Skip to content
Previous article
Now Reading:
The crazy world of yogurt aisles and why your choices matter

The crazy world of yogurt aisles and why your choices matter

One thing that most people do not think about

As often happens, my inspiration for writing comes to me while out on a dog walk. I am now nine time zones away from Prague, but I still remember that sunny fall day walking underneath a golden canopy of trees stretched out above my head.

A few minutes into our walk, I ran into one of my friends who was out with a friend and their 12 year old dachshund. “This is Peter, he is a vet,” my friend introduced me to her companion. “Shhhhh,” I whispered jokingly, as I prefer to remain anonymous when it comes to my profession. Dog walks with Pax are sacred for me, and I try my best to keep it that way.

But then, I also meet dogs who have health issues, and I can't just walk by and say nothing.

On this occasion, I learned that the dachshund has suffered from chronic pancreatitis for long time, and that he was fed kibble (no surprise there) and rice.

Obviously the owner had no clue that most rice contains large amounts of arsenic, due to serious water pollution problems, and the fact that rice requires a lot of water to grow. Also, rice is not species appropriate food for dogs.

Note: If you are looking for a healthier alternative to rice for yourself, you can substitute with organic quinoa, whole grains, or legumes. These options are not polluted with arsenic and have not been treated with pesticides.

As you can see, food pollution, environmental toxins, and waste in general are often on my mind. I feel frustrated that many people still throw recyclables in the garbage when they could be put to good use, and prevent further unnecessary plundering of natural resources.

More mining, resource extraction, and unnecessary food waste results in a greater amounts of toxins being released into the environment. Glass, cans, paper, and plant and food leftovers that go to waste are a lost opportunity to make the world less toxic and depleted.

When I see all of this going on, it makes me think about my grandfather. The reason why I often write about him is that he continues to inspire me, even 30 years after his passing. He recycled paper, cans, glass and fabric in the 1970’s.

 

Dr Peter Dobias' grandmother and grandfather


In fact, recycling was quite common then, and I recall having a board in our classroom that listed the scores for a pupils' recycling competition.

Kids were taught to recycle in the seventies. Wild isn’t it?

Now you know why I am super sensitive about finding recyclables in the garbage. Our habits are formed early on.

My past experience is one of the reasons why my team and I have done much more than the average company when it comes to the eco-friendliness of our production and shipping process.

Our products are packaged in recyclable glass and shipped in recyclable eco-sleeves, with no plastic used, which is still very rare, and I am grateful that many of you appreciate what we are trying to do. Your choices matter, and you know it.

 

Some people may comment that a relatively small company like ours is not enough to create the much needed shift, but at least it opens up a discussion, and hopefully makes us all think about the choices we make every day.

The crazy world of yogurt aisles

I recently walked through and took some pictures of the yogurt aisle in a local supermarket which was at least 150 feet long! It had an absolutely overwhelming selection of yogurts and kefir’s from every corner of Europe.

I often talk about my home country of Czech Republic in positive terms, but the excess of supply really concerns me. People assume that having 100 options for every item on the store shelves is the way it should be, and that it is also a mark of economic success and prosperity. To me, it is a disaster waiting to happen.

a hand holding a plastic tub of yogurt in the dairy aisle

 

It appears that most people don’t think about the impact this excess and unnecessary manufacturing has on the planet.

In reality, more kinds of yogurt and longer aisles to fill with products mean more plastic and more energy needed to produce them, a greater number of cows being confined in “dairy farm prisons,” and more calves taken away form their mothers way too early. This is the reality of modern day farming everywhere.

If we want to save our planet, we need to address this “delusion of abundance,” shop wiser and start teaching our kids from an early age at school which products are good, and which ones are not.

I am also convinced that more people would do the right thing if someone simply pointed out the problem. I bet people do not even think about all of the above, and it would be so easy to have school curriculum help create awareness and the right habits from a young age.

The proverbial "yogurt aisle" is just an example of a systemic problem, but let's stay with it for a while to see how making better choices affects the bigger picture:

  • We can choose to buy yogurt only from local sources, and packaged in glass.
  • We can buy organic yogurt to reduce the use of antibiotics and chemical preservatives.
  • We can reduce the amount we buy, to compensate for higher costs of choosing organic.
  • Buying and eating less may help us lose a few extra pounds.
  • We can also eat plant-based yogurts to reduce the suffering of cows and their calves on dairy farms.
  • We can shop and support small local stores instead of wasteful megastores.


    I trust that this all makes sense that you see that a similar approach can be applied in every aspect of our lives. 

    Are you in? I hope you are! 🌎❤️

    homemade yogurt recipe for dogs


    Further reading on this topic:
    Four things you need to know about pet food and supplement packaging
    7 Things good countries and good companies have in common
    Are human lives more valuable than animals?

    About the author

    Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM is an Integrative veterinarian, nutritionist and creator of natural supplements for dogs and people. Helping you and your dog prevent disease, treat nutritional deficiencies, and enjoy happier, healthier, and longer lives together.

