Keeping Your Pet's Teeth Clean Naturally

There is no question that certain breeds are more prone to having bad teeth than others. However, should you initiate a simple, yet effective at-home teeth cleaning routine with your pet, ensure your feeding a canine species appropriate diet and initiating chew time, no matter what breed he/she is, you can significantly increase the chances of having a pet with a nice set of pearly whites for years to come.

What many people don't understand is that most pets will keep their teeth cleaned by themselves by simply "chewing". This is why having rubber toys, knotted ropes and natural bones and chews are of great importance to your pet. Initiating "chew time", especially after meals are key. Despite the belief that feeding your dog moist/wet foods will "rot" your dog's teeth out is simply a myth. Realistically, it's certain poor ingredients in your pet's food that will damage your dog's teeth; not the consistency of dry vs. moist. For example, if you were eating lots of hard candy all the time, this would than keep your teeth clean more than eating fresh vegetables and lean proteins?  There is no question that foods with too many starchy carbohydrates and sugars are the culprit of bad teeth as they will create a layer of "film" over the teeth.  This is mainly the issue of which dogs face today as they are not removing this film from their teeth by chewing and not having at-home cleanings by you regularly.  Obviously, this combination will create a disaster in your pet's mouth over time.

Because wild carnivores eat mainly soft protein meats, they then enjoy chewing on the bones of their prey; keeping their oral hygiene in check naturally. With the significant lack of processed foods, carbohydrates and sugars found in their natural diets, it helps the health of their teeth tremendously. However, what do you do when you have a pet that does not entertain the idea of chewing?

I have come across some pets throughout the years that simply aren't interested or really don't know what to do with a chew toy. This may be because initially, as a puppy, they weren't really given toys or chews and didn't fully develop the skills of what to do with it. It's as they "lose" that natural instinct of what to do if it does not become part of their regular routine in the early years of their development. To some that are re-homed (adopted) and not familiar with the history of the pet, it leaves the new owner wondering why their new pet doesn't like a chew toy. This is when you need to take the time to help initiate chewing and reinforcing the instinct to chew again by picking something that your dog would really enjoy, such as a bully stick. Sometimes having a natural chew that has much flavor is much better than a tasteless toy. However, there are some cases of dogs putting their nose up and refusing to chew anything. If that is the case, a thorough check of your dog's mouth is highly recommended. Sometimes, many owners neglect to regularly check the dog's mouth who may have some or several rotting teeth, missing, cracked and/or loose teeth, thus making chewing on anything hard a bothersome to your pet, for obvious reasons.

For dogs that have a decent set of choppers, make it a habit to help them keep their teeth clean by wiping the teeth regularly with a dry washcloth from front to back, ensuring to get along the gum line as well. By helping remove any residues left behind from meals that your pet may have missed by a toy or bone, will help your pet have a nice set of teeth for years to come. My suggestion is to make it a point to incorporate this essential, at home teeth cleaning routine at night time, after you have brushed your own teeth before going to bed. 

1-2-3 = How Many Times Should I Really Feed My Pet a Day?

I often get asked this question when I have a customer who comes into the store, looking for secondary advice because of a medical issue they are experiencing with their pet that is ultimately associated with their diet. With reasons being different from dog to dog, there is one common factor .... owners are only feeding their dog once a day and usually feeding a poor quality dry food loaded with grains, cheap fillers and carbohydrates.

Although feeding a dog once a day may be a huge convenience to some who have busy schedules, there is  a lot of draw backs,  especially if you don't really look at the ingredients of your pet's food.  I once had a customer who I said this too say "well, wild carnivore usually eat once a day, so why not my dog?".  However, one thing she neglected to think about is that wild carnivores only eats an abundance of wholesome, unprocessed, raw proteins from their prey; unlike her dog that was eating a food ridden with a ton of processed grains, cheap carbohydrates with minimal wholesome proteins.

Here are some issues that usually are the result of dogs eating a poor quality dry food once a day and how it can impact their overall wellness daily:
 

- Obesity in dogs.  Dogs that gain weight are usually the result of:  feeding too much food per meal & too many snacks per their activity level, being fed a high carbohydrate food with minimal wholesome proteins and lack of moisture intake, thyroid issues, or the result of a side effect of a medication.  If the last two examples are not applicable to your pet, then it's simply your dog's daily, present diet!  By changing the feeding schedule and food to a more natural, wholesome diet, enriched with natural moisture, you can shed the pounds off your dog naturally and easily!  For example, if you are trying to lose weight yourself, eating once a day will not help you lose the weight, especially if your eating one large meal that is loaded with high carbohydrates.  However, if you split that large meal into multiple small meals throughout the day and have portions that contained mostly wholesome, lean protein and low carbohydrates, you'll speed up your metabolism and lose the weight naturally.  Same holds true for dogs.
 

