If you read my blog, then you know the story of my Pebbles and why I stopped feeding my dogs manufactured dog food.
Dog Food Recalls in 2020
But, there are some other very sad stories about dogs who were sickened by commercial dog food. Did you know that there were a number of dog foods that were recalled in 2020 and several in 2021? Do you know why they were recalled? Could you name which ones they are?
Precisely! Unless you actively check with the FDA you have no way of knowing. When was the last time you checked the recall list? You are not alone! I never did and I think it’s pretty safe to say most people don’t. But even if you do, it could be too late for your precious Chihuahua by the time it gets recalled! So how do you know what to feed a Chihuahua?
Every Dog Owner’s Worst Nightmare
I recently came across a post about a woman who adopted a super sweet pit bull mix. Everyone loved this dog. He brought nothing but love, light, and happiness to everyone he met.
One day at a very young age he succumbed to illness caused by contaminated dog food. This sad story occurred in 2019. He died at only 5 years old. There was no reason that pup would not have lived a long life had it not been for the contaminated dog food. That dog food was later recalled, but it was too late for this sweet dog.
Even “premium” dog foods have been recalled. What if it happened to you? My Pebbles had heart disease that was brought on by a “premium” dog food that I was feeding her. Later the FDA came out with a report listing several dog foods that have been linked to DCM (Dilated cardiomyopathy) Hers was on that list, but it was too late for my beautiful Pebbles.
It was after my experience with Pebbles that I began to wonder what to feed a Chihuahua and to do extensive research on manufactured dog food and canine nutrition. Dog food is regulated and inspected the same as it is for cattle feed. In other words, if it’s good enough for a farmer’s cow to eat, it is good enough for your precious Chihuahua! If you research how exactly commercial dog food is manufactured and what is actually in the making of dog food you would be truly disgusted.
If Manufactured Dog Food Is So Bad, Why Isn’t It Being Shouted From The Rooftops?
To be fair, not all dog food manufacturers are evil, however, they are a business. It is in their best interest to NOT tell the public exactly how their dog food is made, what is really in it, and how it’s processed.
Thus far, many veterinarians, pet food companies and retailers continue to provide incorrect, biased and flawed nutritional advice to pet parents including the health-damaging recommendation to feed only one brand of highly processed pet food for a lifetime.
Here’s the ugly reality pet food companies can’t afford to be transparent about: the vast majority of ultra-processed commercial pet food — premium brands and so-called “prescription” and “theropeutic” diets — are made from rendered ingredients. ~ Dr. Karen Becker, DVM
By the word “rendered” we are talking about kibble made in part from expired grocery store meat, scraps, and could even contain styrofoam, plastic, or rotting animal carcasses. If you knew that would you feed it to your Chihuahua? Certainly not!
When I first started researching dog food companies and how dog food is processed I thought about what to feed my Chihuahua and about making my own but had no idea how to know if it was adequate nutritionally or if it was balanced. So, instead, I turned to my veterinarian. Instead of asking him what I should feed my Pebbles, I asked him what he fed his dogs? His answer surprised me.
His answer was that he uses a fresh dog food delivery service such as Spot & Tango delivery service. They know what dogs need, not to merely survive, but to thrive. Developed by veterinary nutritionists who know the exact right balance of protein, fiber, carbohydrates, and fats that are best for your Chihuahua. Their food is USDA certified for safety but never goes through a processing plant.
Their recipes are made from fresh food and are cooked in small batches in a USDA kitchen, which maximizes nutritional integrity and absorption ability. If your Chihuahua’s body does not absorb the nutrients (as is the case with processed dog food) it can not contribute to their good health.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
I don’t know about you, but I don’t have money to burn, so my first question is always; “How much does it cost?” So I’ll tell you exactly what it costs.
Plans for fresh food start at $2/day and always include free shipping. The price depends on your Chihuahua’s unique caloric needs and recipe selections, so the exact cost varies dog-to-dog. The good news? It costs less to feed your Chihuahua than for a Great Dane, or even a medium-sized dog.
WHAT IS UNKIBBLE?
Unkibble is unlike anything you have ever seen! It combines the convenience of dry kibble with the nutritional value of fresh human-grade dog food. However, it does not go through the process of a manufacturing plant and you know exactly what is in it. No gluten, wheat, corn, soy, preservatives, or growth hormones.
Unkibble is a dry dog food that is made by combining USDA meat, carbohydrates, fresh fruit, and veggies into bite-sized pieces. It is gently dehydrated at a low-temperature technique that retains the natural vitamins, minerals, and aromas of each whole food ingredient. Their Unkible has the same nutritional integrity and Chi-approved taste as their fresh recipes.
It is also less expensive starting at only $1./day. If you want an exact quote (for either fresh or UnKibble) you can get one by taking a short quiz (takes 3 minutes) telling Spot & Tango about your Chihuahua.
A Picky Eater? Not Sure If Your Chihuahua Will Like It?
You can choose the trial option (either fresh or UnKibble) which includes 2 weeks’ worth of food. If you also choose the variety pack which includes three different recipes you can determine which your Chihuahua loves most. If your Chihuahua doesn’t absolutely love it you can receive a 100% refund if either of you is not satisfied. I’m betting that your Chihuahua will love it as much as my Cora does!
We feed Remedy and Winston fresh recipes, however, we have started Cora on Spot & Tango’s UnKibble. She is wild about it! And is doing every bit as well eating UnKibble as she was eating fresh food.
Switching to Spot & Tango will prevent you from ever having to experience a tragedy as the Pit Bull mix mentioned above or the heartbreak of learning your Chihuahua has developed heart disease or another serious illness due to contaminated processed dog food.
Now only through ChiChis And Me you can get 50% OFF either fresh recipes or UnKibble! Click the button below or shop any time and use code: CHICHIS50 at checkout.
Note: Some links in this post are affiliate links. Please rest assured that I link only to companies and the products that I use & love myself, or because of their quality and not because of the commission, I receive from your purchases.
The small commission that I earn enables me to continue bringing you quality and useful information and helping you and your Chihuahua live the best life ever together! Whether you purchase anything or not, I appreciate all my followers and readers! Thank you! ~ Linda