    Most Popular

    • Pax the dog looking out airplane window
      In my article, I share the personal story of how I'm able to fly with my dog, Pax, thanks to overcoming challenges with sleepwalking and night terrors. This unique experience not only allowed me to travel with my service dog but also serves as a reminder that even difficult situations can have positive outcomes.
    • Dog smelling a white pony that is laying on the ground-communication hacks for a happier life
      Successful communication is essential for building healthier and more fulfilling relationships and happier lives. In this article, I'll share with you 8 communication hacks to help you avoid unnecessary drama, prioritize active listening and address conflicts effectively.
    • Dalmatian eating mixed fruit-safe fruits for dogs
      Can dogs eat bananas, apples, strawberries and other fruit? What about grapes? Find out what fruits are safe, toxic, and healthy for dogs. Learn about the potential health benefits and risks of feeding fruit to your canine companion, and get tips on the ideal time to feed it.
    • Illustration of the anatomy of a heart-how to protect Dog heart health
      As dog lovers, we all want our beloved pups to live long and healthy lives. Protecting your dog's heart from potential health issues is important, and in this blog Dr. Dobias shares some key points that you might not yet be aware of, read on to find out what you can do to keep your dog's heart safe. 

    Dog Health

    • Husky lying on blanket with heart toy- Dog heart health solutions
      Dogs have our hearts and that is why we need to protect their heart. Dog’s as they age often face muscle problems and spinal misalignment and you might be surprised to know how that can hurt their heart. Learn how to protect your dog’s spine and by extension their heart.
    • Dog in the grass taking the Perfect No. 2
      Dogs and humans have evolved side-by-side but they are still quite different when it comes to their digestive tracts and dietary habits. We have studied their original environments such as the soils of the African savanna and consulted with top experts in the field of probiotics and microbiology to come up with a combination that reflects healthy bacterial flora of canines.
    • Man carrying a box being pointed at-Feedback and criticism
      Criticism can hurt a brand, but constructive feedback can help it grow. In this blog Dr. Dobias talks about the differences between these approaches, and how to handle the power of influence and opinion with care. 
    • Broccoli with minerals and vitamins-The nutrient depletion epidemic
      Are you worried that your and your dog's diet is missing something? Maybe you're worried about toxin levels in food, the environment, or flea and tick products. Let's face it; we can't remove ourselves entirely from our toxin-filled world, but we can do things to reduce our exposure to harmful substances. 

    Human health

    • Dr. Dobias holding his dog Pax- finding peace amongst the chaos
      How do you navigate the seas of life? How do you deal with disappointment? Whatever life throws at us, we can always rely on our dogs to bring joy into our days. In this blog I share my thoughts on the support our dogs provide during the difficult moments in life. 
    • Person with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease holding the stomach
      Learn more about the alarming prevalence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) affecting 1 in 4 Americans. Discover its main risk factors, diagnosis methods, and treatment options to better manage or prevent this silent yet severe condition. 
    • DHA-A new perspective on brain health, memory loss, Alzheimer's Disease, and dementia in people and dogs
      The Science of DHA and the Brain: Omega-3 fatty acids, primarily DHA, are the unsung heroes of brain health. They play crucial roles in brain physiology and biological activities, with exciting links between Omega-3 levels and cognitive function. Higher DHA levels have been shown to preserve the integrity of the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB), your brain's security system
    • Dr. Peter Dobias and his dog Pax-why we struggle where our dogs excel
      It appears that most of the world is ready for change, but whenever I think about the solutions to any of the problems that plague our world, I can’t prevent myself from thinking that we humans are acting like little toddlers who have broken a toy and do not know how to fix it. Despite my generally optimistic attitude, I have had a hard time staying positive at times because I know how complex this all is. Read here for some tools that make me feel good about the world, which I would like to share with you.

    News, stories and good life

    • Dr. Peter Dobias with his dog Pax on his lap- dogs can save you from negative news
      Do you have trouble staying positive during difficult times? These days we are surrounded by a lot of negative messaging, and it's easy to let that get you down. Here are some of my tips for remaining positive, and don't forget to share your tips with me!
    • Man with great immunity system standing on top of a mountain- how to increase dog immune system
      Most of us have been exposed to panic-inducing information about the virus spread, however, I have noticed the general absence of one piece of information, how to make your immune system stronger and body more resilient. (It will definitely not happen by stockpiling toilet paper!) I have always loved immunology and the current situation has prompted me to put together two simple lists on how to increase your dog’s and your own immunity.
    • Man with dog wearing a collar and leash-dangers of balloon effect
      Does your dog have ear problems, nasal or oral tumors, reverse sneezing or an  itchy head or hair loss on their head? Learn how you can address some of these problems and save thousands in vet care costs.
    • Terrier dog eating raw food-Best diet for dogs-raw diet
      Now there is no need to guess if there is something missing in your dogs diet.  The HairQ Test is a highly accurate test for mineral deficiencies, toxins and heavy metals in dogs to finely tune your dog’s diet and supplement schedule.

    Cart

    Close

    Your cart is currently empty.

    Start Shopping
    Close