| The name, free radicals, might conjure up images of | | | | less stress on the body. An average 50 lb dog eating |
| guerilla fighters in a steamy tropical forest. Surprisingly | | | | commercial dog food eats about 18 lbs of |
| even the free radicals in your dog's body are very | | | | preservatives each year! That takes a lot of work on |
| similar. In both you, and your dog, free radicals are | | | | the body's part to eliminate, resulting in lots of free |
| the by-product of cellular metabolism. This means | | | | radicals and potential damage to cells and to DNA. |
| that any activity the cell does in the course of a day | | | | Every year we are discovering more and more about |
| produces a waste product. These waste products | | | | anti-oxidants that are found in whole natural foods. |
| can attach themselves to healthy cells creating | | | | Dogs and people both need fresh vegetables, fruits |
| damage to cell walls. Even things that are good for | | | | and high quality meats. Look for them in healthy |
| you can cause the production of free radicals. | | | | natural dog food or human grade dog foods. The |
| Taking your dog for a run or having him chase a stick | | | | best way to ensure adequate intake of useful |
| raises his metabolic rate meaning more cellular activity | | | | anti-oxidants is through a balanced, whole food diet. |
| and more free radical production. This process is also | | | | Loading up on synthetic vitamins and synthetic |
| known as oxidation but take heart. Just like the | | | | anti-oxidants may actually create further toxicity. This |
| human free radicals have to beware of the freedom | | | | may help explain both the trend toward gourmet dog |
| fighters you and your dog have your own freedom | | | | food for our four-legged friends and the fact that a |
| fighters in the form of anti-oxidants. They are the | | | | Whole Foods Market or Fresh Market is popping up in |
| housekeepers of the body keeping it clean of these | | | | every town and city in America lately. |
| free radical waste products. Anti-oxidants are found | | | | Like us our dogs need less stress. Always purchase |
| primarily in good quality whole foods. As a result you | | | | human grade, wholesome ingredients. The less |
| will usually find far more of them in a human grade | | | | processed our foods are, the better! Remember, |
| dog food or a gourmet dog food than you will in | | | | vitamin, minerals, complex carbohydrate and proteins |
| your typical commercial food. | | | | are all best when used as a team. Taken out of |
| Pollution, stress, disease, inflammation and food | | | | context, they are not as effective. |
| additives are examples of things that cause the body | | | | Nature knows best! Keep it natural! Choose a healthy |
| to have to work harder. Toxins are found in our | | | | natural dog food or even better a human grade dog |
| food, water and air. They exist in foods as | | | | food to help keep your pet healthy. It doesn't have |
| preservatives, colors and artificial flavors. They are | | | | to be gourmet dog food but it does have to be |
| also found in poor quality foods like moldy grains and | | | | healthy natural and good for your best friend. Feed |
| by-products that the body cannot digest. We need | | | | your dog like you know you should eat yourself. |
| to keep our foods free of these additives to provide | | | | |