Green for your pets

Domesticated animals play an important role in the lives of most people. They provide an opportunity for children and adults to learn the skills of caring, nurturing, and responsibility. We bring them into our homes; sometimes even make them a member of the family. So if your family is a green family, how does your pet fit into the mix?
Spaying or neutering your pet is one of the greenest decisions you can make. Millions of animals are euthanized every year. There are many programs for reduced costs and also for stray and feral cats. Feral cats are wary of people and congregate in groups for protection and food. By releasing them back into their environment they are allowed to stay together without multiplying.
We all want to be sure that what we are feeding our pets is healthy and safe but do you really know what’s in their food! Pet food contains protein from many sources. Primarily from the ground remains of animal processing such as heads, feet, and intestines; it is the discards of human food industry. The meat processed into by-product meal or meat and bone meal may be from sick or healthy animals. In the end nutrients and minerals have to be added back in to the pet food along with preservatives so it can last for months in the stores or in your home.
When choosing a pet food it is important to pick a brand that has an Association of American Feed Control (AAFCO) guarantee. Loom for labels with meat like chicken, lamb, of beef as the first ingredient, not just the word meat. Natural pet food will most likely not use chemical preservatives but will rely on vitamins C and E to partially or fully preserve food. If you want to change your pets food, it’s important not to do it all at once. It might upset their otherwise healthy digestive system. A small amount of new mixed with old and then gradually increase new until there is no more old. You may also go with homemade foods. You must remember to meet the animals’ nutritional requirements. You could consult your vet to determine the breakdown of proteins, vegetables, grains, vitamins and minerals.
There are many ways to green your pet. Buy green bedding and toys made from organic cotton. You can get organic shampoos, skin treatments, and organic grooming products. Traditional cat litter can be replaced with biodegradable litter. Options are recycled paper or reclaimed wood. If you intend to make the switch you show do it gradually like with pet food.
In October 2005 wildlife officials in the Everglades National Park found a thirteen foot python that bit off more than it could handle when he tried to down a 6 foot alligator. The python’s girth wasn’t big enough and it literally busted at the seams. Neither alligator nor python survived. If a new home is needed for pet companions please do research on how to relocate them properly.


Info provided from 365 Ways to Live Green Your Everyday Guide to Saving The Environment