It’s one thing to be uninformed and it’s another to be an ignorant ZOMBIE!
Don’t be swayed by the colorful dog food bags with those adorable dogs plastered all over them. Like the saying goes – “don’t judge a book by its cover!” The entire package might look good but what exactly is inside? You must be resourceful, do your own research and not necessarily feed what they’re giving you. Your dog’s life depends on it.
“The purpose of man’s life … is to become an abject Zombie who serves a purpose he does not know, for reasons he is not to question.” } Ayn Rand
We might not know our purpose in life but I strongly believe we should question it, especially when it comes to what we’re feeding our dogs. Dogs are gluttonous by nature and eat pretty much anything we offer to them.
We need to rise up and do right by our Furry Friends!
Yes, Zombies ARE feeding our dogs! I’m not kidding! If you pay close attention to how most of US are feeding dogs, we’re doing it without much thought like mindless human beings. You’ll understand where I’m coming from which such a bold statement.
“Wow Asia, don’t you think you’re exaggerating a little bit? “Mindless human beings” sounds a bit harsh…”
Please let me explain and you’ll learn why my Zombie comparison is more than fitting.
This article idea has been stirring in my head for awhile now. I got inspired by one of my all time favorite books, A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle. This article is a combination of what I learned from Mr. Tolle, with what I know about the dog food industry, mixed with some behavioral observation (my fancy way of referring to people watching).
I strongly believe, and I’m sure you might agree, the key to a happy healthy life for your dog begins with what you put in his bowl. If your dog consumes a variety of species-appropriate, good healthy foods including fresh proteins, meaty bones, grains, legumes, vegetables and fruits, he will be a very happy and super healthy beast.
Who are the Zombies?
Let’s play name the Zombie…
The list is actually pretty long and complex because it involves an entire network of individuals and corporations. Think of the majority of parties that are directly and indirectly associated to feeding dogs.
When I say ZOMBIE, I’m referring to:
A person who is unconsciously doing and being – one who is unaware of his or her actions and consequences.
Of course, not everyone in the following list is necessarily a Zombie. I’m just trying to make a point. Here are just a few of the people that might be Zombies in disguise:
- People who transport and deliver dog food
- Dog Feed Animal by-product processing plants and workers
- Giant dog food corporation workers and owners
- Veterinarians and technicians
- Your Neighbor
- Packaging Clerks
- Anyone Purchasing Dog Food
- Suppliers and Farmers
- YOU and your Family
Everyone involved in the production, distribution, sale and consumption of dog food shares the responsibility of what ends up in our dog’s bellies. When it’s all said and done, there’s definitely work to do because there’s way too much unacceptable dog feeding going on.
Unconscious Dog Owners!
Yes YOU!
Have you ever carefully read the ingredient label and formula analysis on your dog’s food bag? Are you familiar with all the ingredients listed? Do you have any idea what a healthy dog diet should entail? Did you know that there are many highly toxic additives, preservatives and food colorants that are commonly used in commercial dog food? Fillers, sugars and contaminated slaughterhouse waste are found in some commercial dog food brands. Do you call that nutritious dog food? Maybe what you’re feeding your dog isn’t a huge concern of yours? My guess it is because you wouldn’t be reading this article and all the other dog food related articles on HBD!
If you’re concerned about your dog’s health and happiness and you’re interested in raising your dog in a more natural Holistic way, then I am very excited and I thank you from the bottom of your dog’s heart.
I’m happy to say YOU are NOT a Zombie.
If you’re on top of things and you’re already feeding your dog healthy nutritious dog food, please stand up and dust your shoulders off! You’re a totally aware and compassionate dog owner. Halle gives you two Weimaraner paws way up!
However, my guess is the majority of dog owners unfortunately fall into the Zombie category!
They have absolutely no clue of what’s in their dog food. In fact, dog food is just another item on their scheduled grocery list. They probably buy whatever goes on sale that week, paying zero attention to their dog’s potential wellbeing. Zombies feed their dogs the same thing everyday. Some form of mysterious brownish pebble never questioning, “Hmmmn, this sure doesn’t smell too good! I can’t believe my dog likes this (expletive)! I wonder what it’s made of?”
These folks have mutated and transformed into unconscious machines stuck in their own unhealthy daily routines. Some might even read the dog feeding guidelines and assume that’s all there is to it. Unfortunately it’s only the “tip of a dog’s nose.” If this is you, don’t worry because we have the cure that will snap you out of your unenlightened state.
