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Veterinarian Reveals Three Unexpected “Dog Health Destroyers”

Written by: Molly Weinfurter
Molly Weinfurter is a writer for iHeartDogs, and she’s passionate about helping animals in need. She volunteers for Bailing Out Benji and a local dog rescue.Read more
| Published on September 15, 2023

Dr. Marty Goldstein, a renowned veterinarian known as Dr. Marty, has made a canine health discovery that’s saving dogs worldwide. He realized that the key to a dog’s health comes down to the food they eat. Many of the most popular foods out there contain what he calls “dog health destroyers.” Those foods are labeled holistic and healthy, but they could be cutting your dog’s life short.

“I used to spend a lot of time teaching owners to spot red flags — like restlessness, lethargy, and antisocial behavior — so they can tell when their dog is asking for help right away,” Dr. Marty said. “But now, I want to help people take a more proactive approach to their dog’s health.”

Dog next to food bowl

What Are the 3 Dog Health Destroyers?

According to Dr. Marty, there are three dog health destroyers. Removing these items from a dog’s diet can make them healthier and more energetic, regardless of their age.

#1. Preservatives

Preservatives are used in dog food to help it last longer, but they can make the food harder to digest. They can kill off friendly bacteria, preventing dogs from getting the proper nutrients from their food. Dr. Marty urges dog parents to stop buying foods with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), beta hydroxy acids (BHA), or propylene glycol in them.

#2. Fillers

“Fillers” is a broad term that most dog parents have heard before. It refers to any ingredients in dog food that don’t positively affect your dog. They’re used because they’re much cheaper than meat. Many companies use an excess of grains like barley, oatmeal, and white rice as fillers. Some grains can be great in small amounts, but they shouldn’t overpower the meat in a dog food recipe. The biggest fillers to avoid are soy, wheat, corn, and artificial coloring.

Dog eating kibble off floor

#3. Meat By-Products

Meat by-products are “slaughterhouse waste.” They can be any unused parts of animals, such as feet, beaks, brains, intestines, and even pieces of tumors. Generic meat products such as “meat meals” are just as bad. They don’t list the specific type of meat, so they could contain dead livestock, dead zoo animals, or roadkill.

What Should You Give Your Dog Instead?

Dr. Marty’s mission is to save as many dogs as possible. By removing the dog health destroyers and serving better quality food instead, your dog can live a happier, healthier life. Some ingredients to include in a healthy dog diet are organ meats, omega-3 fatty acids, and prebiotics like pea flour, flaxseed, carrots, and ginger.

“The truth is that almost no regulation of pet food quality exists in America. Neither the USDA nor the FDA takes the time to monitor or inspect all pet foods,” said Dr. Marty.

Dog burst of energy

Food is a crucial part of our dogs’ daily routines, but it could have a bigger impact on their lifespans than we realize. By following Dr. Marty’s suggestions for what to avoid in your dog’s diet, your furry friend may seem healthier in no time!

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