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are designed to obtain water as part of their food. People who feed their cat dry food think that the animal is consuming enough water, because they see it drinking from a water bowl, but cats do not make up their water deficit this way. We can think of wet food, pack-


aged in cans or pouches, which is a minimum of 75 percent water (approxi- mating that of a cat’s normal prey), as working to flush out the cat’s internal plumbing several times each day, be- cause such a water-rich diet produces much more urine than a water-depleted dry diet. The fact that urinary tract problems are common in cats, and often life-threatening, underscores the impor- tance of keeping water flowing through the kidneys and bladder, which is critical to the health of this organ system.


Carb Load The high carbohydrate load of dry cat food wreaks havoc on the blood sugar balance of many cats because they lack the necessary enzyme systems to efficiently process carbohydrates. This comes as no surprise, given a cat’s strict carnivore status. While some cats are able to handle elevations in blood sugar levels, many are not, and this can con- tribute to the development of diabetes. In the 20th century, dry kitten and


cat food attracted a huge following due to its convenience and affordability, but informed and caring owners now realize that wet cat food is a far more healthy choice. Veterinarians and en- lightened consumers understand that a core principle of nutrition is: pay more for good food now or pay the doctor later. This principle applies to our pets, as well as to us. Finally, no discussion of dry versus


canned food would be complete with- out addressing the myth that dry food is good for a cat’s teeth. In fact, this old tale has no basis in reality.


Lisa Pierson is a doctor of veterinary medicine based in Lomita, CA. For more information on how to make the switch to a healthier diet, see the “Transition- ing Dry Food Addicts to Canned Food” at CatInfo.org.


Cats have it all – admiration, an endless sleep, and company only when they want it. —Rod McKuen


natural awakenings natural awakenings F January 2 ebruary 2011 25


Healthy Stews for Dogs


Recipes Courtesy of C & B Specialty Pet Foods


The Starter Stew is a great stew if you are just starting your dog on a home- cooked diet. Because it is gentle on the digestive tract, this stew is also good for geriatric dogs and dogs on a weight-loss program. Dogs need variety, so I like to


make two different meals a day for my Golden Retriever. I tend to do a lighter fare in the morning, and the Breakfast Stew is one of her favorites. It’s also the only way I can get her to eat oatmeal, which is gentle on the tummy and gives me the chance to mix things up. ~Alison Spencer, co- owner, C & B Specialty Pet Foods


Starter Stew Provides one meal for an 85-pound dog


Ingredients


1¼ cups ground, cooked turkey 1½ cups cooked yams ¼ cup cooked turnips ¼ cup celery


Houndful tip: Wash yams, cut off ends and slit with knife before plac- ing in the microwave for 3 minutes, or until tender. Dogs can eat yams with the peels.


Mix ingredients and mash with potato masher.


Breakfast Stew Ingredients


1¼ cups canned salmon (with bones and skin) 1½ cups cooked oatmeal ¼ cup blueberries ¼ cup strawberries


Houndful tip: Buy frozen mixed berries—blueberries, raspberries and strawberries—and thaw them as needed. Salmon with bones is safe for dogs. The salmon is boiled, which softens the bones for mashing.


Mix ingredients and mash with potato masher.


For more information, call 949-322-5239 or visit CandBSpecialtyPetFoods.com.


Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. —Roger Caras


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