Atlantic Ave Magazine - January 2020

misc | ask the petxpert
BY Bill Piechocki and Dr. Diane Sudduth, DVM
Are New Year Resolutions
Good For My Pet Too?
It’s another New Year and as we all reflect on our own resolutions,
the top priority is to get healthier. This goal is not only for us but
also should include our pets. In reviewing the trends, influences
and improvements that have advanced over the past year, several beliefs
are becoming more evident in order to accomplish this.
The interest in more natural approaches such as health through
nutrition, herbs, botanicals, homeopathy and other non-invasive and
non-synthetic pharmaceutical approaches have been gaining speed.
The variety of new products, foods, supplements and services has
grown exponentially to fuel this interest. While this expansion in the
market increases awareness, it can create stress as to the best approach
to follow. In addition, much of the information is provided
by non-qualified professionals, so conflicts and confusion can occur.
The medical and veterinary industry are schooled in the allopathic
philosophy, meaning that only FDA approved pharmaceutical drugs,
therapies and surgery are the acceptable means of treating disease
symptoms. Some of these methods can be risky, have added side effects
and are designed primarily for symptom management, not curing
or prevention.
A more naturopathic approach is to start with nutrition that is
specific to the individual. This is the fuel to maintain cellular health.
Species appropriate foods are what animals would eat naturally in
the wild and it is based on the physiology of that species.
Our dogs and cats are carnivores, prey animals of which by nature’s
design, can efficiently metabolize animal-based nutrients.
Meat diets for them are often disparaged as “all protein” foods but
the truth is all living beings need diversity through the natural blend
of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and water that they are designed
to use. In the wild, they would achieve this by consuming most of
a prey’s carcass. They instinctively know that a carcass provides all
different cuts of meats including bones and organs which are packed
with the bioavailable vitamins, minerals, fats, hydration and other
nutrients that they need.
In addition, we look at herbs and botanical material as another
component. In nature, most carnivores do not eat vegetables, fruits,
or grains as they are very difficult for them to digest. Meanwhile our
domestic pets will eat and even crave some of these foods. Puzzled?
Cravings are usually a symptom of an imbalance of nutrients.
This imbalance created from the ingestion of inappropriate foods
can cause the body to treat this digestion in an unnatural way creating
challenges such as diabetes, pancreatitis, allergies, gastric issues
and more. In nature, herbs and botanicals are present in the water
they drink from streams, lakes, ponds and puddles.
So, our answer is yes, resolutions should also apply to your pets.
The 2020 resolutions for pets and humans alike are to provide the
best foods and products available. Provide your pet with the most
natural choices that you would give yourself! This will help in preventing
the onset of disease and can also rebalance a dysfunctional
health system.
Bill Piechocki, nutritionist and Dr. Diane Sudduth, DVM are partners in Fiesta
Pet Deli in Pompano Beach, FL, and co-hosts of the PetHealthCafe.com radio
show. Our 40 years in the animal field has provided us unparalleled vision and
information which we pass to our clients daily. Visit us at www.PetHealthCafe.
com or 800-940-7387. Call us for a free consultation or stop by Fiesta Pet
Deli, 954-971-2500, we would be more than happy to help.
SEND YOUR Questions OR COMMents for OUR petxpert TO: pets@ATLANTICAVEMAGAZINE.COM
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122 | january 2020 | www.AtlanticAveMagazine.com