- Many dogs will experience stomach upsets which will result in throwing up a yellowish/mucus bile substance, especially if they eat their entire meal in one helping.   Throwing up yellow bile in dogs can be a sign of an empty stomach due to the strong stomach acids building up.  Ask yourself:  has your dog done this approximately 8-12 hours AFTER its last meal?  This is because dogs digest a full stomach within 8 hours when fed a high protein, quality diet.  However, foods loaded with high carbohydrates and cheap ingredients such as corn, wheat, soy, and by-products, will fulfill your dog short term as the foods break down much faster.  Just think of you eating Chinese food.  Usually after loading up on pork fried rice, aren't you hungry about three hours later?  Since dogs are carnivores with much stronger stomach acids than humans,  their bodies are built to take in a majority of wholesome proteins which break down much slower than simple and complex carbohydrates.  This is why this is the result of this common, possible stomach upset.  

- Diabetic dogs may be more prone to increased insulin injections .  Diet and the amount of meals  is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to dogs that are diabetic!  I have never understood why vets even push prescription diets such as Hills W/D to pets that have diabetes when this food is LOADED with CARBOHYDRATES and NO WHOLESOME PROTEINS!  Why is it even a prescription food when this is totally opposite of a carnivores diet to begin with?  Interesting enough, dogs that have been diagnosed with diabetes have been usually fed a poor quality food previously and then put on a food like this?!?!  To boot, the feeding guideline on the label does not even mention how many times to feed your pet, when that is also of importance.  Like humans, the last thing you want when your body is not producing insulin correctly is to load up on sugary foods and/or carbs that elevate the blood sugar!  Keeping the blood sugar stabilized is KEY! 

Having a family member personally that is diabetic, years ago before grasping the common sense practices of how to eat when your diabetic (as it was not even explained by his primary doctor as well),  he used to eat a sensible diet, but ate meals with sides of pasta, bread, rice, etc. on a regular basis.   It was obviously a daily practice to inject insulin up to twice a day.  However, when he converted his diet years later to eating small multiple meals throughout the day that primarily consisted of wholesome lean proteins and low starchy vegetables with minimal fruit,  he went from 2 does to a 1/2 a dose per day and sometimes was able to even skip an injection!  This is solely because, by diet,  his blood sugar levels were consistently stabilized and maintained by eliminating most of the foods that caused blood sugar elevations.  Therefore, the same concept holds true for dogs with diabetes!    Feed MULTIPLE small meals throughout the day that mainly consist of what their bodies were built for; wholesome, lean proteins and a small percentage of low sugary raw vegetables for a much better and healthier maintenance regimen.   

- Hypoglycemic dogs usually have more episodes of low blood sugar attacks often when fed once a day.   As with diabetic dogs, you should consistently maintain blood sugar levels by feeding a correct regulated diet for dogs considered hypoglycemic or prone to it.   A balance of wholesome proteins with vegetables (with a minimum of 'low sugary' fruits) will keep the blood sugar levels constantly sustained at normal levels naturally.  

- Crystals and/or stones formations in the bladder or kidneys.  Many pets develop this condition due to several reasons:  genetics, infections, medication side effects, a specific disease and/or a poor quality food that they have been eating.  There are six types of formations that can occur in pets, however, Struvite and Calcium Oxalate stones are the most common.  Depending on the ph levels within your dog's body, they can form at any time.  This why it's essential to ensure you are feeding a high quality, balanced diet, but most importantly, your dog is eating foods that contain it's natural moisture that is still in tacked.  Mositure in foods are very essential as it will help flush these deposits from the body and keep the organs functioning properly.  Dry diets with a pet only depending on water intake for hydration is not enough! 

- Dogs being fed poor quality, high carbohydrate foods impact their immune system, and overall wellness significantly simply because of diet.  Just imagine you eating fast food once a day, everyday, yourself.  How would you feel and your body function on a diet like this?  Basically, this is the same scenario when dogs are fed high carbohydrate, poor quality diets once a day.  Their bodies have been solely built and designed to eat mostly, wholesome proteins, some vegetables and (sometimes) low sugary fruits only (as a snack).  Eventually, your dog's health will suffer in one way or another as your overall health would too if eating poorly.

So, the bottom line is, the MINIMUM times you should feed your adult pet is TWICE a day, should your pet be considered healthy.  However, puppies, pregnant females, diabetic/hypoglycemic dogs, pets with immune disorders or ones undergoing chemo/radiation treatments should be feed a MINIMUM of THREE small meals a day with lots of moisture in tacked for optimum health benefits!  

Let Your Canine Go Crazy For Coconuts!

For centuries, coconuts have been a staple ingredient in tropical cuisines and cocktails around the world, especially in the Pacific Island regions because of its unique flavoring. However, it's not only the taste or smell of the coconut that makes this hard shell fruit unique. For holistic healing doctors, for thousands of years, it has been merely an effective and "natural medicine in a shell" for them to prescribe. For patients who have followed a traditional coconut-based diet, surprisingly, do not suffer from heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other illnesses that modern Americans are plagued with each year.

Coconuts being known to be rich with medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), also known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), is a lauric acid used by the body to make the same disease-fighting fatty acid derivative "monolaurin" that babies make from the lauric acid they get from their mothers’ milk. The monoglyceride monolaurin is the same substance that keeps infants from getting viral, bacterial, or protozoal infections. Therefore, it's the only natural compound known to fight both viral and bacterial infections internally and externally; unlike antibiotics that can only be used for bacterial infections.

