Paws n Motion - Recommended Reading

Martin's interest in the pet food industry was sparked when her own two dogs became sick after eating from a new bag of dog food, food she'd been buying for them for years. Her journey into the world of commercial pet food began as an honest attempt to lodge a complaint with the FDA and the pet food manufacturer regarding the tainted food, and recover money for vet bills that had accrued as a result. She quickly found that this would be no simple task and would come to find there is no real regulating authority for this multi-billion dollar industry.

Martin has done extensive first-hand research into this subject area, contacting pet food manufacturers and officials in the industry, as well as veterinarians, slaughterhouses, private laboratories, and rendering facilities. She knows which questions to ask and isn't afraid to press until she gets an answer. It's clear that she's heard all the excuses, justifications, and arguments made by the pet food industry and has gathered responses and counter-points to all of them.

The first edition of this book was published in 1997, with updated and revised editions released in both 2003 and 2008. The most recent edition includes a lengthy discussion of the 2007 Menu Foods recall. Martin is truly an advocate for millions of dogs and cats throughout Canada and the United States. This book reads like a documentary, is very engaging as well as disturbing and at times difficult to read because of the content. This book will convince you of the importance of being an educated pet food consumer. You simply won't be able to turn a blind eye to the ingredient list on your pet's food or treats after reading this book. Martin empowers dog and cat owners to use their common sense when it comes to feeding their pets and question their veterinarians and pet food manufacturers when they make claims that just don't add up.

The general topics covered include: mysterious and confusing ingredients in commercial pet food, questionable vitamins, minerals, additives including sodium pentobarbital (the euthanasia drug); pet food regulations; pet food manufacturers; good commercial pet food; pet food recalls; animal experimentation and pet food companies; natural pet food companies; cooking for cats and recipes for cats; and cooking for dogs and recipes for dogs. You will find yourself picking your jaw up off the floor numerous times while reading this book, and it will likely become a valuable resource on your shelf.