Your Guide To Green

man's best friend warns family of house fire - all five escaped injury."

"Persistent pot bellied pig saves owner's life."

Office dog predicts heart attack - paramedics say early warning made the life and death difference!

Whether our pets are heroes or just beloved members of our family, we want them to be happy and live long healthy lives. Nutrition plays such a crucial role in the collective health of our pets that it is no wonder we find ourselves looking for alternatives in the wake of the pet-food contamination scare that happened in mid-March 2007.

Consider that conventional pet food is made from one of two bases: fish or poultry. The meat included in pet food often contains antibiotics as well as ingredients such as "bone meal," chicken and fish byproducts and grains that are grown with pesticides and chemical additives, steroids and preservatives. Does this sound like a meal you want to feed your favorite furry friend?

Just like we are buying more organic food for our own consumption, why not consider the advantages of selecting pet food that meets organic standards? Food products that bear the organic classification must meet a series of independently verified standards set by the U. S. Department of Agriculture, including being free from animal cruelty, hormones and antibiotics. In addition, organic food often includes special herbal supplements that aid your pet in digestion and overall good health.

Allergies are another consideration for our pets, so remember to choose pet foods that do not contain wheat or corn products as these ingredients are know to cause severe allergic reactions in some animals.

According to owners and veterinarians alike, there is a strong correlation between high-quality, organic food and the overall well being of pets. Following are five major benefits to switching from conventional to organic pet food:

1. Reduction of skin ailments and allergies: Artificial coloring, preservatives and toxins are known pet allergens, so having food that is free of these ingredients greatly reduces the risk of an allergic reaction or skin ailments.
2. Less Intestinal Issues: Due to the supplemental herbs (such as kelp), organic grains, rich sources of protein, and a lack of ingredients that upset digestive tracts, organic pet food has proven to reduce intestinal issues.
3. More Energy and Healthy Weight: Since organic food is a rich source of nutrients, pets tend to eat less and maintain healthy coats and weight levels.
4. Better Overall Health and Immunity: most organic pet foods contain a healthy dose of vitamins that support your pet's immune system.
5. Longevity: The quality of your pet's health is significantly affected by the quality of its nutrition.

No doubt, spending a little extra cash on wholesome organic pet food will also save you money in the long run with fewer veterinary bills.

Karma Organics carries a line of organic dog food that is certified organic and filled with pet-pleasing ingredients. Or, if organic pet food is too rich for your budget, try your hand at making your own by visiting this website for recipes:
http://www.cooksrecipes.com/category/pet-recipes.html.

Remember, just like people, our pet's health is as good as what they eat!