Forget Fillers And Chemicals—Your Pet Deserves Healthy, Wholesome Food

Ever see resemblances between humans and their pets? It’s a thing. Clearly our pets are a reflection of us, and the way we eat is no exception. As a nation, we’re gulping down alarming amounts of processed foods packed with chemicals and preservatives. And tragically, we’re giving the exact same stuff to our furry friends.

When Peggy Frezon—author of Dieting with my Dog—found out her once-sprightly spaniel, Kelly, was at a high risk for heart disease, hypertension, joint problems, and certain types of cancers after gaining 15 pounds of excess weight, the reality set in that her own doctor had been telling her the same thing about her own health.

“I realized that my lifestyle could influence my dog’s,” says Frezon. “I leaned over and I gave her a hug and I promised her we were gonna change our habits together…and hopefully be around a lot longer together.”

In 2014, 43.8 million dogs in America (about 54 percent of them) were obese or overweight. For cats, the number was even higher—55 million (58 percent). While that still trails the numbers for humans (a staggering 69 percent of Americans are overweight or obese) it’s an obvious wake up call: Our pets need more exercise and healthier food.

Traditional pet foods made by massive food corporations are loaded with byproducts and preservatives. According to Ann N. Martin, author of Food Pets Die For, the meat meal commonly listed as the first ingredient in pet food can be derived from sources such as road kill, zoo animals, euthanized companion animals, garbage from supermarkets, and diseased material from slaughterhouse facilities.

Commercial pet foods can also contain toxic levels of arsenic, lead, and mercury. Frightening preservatives such as ethoxyquin or formaldehyde are also sometimes hiding in canned blends.

But a healthy diet for pets doesn’t look much different from a healthy human diet: An emphasis on quality protein, fruits and vegetables, and perhaps a little bit of grain.

Without quality nutrition, just like humans, cats and dogs are susceptible to diseases like cancer, epilepsy, heart disease, and diabetes. The same way people might experience inflammation in the form of fatigue, joint pain, depression, weight gain, and allergies, so can pets.

Pets can’t speak up for themselves, but here at Thrive Market, we believe our animal friends should have the same access to wholesome, healthy foods as we do.

But we also know the best pet foods and supplies can be costly, so we’ve worked with our partners to offer some of our favorite high-quality pet essentials—including the best organic food, tasty treats, cozy beds, non-toxic bath and grooming products, and even nutritional supplements—at the same 25 to 50 percent discount you’ll find on all the rest of our products.

After all, we’re crazy about our pets here at Thrive HQ, too—from a puffy pomeranian named Chloe, to a pitbull named Pacino, to a greyhound mix named Turbo, and just like you, we think they all deserve the best. People and pets thriving together? We’re all about that life.

BONUS: To celebrate our Pets launch, we’ve partnered with our animal-loving friends at The Dodo for a $1000 giveaway happening from August 19 to September 1. Head over to The Dodo to find out the details!

Also, we want to see photos of your furry friends! Enter our #ThriveTails Instagram contest for a chance to win $75 every day from September 2 to September 8. Follow us at @ThriveMarket and keep your eyes peeled for more details.

Photo credit: Paul Delmont