Revitalizing Health: Rethinking Dog Nutrition with K9 Cuisine
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Chapter 1: Challenging Conventional Wisdom
For decades, societies in the Western world, particularly in the United States, have been influenced by corporations, governmental agencies, and cultural norms that often misrepresent beneficial substances as harmful. We have become accustomed to relying on these organizations to dictate our health management, lifestyle choices, dietary requirements, and approaches to medical issues.
I have chosen to reject these mainstream directives regarding my health. Instead, I advocate for my own wellness by integrating Eastern medicine and remedies into my lifestyle, a practice I've extended to my dog's health and nutrition as well. This shift has sparked disagreements with healthcare providers and veterinarians, who typically promote traditional medications. While I recognize the value of certain medications—one of which alleviated severe inflammation that manifested as eczema—I prefer to explore natural and holistic remedies whenever feasible.
My perspective became particularly crucial when my dog was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease in 2017. Her SDMA test results were concerning, and the veterinarian suggested the best possible care, which included prescription dog food.
My dog serves as my Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD), assisting me with my mental health challenges and Non-Verbal Learning Disorder (NVLD). Determined to find an optimal solution for her, I undertook extensive research to create a specialized, all-natural holistic kidney diet using high-quality human-grade ingredients. Her health journey inspired my transition to becoming a Natural Chef.
Through my research into canine nutrition and essential dietary components, I grew increasingly disillusioned with the FDA, AAFCO, and other regulatory bodies responsible for dog food standards. The prevalence of subpar ingredients masquerading as healthy options for dogs is alarming. While canines require specific nutrients, such as amino acids and Vitamin D, which they cannot synthesize, they can obtain these from natural, earth-sourced ingredients rather than artificial alternatives.
What frustrated me further was the active discouragement from veterinarians, corporations, and government entities regarding homemade dog diets. This became evident when veterinarians frequently questioned my choices and urged me to abandon my approach. However, my extensive research and reliance on my dog's test results demonstrated that I was making informed decisions.
Despite this, these organizations continue to endorse dog foods that have faced multiple recalls, resulting in canine fatalities and new health complications. As a Natural Chef, I believe that manufactured dog food can be harmful to dogs’ health. While there are human-grade dog food options available, I find them equally troubling, as they often consist of standard human-grade ingredients that may be byproducts masquerading as premium meats and vegetables. Additionally, not all dogs enjoy the same vegetables; for instance, my dog dislikes bananas, blueberries, and some others.
When I attempted to launch my own dog food brand, I faced significant challenges due to the absence of veterinary support for my concept. Despite having my dog food lab-tested with excellent results, this was not considered adequate, and competing with established corporations proved to be a formidable task. Consequently, I closed the business but continued to prepare nourishing recipes for my dog.
An interesting aspect of my journey involves a former friend who had a Miniature Pinscher of a similar age to my dog. When her dog began experiencing health problems, she opted for conventional treatments, adhering to her veterinarian’s advice. She treated her dog with recommended food and medications, while I maintained a holistic approach for my dog, Mandy, feeding her the specialized diet I created. Sadly, her dog passed away, while Mandy continues to thrive and remain vibrant. The outcomes of our differing approaches speak volumes.
However, as my friend deviated from her dog’s healthy regimen, we both began to experience health issues. In 2021, I struggled with eczema, and in 2022, incorporating manufactured supplements into our diets put Mandy's kidneys at risk again. This situation has reignited my passion for being a Natural Chef, especially for her. I am now committed to utilizing natural remedies to restore her kidney health.
Before I embark on this renewed journey as a Natural Chef, I will have Mandy undergo bloodwork. I am hopeful that the results will reflect the positive impact of her specialized diet. I look forward to this next chapter in our lives together, confident that Mandy's health will continue to flourish as we embrace this new path.