They say a pet’s only fault is that their lives are too short. But what if as pet parents we could be making choices for them that would prolong their lives, and enhance their health?

Pets can’t articulate how they’re feeling, so it’s up to us to be intuitive of their needs. As such, we tend to use visual markers to know how they’re doing, such as seeing a change in mannerisms, skin, weight, stool, urine, or character.

Having grown up with both dogs and cats, I’ve come to understand the key role food plays in their overall well-being, and how crucial it is to ensure their diet has complete and balanced nutrition. It can also be the underlying reason for many ailments if their food isn’t biologically appropriate.

When you start taking a hard look at the pet industry, it can be quite alarming, as foods marketed as healthy can often be hiding ingredients that are detrimental to your pet’s well-being.

Most kibble is highly processed and pumped full of additives, fillers, meat by-products, preservatives, and excess carbohydrates, which can lead to obesity, high blood sugar, pancreatic stress, hair loss, urine crystals, lethargy, dry nose and gums, malnutrition, liver and kidney disease, cancer, and much more.

And further to that, there’s a risk associated with feeding kibble because of the presence of harmful bacteria and mycotoxins (mold), and the ability of storage mites to rapidly multiply, increasing the risk of allergies, respiratory symptoms, and poor gut health.

What’s particularly upsetting, is that pet foods can contain diseased animal materials and meat ingredients sourced from non-slaughtered animals, with no requirement for disclosure. In simpler terms, that means animals that were unhealthy and dying, diseased, disabled, or already dead.

I also found through my research, that some butchers will sell raw food to pet parents labeled as one singular meat protein but deceptively load it with carcasses from other animals. The lack of transparency stems from the negative and direct impact it would have on their profit margin.

So not only are you gambling with the potential of pancreatitis due to the lack of information when it comes to fat content, among other important missing nutritional facts, but because of being misled when it comes to what’s in the meat, our animals are needlessly suffering from horrific allergies.

As a consumer whose pet is a valued family member, there is massive frustration that comes with knowing something we meant to help our pets is causing harm. Most people would be willing to spend more on their pets now if they knew it could potentially help them avoid spending substantially more on vet care later on. But honestly, the greatest cost is the loss of years with your best friend for something that could be avoidable with proper diet and nutrition.

As my dog ages, I have been on this journey of wanting to do everything I can to ensure he stays with me as long as possible and is the healthiest version of himself.

It was out of this desire that even long before we became ambassadors for Northwest Naturals, I was drawn to their brand and company as a whole. The transparency in where they source everything, the fact their standards are so high that their ingredients are certified for human consumption, and that they have a USDA inspector on-site for all production – all of those things gave me peace as a pet parent.

I loved the variety they offer, with their freeze-dried or frozen raw – treats, toppers, or complete and balanced meals.

There’s a confidence that comes with feeding your pets Northwest Naturals. It’s knowing that there aren’t any secrets – that all information is readily available and freely given on the website. It’s knowing that it’s a 5th generation-run family business, and who better to trust with your pet’s well-being than family? It’s how easy-to-feed and carefully formulated the products are, and how all dinner varieties include nutritionally beneficial supplements with natural vitamins and proteinated minerals. It’s all of it; even down to how Northwest Naturals cares about its footprint on the environment and prides itself on being an eco-friendly, sustainable company.

It feels like the clock has been turned back since making the switch to Northwest Naturals. My dog’s coat has been shinier and softer, his energy has greatly improved, his weight is perfect, and the crazy thing is – I didn’t have to say a word, because everyone is noticing the change.

That’s the Northwest Naturals difference.

It’s Biologically Appropriate Raw Food that improves the quality of life for your pet.

But don’t just take my word for it. I highly encourage you to check out Northwest Naturals for yourself if you’re thinking about making a health-enhancing, life-prolonging switch in your dog or cat’s diet. Take the time to look at their website and do your own research, because you and your pet deserve the best, and I honestly believe Northwest Naturals is exactly that.

Blog Written By: Brittany and her dog Charles

Find them on TikTok or Instagram @2LoveableIdiots

Charles currently enjoys NWN’s Whitefish and Salmon dinner bars or nuggets.

*All opinions are my own.