Deep Fried Cupcakes + Fresh, Whole Foods = Happiness for Everyone
by Sarah Whitman
March 15, 2010
The American Dietetic Association has stamped March as National Nutrition Month, and here we are. right smack in the middle of it.
Whether it's March, September or anywhere in between, we all know the old story: we should eat more whole foods and less processed ones. With the endless mantra of "more vegetables, less refined foods" and other messages ingrained into our minds year round, I am sure I don't need to go into the basics of how and why we should eat better. We already know.
But that doesn't mean we do anything about it. We try, and sometimes we succeed. But let's face it. It's hard to give up life's guilty pleasures. Think chips and dips, candy, fried macaroni and cheese, even deep fried cupcakes. Everyone has their favorites. I guess some people would say "that's what makes us human."
But in the height of National Nutrition Month, I propose we dog lovers do something. We know whole, unprocessed foods are better. But whether we choose to eat more healthfully ourselves or not, we can offer that opportunity to our dogs. The cool thing is dogs won't turn their noses up at those healthy ingredients. On the contrary, your dog will actually prefer the taste of whole foods over dry, processed kibble, and will be truly excited by them. No sacrifice necessary.
Now is a perfect time to start cooking homemade foods for your dog, and / or ordering homemade dog foods. There are simple things you can cook that will bring pleasure and nutrition to your dog, and will help him or her live a long, healthy life by your side. You will likely even save money by using whole, everyday ingredients instead of prepared kibble.
Of course, we humans should strive to live more healthfully and eat better. But it's not always easy for us. While eating healthfully may sometimes seem like a chore to us, it is actually fun and oh-so-exciting for dogs.
Applying National Nutrition Month to dogs is a way we can live healthfully in a vicarious manner. After all, sometimes we extend care to our children that we, for one reason or another, have abandoned for ourselves. Smoking, alcohol, and yes, deep fried cupcakes are examples. The sweet irony here is that to your dog, a bowl of whole, fresh foods is their deep fried cupcake.
If you need a reason to start feeding your dog fresh, whole foods, read this article by Dr. Janice Elenbass, concerning commercial pet food: Scary But True.
Sarah Whitman is founder of Whitman Syndication, a series of dog-related website's and blogs designed to promote dog friendly companies, rescue organizations and other pro-dog initiatives. She can be reached at sarah@dogfriendlycompanies.com or through her websites.
New company last week: 