Within the past decade, unrefined coconut meat and oil has been introduced to canine diets who suffer from varies health issues and surprisingly, pet owners have been seeing incredible, positive results just by adding unrefined, organic coconut oil to their dog's diet.

As I mentioned in my previous blog, coconut oil is one of the supplements that should not be overlooked, especially when you have a dog that is prone or diagnosed with cancer. What many people don't realize is that this "super food" is highly packed with other amazing health benefits that are now being recognized to holistically heal pets that face many other medical problems as well. And, to boot, dogs go crazy for coconut!

So, what can coconut oil do for your dog when added to their diet, you ask?

• Reduces the risk of cancer and other degenerative conditions as it is considered a very alkaline food source.

• Helps fight heart disease

• Improves digestion and nutrient absorption

• Heals digestive disorders like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and colitis

• Contains powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal agents that prevent infection and disease

• Relieves arthritis

• Prevents and treats yeast and fungal infections

• Prevents and treats viral infections

• Helps balance the body’s metabolism and ph levels

• Promotes normal thyroid function

• Helps prevent or control diabetes

• Rejuvenates the skin

• Reduces allergic reactions

• Supplies fewer calories than other fats

• Is 400 times more powerful than vitamin E.

Additionally, coconut oil can be applied topically and offers the healing benefits of:

• Disinfects cuts

• Promotes wound healing

• Improves skin health and coat condition

• Deodorizes whatever it touches (bad breath, yeasty smelling ears, etc.)

• Clears up warts, eczema, flea allergies, contact dermatitis or other allergic reactions, ear mites, ear infections, ringworm, yeast infections, skin fungus and other skin disorders

• Is an excellent moisturizer for cracked paws and noses

Personally, I have seen the amazing results that coconut oil does (topically) on one of my pets. Years ago, one of my pet's, a teacup yorkie named Mia, developed a strange, small black mole on her stomach. Within a week, it grew significantly that it started to cover one of her nipples. I took her to my vet who could not determine what it was, but wanted to surgically remove it. Since her liver enzymes were elevated and knew a local numbing agent was not going to be enough for removal (as she was so small and such a wiggle worm) she would have been put under anesthesia. That certainly was not going to be an option. It wasn't until the next day that I personally came across information pertaining to how coconut oil can be used for such things. I immediately started applying an organic version of coconut oil to her belly three times daily. Within one week, it simply fell off; leaving no scar or mark. It has been three years since that strange growth appeared and has never grown back. This is just my personal experience with it, but have read countless testimonials on such similar situations with pets who have naturally healed with the use of coconut oil.

When buying coconut oil, ensure that:

• It is unrefined or “virgin”, which is made from fresh coconuts. Pressed by hand using traditional methods or manufactured in state-of-the-art factories, virgin coconut oil retains most of the nutrients found in fresh coconut

• It is in a glass jar, not a plastic one.

• It's colorless when liquid and pure white when solid, never yellow or pink and it should not contain any off color residue at the top when solid. Coconut oil will liquidly naturally when its in an environment above 75 degrees F.

How to administer to your pet:

Solid or liquid coconut oil can be added to food at any meal or given between meals. The optimum dose for dogs is about 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight daily, or 1 tablespoon per 30 pounds. These are general guidelines, as some dogs need less and others more. But don’t start with these amounts. Instead, introduce coconut oil a little at a time in divided doses. Because coconut oil kills harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, yeasts, and fungi, the burden of removing dead organisms can trigger symptoms of detoxification. Headaches, fatigue, diarrhea, and flu-like symptoms are common in humans who consume too much too fast and similar symptoms can occur in dogs. Even in healthy dogs, large amounts of coconut oil can cause diarrhea or greasy stools while the body adjusts. Start with small amounts, such as ¼ teaspoon per day for small dogs or puppies and 1 teaspoon for large dogs. Gradually increase the amount every few days. If your dog seems tired or uncomfortable or has diarrhea, reduce the amount temporarily.

Coconut oil isn’t the only coconut product that’s good for dogs. Fresh or dried coconut is an excellent source of dietary fiber, and dogs enjoy and benefit from the same coconut flakes, coconut flour, coconut cream, coconut milk, shredded coconut, and coconut spreads used by their human companions. Just be sure the products are unsweetened and free from chemical preservatives.

A 14 oz. jar of organic virgin coconut oil will be re-stocked by Friday, August 24 in our store for $19.99.

The #1 Thing You Should Do If Your Dog Develops Cancer

Cancer........ the awful word that makes your heart sink to the bottom of your stomach when you hear this. Unfortunately, it's increasing at alarming rates and can strike any breed at any time; just like in humans. However, many breeds are more susceptible to certain types of cancers simply due to no fault of their own, thanks to genetics. This is why it's extremely important to start your dog on the healthiest diet as early as possible, especially when your loved furry companion is a target for cancer. 

