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Originally Posted by 107barney  I totally agree that people should feed a diet that makes them comfortable. I too enjoy going "natural" and my home cooked food for my dogs is very natural in that regard. But...
I take issue with comments like "species appropriate diet" - this is where it's a matter of opinion and not fact. If we were looking at facts, a dog in the wild eats out of dumpsters and whatever can be scavenged in their environment. In fact, as man evolved into animal husbandry, dogs were often coming around our camp fires instead of eating their "species appropriate" wild food.... I would say this is because dog is no fool and knew that our feasts might have better dining options. This, plus our companionship, may be why they've been our best friends for over 10,000 years. It is not any less "appropriate" to feed your dog a diet that may be conveniently packaged and formulated using science and technology if that works for your dog.
Jenny, I know you're a big follower of Dodds. I know those of us who go another route won't win you over just as we can't convince people that the guy who said autism was caused by vaccines made it up. I'm ok with that, and I am not trying to win anyone over with my views, but can you please try to not insult the 98% of dog owners who feed cooked or commercial kibble or canned food by suggesting they are not feeding "species appropriate" food. Some of us really do have beautiful middle aged and elderly dogs who have lived wonderful lives using the very diets you want to dis. |
My definition of species appropriate diet is based on their anatomy...specifically, their digestive system. It's designed to eat highly digestible proteins, bones & organs...it gets soaked in a acid bath which also kills the pathogens, like salmonella & other bacteria. It doesn't harm them bc they have a short digestive tract, unlike us humans. Of course, this would be true for a normal healthy dog (or cat).
Yes, some dogs do fabulous on kibble, all their lives. Mine didn't. Like I said, what works for some will not for others.
I'm not going to shove it down anyone's throat...to get to where I am now, it took years & it made sense to me. I would never expect it to make sense to everyone else. You feed your pet what you feel is right. I'm not saying anything is right or wrong, it's what you & I feel comfortable with.