Everywhere we turn, we’re hit with tons of ads that read “Buy this,” “Try that,” or one of my all time favorites – “Revolutionary! New! such and such.” Just because it’s new doesn’t mean it’s healthy! It’s so hard not to fall victim to powerful marketing tactics. Giving in is easy! The same goes for the fast food industry.
Sometimes we can get so stuck in a routine or bad habit simply because we’ve gotten so used to doing something one way. We never think of other, greater options because the routine is always workable, easy and familiar! The unknown is hard, too much work! You might not even know why you’re feeding your dog this or that, you just are. I don’t entirely blame you!
“All truly successful action comes out of a field of alert attention, rather than from ego and conditioned, unconscious thinking.” } Eckhart Tolle
Like I said in my intro, its one thing to be uninformed and it’s another to be an ignorant ZOMBIE! As a loving compassionate dog owner, your job is to always be ahead of the pack. You are the leader not the follower. You have a tremendous amount of influence on your dog’s health and wellbeing. It all starts with fresh healthy dog food.
The dog food industry is intricately complex and one-sided with the corporations slowly killing our dogs and making millions in the process. Meanwhile, we’re spending our hard working dollars on vet bills, trying to save our furry little friends. The system is built in a way that doesn’t support asking questions but would rather you keep doing, without hesitation or doubt.
It’s your Responsibility to Switch the Game Up!
Unfortunately that’s the world we live in. But the great news is you can ask questions and make a difference in your dog’s life. I want you to pay closer attention to what you feed Fido and ask yourself the following:
- Is this Dog Food any Good?
- What is that overly processed colorful Kibble made of?
- What is the best possible Dog Diet?
- Are there other Dog Food Alternatives?
The purpose of my article is to raise questions in your head and create awareness about your dog’s diet and the quality of your typical commercial dog food.
If Your Dog Could Speak Human…
I imagine he would say something like this:
“You’ve got to be kidding me? I have to eat this (expletive) again? I’m gonna have to start hunting again! What have I ever done to deserve this? I promise to leave those slippers alone, ok? How could you possibly feed me this overly flavorful waste? You eat it!”
And your poor dog would probably go on a hunger strike, furiously requesting fresh healthy natural food in his bowl. It’s not fair.
You are one of those very special human beings – you have been paired with a very extraordinary animal who effortlessly gives you bundles of love, joy and happiness every single day. All he asks for in return is some good food and a little belly rub (Halle’s favorite) here and there!
“Mom, do you really have to tell the whole world that I’m a sucker for belly rubs?” } Halle
The Cure – Awareness!
I’m giving you the Cure – it’s called awareness and it starts to work almost instantly upon reading the final part of this enlightening article.
I love the essence of the following quote by Jack Lalanne. I’m not implying you should take this literally of course, but it sure does leave an impression:
“If man made it, don’t eat it”, and “if it tastes good, spit it out.”
There’s so much information out there on the essentials of a healthy dog diet. You just have to turn into a sponge and soak it all up. Start small. I don’t expect you to be cooking up a homemade meal for your pup by the end of the weekend – of course not! Look into Holistic and Organic dog food. Do some research. Ask some questions. You can easily start by adding some fresh foods into your dog’s diet from time to time. Switch things up and see how quickly your dog’s eyes light up at the smell of a fresh carrot or small piece of chicken.
It’s our responsibility as loving compassionate dog owners to give our pets the maximum quality of healthy dog food.
And it all starts right now!
Please Comment below, Thank You for reading!











{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
nice article Asia.
don’t even get me started on the dog food industry!
Excellent article! You guys read the same books I do… have been a long time fan of Ayn Rand and Eckhart Tolle!
Anyway thanks for the thought provoking article that should make sense to so many that may not have thought about it before… who have fallen into the Zombie-ness of big marketing and pretty bags of food :)
Thanks JT, nice hearing that from our super great HBD friend!
I agree, if one is open and aware you’ll probably enjoy the article even more :)
Those are wonderful life changing books my friend – we enjoy the special gift that Halle brings us much more everyday.
Thanks for this article, I have to confess I don’t know lot’s of thing about my dog’s food. I just know it is not good to give chocolate to him, he can become blind. For the rest I trust my dog, he is a very complicated one and like only quality! :]
Your very welcome!
The learning never stops.
Some dogs are a little fussy when it comes to eating.
What’s your breed and name?