Commonly, after being diagnosed, many are advised to turn to traditional medicines and procedures in hopes to reverse it but interestingly, many pet owners still stick to the same diet their dogs has been on before being diagnosed and solely depend on chemo and radiation treatments.  Sometimes these procedures work but then sometimes they don’t, but there is one thing that ALL HOLISTIC practitioners will agree upon that can alter the prognoses significantly which can be in you and your dog’s favor - change your dog's diet immediately!

What is known is that cancer cells multiple and thrive in acidic environments and that is mainly determined by what you have been feeding your dog. Many processed foods containing lots of carbohydrates, bad grains (corn, wheat, soy), sugars, artifical colors & flavors and chemical preservatives are contributing factors that will alter your dog's internal ph levels to become more acidic. However, there are some proteins, vegetables and fruits that are considered acidic as well. So, what you feed your dog daily and how much daily moisture they get in their diets, especially after being diagnosed, can greatly impact the outcome.

For dogs, a body ph level below 6.9 is considered acidic as 7 is considered neutral. So, when cancer has plagued your pet, your dog’ body ph levels are more acidic then.  But when ph levels rise above 7.4, cancer cells become dormant and when ph levels reach close or over 8.5, the cancer cells will perish. This then allows healthy cells to rebuild themselves naturally; making your dog's immune system much stronger.

So, what kinds of foods are considered more alkaline to alter the ph levels within your dog's body?

BEST PROTEINS: Chicken, Turkey, Lamb, Venison, Cold Water Fresh Ocean Fish

BEST OILS: Organic Flax, Coconut & Olive Oils

BEST RAW VEGETABLES: Broccoli, Cauliflower, Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, Squash, Green Beans, Alfalfa, Garlic

BEST GRAINS: Pearl Millet, Chickpeas, Split Peas, Amaranth, Wild Rice, Quinoa

BEST FRUITS (with minimal servings): Papaya, Apples, Pears, Strawberries, Melons, Coconut, Watermelon, Mangoes

In addition, it is extremely important to feed your pet WHOLESOME foods that still have the natural moisture in tacked and not cooked at high temperatures as this will destroy a lot of the enzymes, vital vitamins and minerals.  

Give your pet more of a fighting chance against cancer.... know what your feeding and how to feed for a healthier pet for years to come. 

A Skin Parasite, Not Normally Found Here, May Be Making It's Way To Your Neck of the Woods

Excessive itching, scratching and biting at the skin is certainly one red flag that your dog is being eaten' by a pesky bug.  Commonly, fleas are the #1 culprit, but when you can't find a trace of those visual little scavengers anywhere in sight, you then begin to scratch your head wondering what is going on yourself.

There is no question that chronic itching is not just a sign of a parasite, but maybe an issue of just dry skin or an onset of an allergy of some sort. However, when you find that your dog was fine one day and then wanting to crawl out of it's skin the next, it's more than just dry skin and an allergy.  .

The other day, one of my customer's called me after walking their dog through Allaire State Park and a local bike trail near the jersey shore a few days prior.. Apparently, the dog began itching excessively after going to these two places.  Within the next few days, it was determined by their vet that the dog was diagnosed and infested with a not so common parasite usually not found here.... Chiggers.  Even the vet was astounded since he has never seen a case in this area.

Chiggers, also known as Trombicula mites or harvest mites, are a very small parasite (the size of a pin head) that are reddish/orange in color and prominent during the Spring and Fall months; mainly in the central/midwest areas of the United States. Thriving in high grassy, harvest areas with chalky soil, they attach themselves on the "host" and feed on the tissue; injecting their saliva into the skin which causes severe itching.  In turn, it ultimately cause small red circular irriated spots on the skin. Within a few days, they'll simply fall off their host; unlike a flea and tick. 

On dogs, chiggers are mainly found around the front and rear legs, backend, head, and abdomen after walking through an infested area.  Easily missed by the naked eye, it is said chiggers resemble sprinkles of paprika on the skin when they are still feeding on their host, but again, can be hard to detect without proper lighting or if you have a dog with a thick or dark coat.

If you suspect your dog may have chiggers, a vet can determine it by a skin scrapping under a microscope.  Natural based pyrethrin-based dips or a topical anti-parasite treatment can be given (after a bath) are what usually does the trick. It is then highly suggested to just vacuum your home thoroughly, wash your dog's bedding and to avoid the area where you think your dog may have picked up these pesky bugs.

After hearing this, I wanted to pass along this information to our readers.  Guess we now have to add another possible cause to the list of why our dogs are getting the "itches" as these buggy pests are making their way to our neck of the woods.

Turning That Boring Marrow Bone into a Healthy Tasty Treat Again

The smell and sight of a new stuffed marrow bone to your dog's eyes can be like pirahna on prey, but after your dog has cleaned off all the meat and marrow, is that bone then left like fish bones on the bottom of the bay? If so, turn that boring, empty bone into a "new" fresh and tasty treat for your pet again.

Here are some ideas to livin’ up that stale, stranded hollow bone…

1.      Clean bone with hot water and let dry

2.      Stuff bone with one of the below recipe blends, (like you would do with a cannoli).  Usually, the use of a pastry filler or cake decorating bag works best.

