If only our pets could speak.  They would tell us how to prevent the human-type diseases that are almost commonplace now for pets in the 21st Century. 
 
How can we start preventing disease in our pets?  Look no further than the mouth.  It is not normal or healthy for our pets to have bad, foul-smelling breath.  That smell is a sign.  It is telling you the mouth of your pet is growing bacteria and may already be suffering from periodontal and/or other diseases.  Once the bacteria  develops it multiplies and spreads throughout the body feeding on the blood supply of your pet as it enters the tissues and organs compromising the immune system.  Thereby, leading to other diseases in the body. 
 
What are the solutions to this troubling problem? First, feed your pet a diet primarily based on proteins and fats and at most 3-5% grain.  A raw diet is recommended which will not only provide the proteins and fats your pet needs but also all the enzymes necessary to assist the food in breaking down for proper absorption thereby assisting your pet in maintaining a healthy immune system. 
Most kibble is grain based. Kibble because of the grain sticks on the teeth of pets feeding bacteria in the mouth.  Without regularly brushing the kibble off our pet's teeth, bacteria manifest and grow causing disease in the mouth. 

 

Second, give your pets raw bones to chew at least once per week as a steady component of their diet.  Chewing a RAW bone( NOT baked, boiled, steamed, smoked, etc) will remove the tartar and calculus from the teeth in an efficient manner.  You can also use a non-flavored Nyla Bone even though the pet will not get the valueable nutrients they would get from a raw bone.  If your pets are reluctant to chew bones, it may be necessary to have their teeth cleaned on a regular basis by a Veterinarian unless you are successful brushing their teeth at home. 
 
Let's be proactive and assist our pets in staying healthy.  With awareness and a few dietary changes, we can encourage a healthy lifestyle that will bring years' worth of happiness and wonderful life to our beloved pets.
 

 

BARF = Biologically Appropriate Raw Food 
Veterinarian Approved