A couple weeks ago, I was able to marvel at the views as I looked out from the top of California’s Mt. Whitney. At 14,500 feet, Whitney is the highest peak in the lower 48 states; it’s also the destination of 16,000 people a year who hike the steep, well-worn path to the top.
In the midst of my viewing, a portly marmot came along and seemed to strike a pose in front of several groups of people. This large, intelligent rodent had obviously learned that a cameo and pose gets it more
food and takes less energy than sneaking and stealing from the unattended backpacks. This “cute” behavior often won the hearts of the climbers and resulted in a helping of processed food from several people. I could see that breakfast bars and trail mix had become a big part of the diet, which may not sound so unhealthy…until you consider that the calories and carbs in the diet have made it necessary for marmots to dig bigger and bigger dens. The proof stood in front of me. The huge increase in calories has caused marmots to “super-size,” a fact that ties directly to my favorite subject: pet nutrition generally and Dog Dish Diet specifically.
We Have A Nation of Overweight Pets
About half of all pets owned in the United States are weight challenged because of the processed commercial food and treats that we feed them. Just like our “super-sized” marmot, they no longer have to work or wait for food; it is delivered to their bowl or, in the marmot’s case, the mountain top. Our pets are feasting on dry food and treats that cause some dogs and cats to tip the scales at unhealthy weights. This added weight can lead directly to diabetes, cancer, and back and joint strain from all the extra weight causing abnormal stresses on the bones and joints. If your pet is overweight or has other medical or allergy issues, my book Dog Dish Diet (headed to the printer’s this weekend) has lots of information on healthful ingredients and good “human food” that you can feed to keep your dog slimmer and healthier and save you unneccessary medical bills. Following the steps of good dog nutrition that I outline in the book is much cheaper than extra trips to the vet. Bone Appetit!
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My cats are now totally off of processed and packaged treats. I have two things that I give them now. First, I found some cat vitamins that have Taurine, and since I often cook chicken for the cats I wanted to make sure I wasn’t cutting out their Taurine…so I supplement. The vitamins taste good so we now call them “treats.” All three cats come running for their treat.
The other thing I give them provides an Omega 3 boost. We have excellent smoked salmon here in Maine. One that I favor for myself comes with the skin still attached on one side. The cats are crazy for it. So I cut it into strips and these too are called “treats.”
Everyone, even my once weight-challenged Angus is tipping the scales at a healthy weight. Thanks to you Dr. Greg.