3.      Keep in mind the filling you use and where the dog will be enjoying the bone, as it can become a little messy.  Kitchens, laundry rooms, crates or outside areas are perfect.

Classic PB Bone

Stuff both ends with an all natural, no sugar added creamy peanut butter.  Refrigerate to firm or freeze to harden.

PB&J Bone

First stuff both ends with an all natural (no sugar added) strawberry preserve and push jelly more toward the center of the bone.  Then top off both ends with an all natural, no sugar added creamy peanut butter.  Freeze overnight.

Standard Cream Cheese Bone

Stuff both ends with a fat free cream cheese.  Freeze overnight

Cheddar Cheese Bone

Mix together fat free cream cheese and an all natural cheddar cheese powder.  Amount will depend on size of bone used and acquired taste.  Once mixed together, stuff both ends.  Freeze overnight

Yogurt Bone

Stuff both ends with vanilla or plain Greek yogurt.  If yogurt seems to be a little runny, stand bone upwards on paper plate or freezer safe container before stuffing then freeze overnight to harden.

Banana Bone

Mash up a banana.  Amount will depend on size of bone used.  Freeze overnight.

Meat Lovers Bone

Use a premium brand of a canned, grain free dog food (meatloaf style; not chunky) in either beef, venison, chicken, lamb, etc..  Stuff both ends and refrigerate to firm

The Italiano Bone

Partial cook some lean ground beef.  Sprinkle (generously) parmesan cheese, some fresh, finely chopped parsley and add a small amount of all natural tomato paste.  Mix together and stuff in bone.  Amount will depend on size of bone used.  Refrigerate to firm. 

As you can see, the possibilities in turning a bland, hollow dog bone are endless.  Adding interest and a variety of flavors is all you need for your dog to enjoy chopping on that ol’ bone again and ultimately, allowing him/her to clean their teeth naturally too.

What Constitutes a Good Quality Dry Dog Food?

There is no question when looking at all the varieties of different dry foods that are available in your local store, picking the right one for your pet can be very confusing.  Big corporations that will cut into the quality for better profit margins will go to great lengths in hopes to capture your attention so you can select their brand.  With creative print ads, television commercials flooding the airwaves and an artistic design team that will devise the food bags and labels, unfortunately, most are misleading once you know how to read the "fine print" (a/k/a "the ingredient list").

When educating my customers who believe they have been feeding their dog a good, quality food, I always ask why they selected that certain brand to begin with.  Many say it was because it was recommended, but there is still a large portion of consumers who choose the brand based on what the bag said and/or looked on the front, or simply a television commercial they saw.  However, most, if not all, never took two minutes to look at the ingredients on the back of the bag before they bought it.  Interestingly enough though, many are then looking for advice AFTER their dog is showing symptoms of allergies or another medical issue since being on that brand, but still have never looked at the ingredients and/or just didn't know what really constitutes a good  quality dog food to begin with.

To help you better understand on how to read a dry dog food ingredient list, here are things that your dog's food should never contain.  If it does, then it's simply G-A-R-B-A-G-E and highly recommended to find another brand that does not have any of the below items listed!

SINCE THE FIRST SEVEN INGREDIENTS ARE MOST VALUABLE TO YOUR DOG'S OVERALL HEALTH, IT SHOULD NEVER CONTAIN:

* Any type of wheat, corn, soy, by-products, sugars, or animal digest material.  Out of the first seven ingredients, you should have a MINIMUM of 2-3 WHOLESOME PROTEINS LISTED, EITHER AS WHOLE OR MEAL BLENDS. Dried egg product does not constitute as a wholesome protein, by the way.

THE REST OF THE INGREDIENTS SHOULD NEVER HAVE:

* More grain listed, by-products, sugars, animal digest material, artificial flavors and colors, propylene glycol, BHA/BHT, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of Vitamin K activity) or ethoxyquin. 

As an example, here is an ingredient list off a NATIONALLY KNOWN COMMERCIAL DOG FOOD BRAND that is one of the worst on the market, yet, sell millions a bags a year to pet owners who are under the influence of what I call "unethical marketing strategies".

Ground yellow corn, corn gluten meal, whole wheat flour, animal fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols (form of Vitamin E), soy protein concentrate, soy flour, water, rice flour, pearled barley, sugar, tricalcium phosphate, propylene glycol, animal digest, dicalcium phosphate, salt, phosphoric acid, sorbic acid (a preservative), calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, L-Lysine monohydrochloride, dried spinach, dried apples, dried sweet potatoes, choline chloride, calcium propionate (a preservative), added color (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 2, Yellow 6), Vitamin E supplement, zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, niacin, Vitamin A supplement, copper sulfate, Vitamin B-12 supplement, DL-Methionine, calcium pantothenate, thiamine mononitrate, garlic oil, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin supplement, Vitamin D-3 supplement, calcium iodate,menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of Vitamin K activity), folic acid, biotin, sodium selenite.

