Why is nutrition so important?
From birth to adulthood, nutrients fuel the proper growth and function of all body cells, tissue, and systems. Without proper amounts of nutrients, growth and development are stunted. Some nutrient deficiencies manifest right away, while others aren’t seen until later in life. Excess of certain nutrients is known to be a risk factor for many diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory disorders, and cancer. Poor quality and digestibility of foods might lead to gastrointestinal problems.High quality food with properly balanced nutrients is crucial for every animal's health. Diet has to be tailored to an individual's health status, life stage, activity level, breed specifics, and personality.
Benefits of fresh foods diet
Balanced and complete diet formulated with fresh foods has numerous positive effects on your pet's health and wellness. Let's take a look at some of the benefits.
Disease prevention
Immune-boosting antioxidant rich food and high-quality protein can ward off many ailments. Several studies showed that leafy greens and bright colored vegetables have anti-cancer properties. Omega-3 fatty acids lower inflammation in the body. Healthy fats in the right balance and amount increase the energy of your pet. High quality protein is used for rebuilding cells.
Healthy weight
Commercial dry foods have a high amount of simple carbs and starches, which leads to weight gain. Fresh food diet has the right balance of macronutrients and is designed specifically for your pet's needs and activity level so your animal stays at optimal weight.
Increased lifespan
Several studies confirmed that pets fed fresh foods lived on average 2-2.5 years longer than those on commercial diet. The starch, dyes, preservatives, and synthetic nutrients in many commercial pet foods eventually take a toll on a pet's health.
Improved digestion
Fresh foods and high quality protein have a significantly higher digestibility which improves nutrient absorption. Veggies provide soluble and insoluble fiber which improve digestion and help with building diverse microbiome.
Better poops
Pets that eat fresh foods have smaller and better quality poops. Fillers in commercial food that pets can't digest result in voluminous poops. Highly digestible fresh foods don't produce much waste. Extra fiber in fresh vegetables and fruits also help poop's quality.
Higher quality sleep
Healthy digestive system leads to a better sleep. Fresh foods are also credited with calmer behavior. With the right ingredients in the pet's diet the sleep is pure and restorative.
Improved cognitive function
The study showed that old, cognitively impaired dogs who were fed an antioxidant-enriched diet had higher levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factors, which may slow cognitive decline. Even in younger pets, a fresh, wholesome diet fuels learning and alertness.
Shiny coat and healthy skin
Because of the way commercial food is cooked and processed, dry food especially can deprive pets of the healthy fats and oils they need for a lustrous, moisturized coat and skin.
Balanced fats in a fresh food diet will restore healthy skin and give your pet a healthy shiny coat.
Increased energy and improved recovery
Exercise is very important for a pet's health and longevity. Healthy balanced fats will provide your pet with energy while high quality protein helps to speed up recovery.
Overcoming picky eating
Fresh food diet provides different texture that might be easier than dry food for older pets with dental problems. The smell of fresh food is more appealing to many pets than commercial dry food. Moisture contained in fresh diet keeps pet hydrated. There is a greater flexibility in trying different ingredients and different textures to find something your pet will love.