Honest Kitchen. In addition to their large selection of dietary supplements, treats, and quality food including raw, dehydrated raw, canned, and kibble, they have everything you need to bathe and groom your furry friend in a fun, relaxing environment. No appointment necessary, call 309-451-9274 or visit them online at www.NillasTub.com.