As you can see, there is absolutely NOT ONE SINGLE WHOLESOME PROTEIN LISTED!  As a carnivore, your dog NEEDS WHOLESOME PROTEINS to be healthy; not SOY PROTEIN OR FLOUR!.  Furthermore, this food is ridden with grains that not only produce allergies in dogs but with the combination of pure sugar, WILL create obesity, diabetes, gingivitis, and an over growth of yeast in your pet at one time or another.  In addition, it contains propylene glycol which is the additive found in anti-freeze that prevents pipes from freezing, animal digest (which they are not being specific to the "type" of animal and unfortunately, can be ANY TYPE of animal), artificial colorants which are linked to certain types of cancers, and lastly,menadione sodium bisulfite complex which has been banned in human foods because of the link to liver failure.  But on the flip side, the bag shows a healthy looking dog surrounded by pictures of chunks of protein meats and vegetables.  Interesting, huh? 

An example of a good quality kibble would read something like this with a lot of added probiotics for added digestive and immune support: Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Whitefish Meal, Potatoes, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols, a source of vitamin E), Dried Egg, Tomato Pomace, Apples, Blueberries, Carrots, Peas, Spinach, Garlic, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Taurine, Cottage Cheese, L-Lysine, DL-Methionine, Beta-Carotene, Calcium Carbonate, Zinc Oxide, Magnesium Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Niacin, D-Calcium Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, L-Carnitine, Vitamin B12 Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Ferrous Sulfate, Biotin, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Thiamine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B1), Calcium Iodate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Manganese Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentatio

Remember, as the saying goes, "you are what you eat" and the same holds true for your pet.  So, stay true to your dog's natural, intended diet that it's body is designed for (protein, vegetables and fruits) for a healthier dog for years to come.

Is What You Consider Healthy Snacks or Food Toppers For Your Pet Doing More Harm Than Good?

I often find when giving nutritional advice to customers who have a dog that is overweight, diabetic or battling   chronic "yeasty" ears or on the skin, many who think they are following a healthy diet regimen for their pet, are actually contributing to the issue, simply by the choice of  foods they choose. Commonly known as "healthy & harmless",  there are some fruit and vegetables that should be avoided during snack time or added as food toppers during meals because of the amount of natural sugars in them which ultimately elevates the blood sugar and making yeast thrive more as it is a food source for it..

COMMON FRUITS & VEGGIES THAT CONTAIN THE HIGHEST AMOUNT OF SUGAR (20 grams & over):

Bananas   

Uncooked carrots 

Uncooked sting beans

Uncooked peas

Mangos

Sweet & Regular Potatoes 

It is suggested when your pet has such issues, that you consider some other alternatives for snacks & food toppers as they contain less than 10 grams of  natural sugar per serving such as::

Asparagus
Boiled carrots, string beans or peas (to destroys most of the natural sugar)
Cauliflower
Celery
Cucumbers
Apples (with skin & seeds removed)
Spinach
Broccoli
Zucchini
Strawberries/Blueberries/Cranberries
Pear (with skin & seeds removed)
Orange (with skin removed)
Tangerine (with skin  removed)
Seedless Watermelon
Honeydew
Cantaloupe
Pineapple

As a reminder, grapes or raisins should NEVER be given to pets as they are toxic to them.   

Kibble Blending - How This Simple Trick Can Help You & Your Pet

Like most dog owners who grab the same brand and flavor of one particular dog food time after time, what most don't consider is how this WILL affect them and their pet at one time or another.   This is why  I have always incorporated a practice to my very own dogs and educate to my customers of what I call "kibble blending".

I came up with is logical practice for pet owners who use dry kibble as the primary base of their dog's diet because of two particularly important reasons.  First, not all dog foods are created equally and manufacturers don't source from the same protein, fruit and vegetable producers,  In addition, they are all formulated differently.  Therefore, a dog fed the same brand/formula over and over again can, overtime, become deficient in certain vitamins and minerals (yes, even when they say their food is "balanced"), or has a higher risk of developing a food allergy.  Moreover, as their body becomes so "structured" to one particular food, it can become a major issue when you decide or forced to change their food.   As an example, just think of a child eating DRY CEREAL for each meal.  The box says it's balanced and complete with all the essential vitamins and minerals needed.  However, would you consistently feed your child the same cereal for every meal, seven days a week for months to years and think that's all they need to be healthy?  Of course not!  They would become deficient  in something plus would have a hard time digesting a whole new food after eating the same thing for a long period of time.   Realistically, foods are constantly being rotated throughout the day during each meal and snack as each delivers different sources and levels of vitamins, minerals, proteins, etc. In addition, it also conditions the body to accept a majority of what is eaten without a upset stomach as well.  If humans and wild carnivores, like the dog's cousin, the wolf, eat a rotation of different foods, why do we then feed our pets the same food over and over again and expect them to be healthy?.

The second most important factor in kibble blending is the fact that most major brands, can at one point or another, go through a short but sometimes long pet food recall for one reason or another and stop production of a formula or as I've seen, the entire brand!   I see it time after time with many "non regular" customers scrambling to find some type of dog food that is equivalent to what their dog was previously on and then faced with the fact that they may endure a period of stomach issues while their pet "adjusts" to the new food.   This is why if kibble blending was incorporated into your dog's diet, such a problem would be non-existent to you and your dog, plus it helps optimize your pet's health in the long run.

