Digg Story
Stumble It!The natural food trend is not just for humans anymore, as the trend of natural pet food is sweeping the nation.
Amber Nickel, co-owner of Pawsh Wash, 1520 Wakarusa Dr., a pet grooming a care store, says companies that produce natural pet foods use ingredients like corn, beef, chicken and fish.
"Products in dog food in the past have been terrible," Nickel says. "We've heard anything from feet, feathers, feces, beaks, things like that."
Natural foods may cost more for pets than most other foods on the supermarket shelf, however. For example, a 7-pound bag of pet food at the grocery store can cost anywhere from $5 to $7 depending on the brand, while a 7-pound bag of natural pet food can cost anywhere from $10 to $16 dollars, depending on that brand. But Nickel says it is worth it for pets and people who are willing to splurge on Fluffy and Fido even in these hard economic times.
Lawrence veterinarian Herschel Lewis says the most important thing for owners to remember is to check the label for feeding instructions and nutritional information. He says if owners do decide to change their pets' food, they should do so gradually and closely monitor their pets throughout the change.
"Start with 25 percent of the new diet and incorporate it with 75 percent of the older diet and then after several days of that, then some more of the new diet and less of the old diet," Lewis says.
Starting your pet on a natural food diet is easier than ever, as natural pet food stores are starting to spring up all over the country. Lawrence already has two natural pet food establishments, Pawsh Wash and Natural Pet Food & Supply, 3025 W. Sixth St.
Experts recommend doing research before switching your pet over to a natural food diet. Check out your budget and see if you have the extra cash it will take to feed your pet natural foods, and also contact your pet's veterinarian to make sure natural foods are right for your pet.
Local stores that sell natural pet foods
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