8 Alarming Pet Food Facts You Must Know Before Deciding to Adopt a Pet
October 14, 2020
Written by: Perfect Petzzz
According to Petpedia.co, the U.S. pet food industry will grow from US$10.4 billion in 2018 to US$13.3 billion by 2023. We're talking about billions here and not just millions. This is how serious the pet food industry is and it should not be regarded as a mere dog or cat "treat." If this information gave you goosebumps, wait until you read the eight alarming pet food facts that could make you think twice about adopting a pet, and perhaps look for a lifelike alternative.
1. In the first year, the cost of owning a dog is around US$1,270, while owning a cat costs US$1,070.
You should also expect an additional US$500 each year for unexpected expenses. Besides spending on pet food, other expenses you should worry about are healthcare, toys, cages, collars, leashes, training, grooming, clothing, and insurance.
2. Don't believe when veterinarians claim that they’re selling premium or superior pet food products.
We have nothing against vets, but when it comes to pet food, many vets may collect a commission from selling only one commercial brand, which may influence their opinions and biases since it is a matter of conflict of interest.
3. Since we're on the topic of big brands, or well-known brands, some aren't top of the line or nutritious.
Several types of pet food primarily contain poultry by-products such as intestines, undeveloped eggs, feet, and beaks. Or its source is grain by-products like brewer's rice, corn gluten meal, and wheat. Moreover, feeding your dog or cat a pet food made of grains might make them obese and cause allergy problems.
How about processed commercial foods? Some may contain "4-D" meat, which means it came from a dead, dying, diseased, and disabled animal. Yikes!
4. Dry pet food or kibbles cannot clean dog's and cat's teeth.
Unlike human teeth, dogs and cats have very pointed and sharp sets of teeth. For that reason, they will swallow the kibbles whole or shatter it. Contrary to what others believe, kibbles don't act as a toothbrush that will scrape down a pet's gums or lower parts of the teeth. Instead, it could contribute to dental problems because the shattered pieces of kibbles may lodge between their teeth and start bacterial growth.
5. It is not advisable and unhealthy to feed pets the same food every day.
Imagine eating grain-based pet food without meat all your life. That would be very lonely and unappetizing in the long run. This is what a dog or a cat would feel as well. Pets must eat a variety of foods to achieve a healthy and balanced diet. It may also help them prevent allergies.
However, it may cause gastrointestinal problems due to their sensitive digestive system. It would help try to switch their pet food formula every week until their gut adjusts from this routine and be aware of the medical consequences.
6. Pet foods could be a choking and health hazard for kids.
A pet dog or cat may teach children to be compassionate and responsible, but remember that kids still need adult supervision when interacting with them. Like candies or small parts of toys, dry pet food should be out of the reach of children. Their curiosity may beat them into tasting or nibbling the family pet's food.
Besides, raw pet foods can make humans (and tiny humans) sick because of Salmonella and Listeria contaminated pet food, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We're not saying children may eat them, but the contamination may happen if they put their fingers in their mouths or eat something else before washing their hands.
7. Pet foods are also health hazards for--well--pets.
We've mentioned above what they are made of. Let's now discuss the adverse effects of poor quality pet foods to dogs and cats. It may cause increased gassiness, shedding, vomiting, and loose stools. Moreover, it has been linked to skin lesions (dogs), kidney failure, and obesity. Likewise, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) identified 16 brands of dog foods that might be associated with canine dilated cardiomyopathy, also known as heart disease.
8. Life stage-based diets are only a marketing tool.
Unlike human babies, puppies and kittens don't need formulated diets. This goes the same with adult and senior pets. Also, there is no such thing as a "complete and balanced" pet food, which is also a marketing tactic for pet food companies.
Alternative to Family Pets: Perfect Petzzz
What if you really wanted to adopt a pet? Fortunately, there are lifelike pets such as Perfect Petzzz that also offer real pet ownership. They are soft, huggable, and behave well. Alternative pets like these will sleep peacefully while emitting cute little snores.
More importantly, you can adopt one without hassles and expenses! You don't need to feed them with pet food or send them to the vet to get vaccinated. Thus, you don't have to worry about health implications like obesity, gassiness, diabetes, or kidney failure.
Perfect Petzzz bundle also includes a pet brush, collar with pet tag, new plush pet bed, and an adoption certificate. Yup, it's all-inclusive, so there are no surprise charges. Plus, you don't have to spend more than a thousand dollars yearly for food, toys, grooming, and other pet necessities.
What they only need is lots of love and nonstop cuddles! Perfect Petzzz is the most uncomplicated furry companion you can have.
Perfect Petzzz is available for purchase through our Amazon site. For any other inquiries, contact us here.
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