How to Transition To Kibble Blending:

1.  Purchase a food bin; whether it's a counter top one or a larger floor based type.
2.  Fill the container with 3/4 of your dog's normal food and thoroughly blend 1/4 of a newer formula (different protein and from a different manufacturer).  NOTE:  Add a probiotic to your pet's food daily to help increase natural flora to the intestinal area to help digestion to newer proteins and foods.. We recommend Animal Essentials Plant Based Enzymes.  
3.  When your container is half gone, add only the newer kibble you previously added to fill to top and blend thoroughly again and serve..
4.  Repeat step #3
5.  When your container is almost empty, purchase a small bag of the newer food you previous introduced with another newer brand and protein.  Again, using 3/4 to 1/4 ratios while increasing the second newer brand while your container becomes empty and supplying your pet with a probiotic daily.
6.  Continue this practice with 2 or even 3 brands; consistently rotating brands and formulas.

Side Note:  Personally, I use 3 different brands and purchase only 5 lb bags to make up a 15 lb bag as I have small dogs.  Because my dog's bodies are conditioned to kibble blending & the rotation of different foods for many years, I thoroughly mix all 3 brands in a large container at once until well blended and serve at each meal along with incorporating canned or raw foods as a "food topper".  This not only helps them not to become "fussy" with their meals, but it never puts my dogs in the position of a "food shock" from a pet food recall.  Lastly, it delivers them a full range of natural moisture, wholesome proteins and a wider range of vitamins and minerals derived from veggies and fruits which ultimately puts their bodies in pristine condition. .

The Science Diet Scam, Just One of the Many...

When it comes to nutrition for pets; especially dogs since that is my specialty, most people will tell you that I take it very seriously. With all the years of being in the pet industry, I have discovered so much misleading information that it sickens me because MOST people rely on recommendations and "expert advice" from professionals, especially veterinarians. Now, before I go any further on this topic, I must say that I do have a high respect for all veterinarians when it comes to the diagnoses and treatment of certain diseases and disfunctions of animals and thier surgical abilities to fix, mend and treat parts of the animals anatomy. However, in my opinion, most lack the ability to use common sense when it comes to nutrition based on the repeated facts "outside" of the Science Diet teachings. What I mean by this is that Science Diet themselves is the company that goes into all veterinarian colleges and teaches them for a few weeks (out of six years of collage, mind you), their recommendation of nutrition for pets. Have you ever walked into a vets office and not seen any Science Diet literature or a vet pushing you to feed it to your pet or that of a prescription diet, unless you have sought out the advice of an holistic veterinarian? Think about it....

This is where I start my debate. It is for certain that dogs have evolved from there closest living relative; the wolf. Now, ask yourself what does a wolf eat. Of course, flesh/muscle and organs from another animal (meat/protein) with a secondary source of fruits, vegtables and perhaps some plant materials that may have been in the stomach of that freshly killed animal. Now, as a carnivore where dogs are in the same classification of the wolf, why is Science Diet then, who claims to be the leader in optimium nutrition for pets, goes as far as labeling their brands as "vet recommend" to foods that mainly consist of inappropriate ingredients for a carniovre to eat? Let's break it down.... there is approximatley 50% of carbohyrates in every single brand of Science Diet (mostly all poor quality grains that are KNOWN to cause skin issues - hummm, the biggest organ of the body), by-products that are usually left behind and consumed by the "scavengers" of the wild, and a slew of chemical preservatives KNOWN to cause cancer and many other medical issues? Now, I will further contest to the fact that even if Science Diet mentions a single protein source as the first ingredient or even the second, once you have extracted the moisutre out of that protein, you are left with very minimimal protein as all flesh/muscle is approximately made of 80% moisture to begin with. This is why higher premium foods will always add a few listed proteins, including "meals".  Are you following me here?

Now, this is where I make my case in point. As mentioned, if you ask a vet what food he recommends your pet to eat, I am almost going to guarantee Science Diet is amoung one of them.. So your pet begins his/her dietary journey with Science Diet and then months to maybe years later, all of a sudden your dog is itching/scratching excessively. Trips to the vet has ruled out fleas and other conditions but tells you he is suspecting that there is a food allergy and is prescribing you Hills Presciption Food, perhaps the DD formula. Well, this is what I find eronic about this whole scenerio. Corn, wheat, soy and any type of gluten is highly known to cause skin and coat issues consisting of your dog scratching excessively, chewing at it's paws, etc.. which for years, your dog was eating but the DD formula of the prescription food does not have any corn, wheat, soy or gluten in there. Weeks go by and all of a sudden your dog is feeling some sense of relief. The result - the prescription food was a "miracle" and solved the problem. Interesting, huh? However, this is where it goes deeper than that. If you look closely at most of all the Science Diets and Hills Prescription foods, there are other bad ingredients in there, as mentioned, that are known to cause the BIG C, yes, cancer and other major medical issues!

