Atlantic Ave Magazine November 2023

MISC | ASK THE PETXPERT
BY BILL PIECHOCKI
Are Some Treats Actually
Unhealthy For My Pet?
SEND YOUR QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS FOR OUR PETXPERT TO: PETS@ATLANTICAVEMAGAZINE.COM
THESE PETS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION
Everyone loves their pets and likes to provide them with special
rewards. Part of that process is finding proper treats for your pet.
We see the flashy advertising and packaging that is part of the
product selection. Our hope is no matter which choice of treat we pick;
the goal is for your pet to like them.
However, what is in pet treats? Are they beneficial or are they just
snacks? Why do our pets prefer certain treats over their food?
Pets are similar to humans in trying to satisfy a need by using
foods to balance their body’s requirements. The body is always
searching to balance nutritional needs that are dynamic and always
changing. Like us, pets need a variety of different foods with varying
nutritional profiles. When we give them a treat, they are reacting to
those nutritional needs. It also demonstrates the deficiency in that
same boring bowl of food that is repeated over and over. Pets know
what they need instinctively.
Beware that many commercial treats are not designed for their nutritional
value but for the profit generated. Let’s face it, in nature, all
foods are regarded as a treat. . In the wild, canines and felines such as
wolves and panthers often hunt specific prey to not only satisfy their
appetites but also to instinctively fulfill their nutritional needs.
Many conventional pet treats are filled with addictive and inappropriate
ingredients; however, the treat is still a change from that boring
inappropriate commercial food that many pets are still being fed. In
addition to the already inappropriate ingredients in their main diet,
these treats add to a plethora of synthetic chemical flavors and preservatives
to make the product another convenience for the pet parent. As
a result, most commercial treats contribute to an unhealthy condition.
Most are carbohydrate based such as cookies with a meat flavor that
contribute heavily to challenges like obesity, gum and dental problems
and even diabetes. Many of these products are created with specific addictive
compounds to overindulge the appetite and ensure repeat sales.
Our philosophy is that treats can be used as nutritional supplements
and as rewards in training and behavioral conditions. To
achieve this, they must be species specific in achieving healthier pets.
For dogs and cats, that means animal-based products like meat, poultry,
fish, seafood and even eggs. While most of us will not fill our treat
pouch with fresh meats, technology has brought us dehydration. All
natural, dri-baked foods provide a plethora of nutritious treats that
are easy for pet parents to handle.
Another interesting point is when you have a pet that has a heart or
liver issue...in Eastern medicine you treat the illness like for like. For
example, a pet with liver issues will benefit with more liver in their diet.
Many do not want to handle raw liver and its’ possible side effects of
loose stool. The dehydrated liver will have the same benefits. The reason
behind this is the nutritional profile of the food is exactly what the
body needs to heal that part.
High quality species appropriate treats are an excellent addition to
any dietary plan.
Remember research, reading ingredient labels and knowing the prey
and environmental sources the foods come from are important. Common
sense will then kick in on enabling you to keep your pet healthy.
Bill Piechocki, animal nutritionist and CEO at My Paleo Pet in Pompano
Beach, FL hosts The Pet Health Cafe web radio show. For over 50
years in the animal industry Bill has provided unparalleled vision and
information that is passed on to his clients and animal lovers daily.
View his new YouTube TV show with his special guests and esteemed
colleagues at https://w4cy.com/ or tune-in to his podcast radio show
archives at iHeart.com. Visit and follow Pet Health Café on facebook
and Instagram. Likes and shares are appreciated. Call for a free
consultation or stop by My Paleo Pet in Pompano Beach, FL 954-971-
2500, where Bill and the staff would be more than happy to help.
COPYRIGHTED
21287 BOCA RIO ROAD,
BOCA RATON, FL
561-482-8110
WWW.TRICOUNTYHUMANE.ORG
CARAMELO CREME BRÛLÉE SUSSIE
This bright-eyed boy is ready to meet you and
to begin his happy new life. Caramelo is a 2
year-old, neutered, house-trained, happy boy.
He’s good with children, sweet, playful, treat
motivated, and a nice leash walker. What are
you waiting for? Come meet him today!
Hello from this cute fluffball! Who can resist
Creme Brûlée? He’s a 4 year-old Terrier mix,
neutered and current on vaccines. He loves his
walks and then couch snuggles. Meet this boy
soon because he’ll charm everyone he sees!
Adorable Sussie requests someone who will
offer her lots of ear scratches on those giant,
cute ears! Are you up for the job? She’s a 6
month old Hound mix gal who we rescued from
Puerto Rico. Spayed, vaccinated, and ready to
live happily ever after with you!
A NO-KILL ANIMAL SHELTER.
OPEN TUES - SUN
11 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.
ALL ANIMALS ARE UP-TO-DATE
ON VACCINATIONS AND
HEARTWORM TESTED.
ADOPTION FEES $110 AND UP.
98 | NOVEMBER 2023 | WWW.ATLANTICAVEMAGAZINE.COM