What are we eating exactly? GMO's?

By Pamela Schmidlin, Certified Health Coach, Certified Dog Trainer, Professional Photographer

Okay, I got a question for you...Do you know what your eating? Do you know what is in your food? What about your dog's food? I don't know about you BUT I'm so frustrated with our food sources.

Here in the United States, the food we eat- the food our dogs eat- IS NOT LABELED PROPERLY! I want to know what I'm eating- hhmm...will it kill me years down the road, give me diabetes, heart disease, etc....how are the foods affecting my dogs- what about all the recalls on dog foods (and people foods too)?

Well, I gotta say when 60 nations (including members of the European Union and China) start restricting or banning GMO's, this kinda tells me something. There has to be a reason why these substances are BANNED- RESTRICTED, right?!?!?

What can we do? It's kinda simple....to begin with, READ YOUR LABELS BEFORE YOU BUY! I know it's frustrating standing there in the store and reading every label before you put it in your cart but in the end it will be worth it! Hint: If there is something you can not pronounce PUT IT BACK! This also goes for when your buying your dog food!

While were on the subject of labels...check your fruit and veggie labels....what are the numbers on the stickers?

1. If there are only four numbers in the PLU, this means that the produce was grown conventionally or “traditionally” with the use of pesticides. The last four letters of the PLU code are simply what kind of vegetable or fruit. An example is that all bananas are labeled with the code of 4011.
2. If there are five numbers in the PLU code, and the number starts with “8″, this tells you that the item is a genetically modified fruit or vegetable. Genetically modified fruits and vegetables trump being organic. So, it is impossible to eat organic produce that are grown from genetically modified seeds. A genetically engineered (GE or GMO) banana would be: 84011
3. If there are five numbers in the PLU code, and the number starts with “9″, this tells you that the produce was grown organically and is not genetically modified. An organic banana would be: 94011

Another way you can protect you and your dog, is to buy ORGANIC! It may cost a little extra now, but in the long run it will save on the doctor bills! Whenever possible grow your own fruits and veggies at home, using the highest quality seeds (from a reputable heirloom seed company).  HINT: the warmer weather is here, and getting warmer, the plants are blooming- perfect timing for starting that garden you were thinking about!

Pet foods- Please also concern yourself with your pet's food as well!

Unless your dog's food is labeled organic, including raw and kibble, it's an almost certainty that it's affected by GMO's. It's passed on through GMO affected plants included in their food, and/or through the meat source, i.e., cow, chicken, pork and other highly utilized meat sources that feed from GMO crops.
GMO's and the affect they may have on your dog, there is wide variety of research that is showing that genetically modified foods may be harmful to you and your dog; so much so that many countries in Europe have banned GMO's, while other countries have required labeling for quite some time. I will be bringing you more information so we can all learn more about the affects of GMO's on our bodies and our dog's.

Get involved go to www.JustLabelIt.org and tell the FDA that we want to know what we're buying and eating! Not just for us but our pets as well!

I can be found on the web at:

www.SwissAmericanVegan.com

www.doggonehealthychoices.com

www.pamelaschmidlin.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SwissAmericanVegan

Twitter: www.twitter.com/theDogRunner