UNEXPLAINED HEALTH PROBLEMS - LOOK IN THE BOWL
Something You May Not Think About But Should.
Does it matter what kind of bowl your pet eats or drinks from?
We have discovered it does.
Plastic water bowls, food dishes, and food storage containers
are a popular find in most
households. Plastic has become a popular material used because
it is sturdy, dishwasher safe,
and inexpensive. However, there are some inherent health
concerns associated with the
chemicals used to make plastic.
Most plastics contain the chemicals phenol and formaldehyde.
Phenol and formaldehyde are
water-soluble chemicals. This means, they start to break down
and dissolve in water. When
food or water sit in a plastic container the food and water
start to absorb the phenol and
formaldehyde being released from the plastic container. As this
occurs the food and water
becomes contaminated and your pet ingests these toxins directly
into it's digestive system with
every meal or drink taken. Granted, these amounts are small,
perhaps even "trace". We look at
the long term, or life-term effects however.
Continuous ingestion of phenol and formaldehyde can cause
asthma, upper respiratory tract
irritation, coughing bronchitis, skin allergies (including loss
of pigment in the nose area
especially), itching, nausea, headaches, diarrhea, vomiting and
in severe cases, different types of
growths which can include cancerous tumors. The effects are not
limited to just pets either.
These deadly chemicals effect human health as well.
Fortunately there are plenty of alternatives to plastic
dishware. There are many other types of
dishes and food containers that are non toxic. For big dogs
especially, stainless steel is a better,
heavier and more durable choice. Stainless steel dishes are
dishwasher safe and extremely
durable. Stainless steel small containers with airtight lids are
also a very safe way to store pet
food kibble. These are available at most hardware and pet
"super" stores. (Remember to store
food in a cool dry place).
Ceramic and glass dishes are also a healthy alternative to
plastic dishes. Both are dishwasher
safe and much more decorative than stainless steel. The only
downfall with ceramic and glass is
that they are breakable. So be sure to purchase a dish or bowl
that will withstand your pets size
and strength. Also make sure it is lead free glass or paint for
the ceramic bowls. Lead poisoning
could be fatal to your pet.
We feel that while this may not pose a severe and immediate
health concern for you and your
pet, you can avoid all risk by making a simple choice. We want
you to have the choice.