Without knowing it, many well-intentioned pet owners feed their companion animals a witch's brew of chemical preservatives, food coloring and condemned animal parts that have been rejected for human consumption. Many mass-produced, commercial pet foods contain animal by-products, some of which may be diseased. They are loaded with preservatives and doused with food coloring to make them look appealing.

   According to the Animal Protection Institute (www.api4animals.org), "Synthetic preservatives include butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), propyl gallate, propylene glycol (also used as a less-toxic version of automotive antifreeze) and ethoxyquin. There is little information documenting their toxicity, safety, interactions or chronic use in pet foods that may be eaten every day for the life of the animal. Potentially cancer-causing agents such as BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin are permitted at relatively low levels. The use of these chemicals in pet foods has not been thoroughly studied, and long-term build-up of these agents may ultimately be harmful.”

   Contaminants permitted to be in mass-produced pet food include mold and fungi toxins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, liver damage, lameness and even death. Diseased or decayed animal carcasses can contain Salmonella and E-Coli and are used in the processing of commercial pet food.

   An alternative to mass-produced pet food is a raw diet consisting of raw meat, fruits, vegetables and grain. Chicken, fish, beef, turkey or lamb muscle and organ meat can be used, as well as raw, meaty bones (neck and back bones from poultry). Supplements are added, including fatty acids, enzymes, taurine and cod liver oil.

   Raw-food diets for pets have been common in Europe for decades where they are routinely recommended by veterinarians. In addition to naturally cleaning their pet's teeth, many dog and cat owners have noticed an improvement in their animal's general health after switching to a raw diet. Ailments such as skin allergies, ear infections, dry flaky coats, odor, dry eye and clogged anal sacs have been eliminated through the introduction of a raw diet, which provides nutrients the animal needs by mimicking what would be eaten in the wild. The use of high quality-grains, organically- grown fruits and vegetables and free-range meat and poultry is recommended whenever possible.

   Between 1932 and 1942, Dr. Francis M. Pottenger, Jr., M.D. conducted a long- term study on the benefits of raw diets in pets. In his controlled experiment, Dr. Pottenger segregated cats into two groups. The first group was fed a cooked-meat diet and the other group received a raw-meat diet. Observations were detailed over many generations of cats. At the end of the study, Dr. Pottenger concluded that cats eating a cooked-meat diet suffered from ailments ranging from allergies and immunity deficiencies to skeletal deformation, organ malfunction, low birth rates, birth defects, infertility and shortened life spans. In contrast, the cats fed the raw-meat diet thrived in near-perfect health throughout the study.

   For older, weaker animals who may not tolerate raw food, or for animals with certain gastrointestinal problems, a cooked diet may be the best alternative to a raw-food diet. Cooked pet foods made with all-natural ingredients and no artificial preservatives can be purchased. Read the label carefully. The food should contain USDA-inspected meats, grains (such as barley, brown rice or oats) and natural preservatives such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E. These products should not contain any animal byproducts. Carrots, green beans, apples and bananas are healthy treats for canines. Be aware that not all fruits and vegetables are safe for your animal, however; in fact, some can be very toxic. Onions, tomato plants (green parts only), avocados, apple seeds, rhubarb, raisins and grapes have been identified as harmful to pets by The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (www.aspca.org).

   Chocolate also can be extremely harmful to your pet. The caffeine can cause your pet's heart to race which can lead to heart failure. Coffee grounds also are dangerous. For an occasional special treat for your dog, unsweetened carob is a healthy alternative, as are yogurt chips. For cats, treats baked with brewer's yeast are an excellent source of B-complex vitamins, which help maintain a stable nervous system. In addition, brewer's yeast provides essential fatty acids for a glossy coat, and it is a natural flea repellent.

   Biscuit treats can be a healthy addition to your pet's diet when made with all-natural, organic, human-grade products containing no chemical preservatives. Biscuit-type treats are best when purchased freshly baked. Commercial treats that sit on store shelves for months can collect mites that could disturb your pet's digestive system and aggravate allergies. Beware of treats laden with sugar or salt which are not healthy for your animal. Stone-ground, whole wheat treats make a great healthy biscuit base unless your pet is allergic to wheat. In that case, rye or oat flour are excellent substitutes. Soy flour also can be used; however, soy can cause sensitivity in some pets.

   When feeding your companion animal, begin with balanced, whole foods that you or your family would eat. For all of the unconditional love that they offer, our animal friends certainly deserve the best food options for a longer and healthier life.

Nancy Winrod is president of The Grateful Dog Bakery, Inc., located at 31966 Center Ridge Road in North Ridgeville, Ohio. She can be reached by calling (440) 353-1990 or visiting www.GratefulDogBakery.com.