To end my case, I have put together a list of ALL the big dog food manufacturers I consider a waste of your money and a jeopardy to your dog's overall health over time.  As you can see, it's just not Science Diet.  This is why I labeled this blog that they were one of the many in this "scam".  In my general opinion, I find it very interesting that they all have a "prescription food" line after your dog has been on their regular brands for some time.  However, NOT ONE holistic dog foods manufacturer that produces a food that are FREE of the junk they put into their foods don't have a "prescription" food.  Hummm...just some "food" for thought on this case point.

MANUFACTURER: PURINA

Brands:

Beneful

Alpo

Chef Micheals

Dog Chow

Mighty Dog

Moist n’ Meaty

Purina One

Pro Plan

Puppy Chow

THEIR PRECRIPTION DIET BRAND:   Purina Veterinary Diets

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MANUFACTURER: COLGATE/PALMOLIVE

Brands:

Science Diet

THEIR PRESCRIPTION DIET BRAND:  Hills Prescription Diets

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MANUFACTURER: MARS / WALTHAM  

Brands:

Pedigree

Royal Canin

Cesar

Nutro

THEIR PRESCRIPTION DIET BRAND:  Royal Canin Veterinarian Diet

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MANUFACTURER: PROCTOR & GAMBLE

Brands:                                                                          

Iams

Eukanuba

NOW HAVE ACQUIRED THE FOLLOWING OTHER BRANDS FORMALLY OF NATURA PET PRODUCTS AS OF JUNE 1, 2010:

Innova

Evo

California Natural

Health Wise

THEIR PRESCRIPTION DIET BRAND:  Eukanuba “Special” Formulas &  Iams Veterinarian Diet

Eliminating Some Health Issues Starts With Changing Your Dog's Diet

Time after time, we have so many pet parents that come in for their first dog grooming with us and usually have the same complaints.... "dog has chronic ear infections, dog itches all the time, dog is chewing on it's feet, dog is smelly all the time, dog's coat is so dull and not shiny". The list goes on and on and they all ask the same question... WHY?

Well if you did not suspect, it all boils down to what your feeding your dog. One in particular, that we consider ONE OF THE WORST, is BENEFUL by Purina and many of the pet parents complaining of issues that we stated, are feeding this product, amongst others like it. Still, many dog owners are led to believe it is healthy because of the marketing Purina puts into this product or someone told them it was good. However, this is the furthest from the truth. Actually, feeding your dog a food like this everyday for months to years is like you eating fast food everyday for every meal. How would your skin, hair or overall health be if you did the same? You surely would be in the doctors office more than usual for health problems as well.

We have taken this ingredient list off a bag of BENEFUL. Nothing has been changed or re-arranged. It's what it is. Because your dog is a carnivore whose body is designed to eat mostly wholesome proteins and some actual fruits and vegetables (and that's it!), after examining it, do you now really consider this healthy? Personally, there is NO wholesome proteins but in fact, it's actually filled with so many cheap carbohydrates and chemicals that contribute to healthy issues for dogs down the road! (PS: We have highlighted in BOLD all the ingredients that are NOT SUITABLE for a carnivore with an explanation of why it's not good for your dog!)

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Ground yellow corn, corn gluten meal, whole wheat flour, animal fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols (form of Vitamin E), soy protein concentrate, soy flour, water, rice flour, pearled barley, sugar, tricalcium phosphate, propylene glycol, animal digest, dicalcium phosphate, salt, phosphoric acid, sorbic acid (a preservative), calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, L-Lysine monohydrochloride, dried spinach, dried apples, dried sweet potatoes, choline chloride, calcium propionate (a preservative), added color (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 2, Yellow 6), Vitamin E supplement, zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, niacin, Vitamin A supplement, copper sulfate, Vitamin B-12 supplement, DL-Methionine, calcium pantothenate, thiamine mononitrate, garlic oil, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin supplement, Vitamin D-3 supplement, calcium iodate, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of Vitamin K activity), folic acid, biotin, sodium selenite.

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NOW WHAT THESE INGREDIENTS ARE DOING TO YOUR DOG...

GROUND YELLOW CORN, CORN GLUTEN MEAL, WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR - Known as one of the top allergy producing ingredients for pets. Causes mild to major allergy symptoms (scratching, rubbing head in carpets, ear infections, sneezing, redness of skin, chewing on paws, anal itching, etc..). Difficult for dogs to digest. Very low quality ingredient. Acts as an “artificial” stool hardener. In addition, because corn metabolizes in much the same way as sugar metabolizes in people, corn will give pets dramatic energy spurts & crashes, hyperactivity, obesity, and lack of attention (just like children fed too much sugar). Also promotes excessive yeast in the body (constant body odor, reddening around the eyes, mouth, paws, in between pads, general yeast infections, etc..)

SOY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, SOY FLOUR - Known to be the #1 allergy producing ingredients in dog food next to Wheat. Causes mild to major allergy symptoms (scratching, rubbing head in carpets, ear infections, sneezing, redness of skin, chewing on paws, anal itching, etc..). Very low quality ingredient. Difficult for dogs to digest.

SUGAR - Causes hyperactivity in dogs (dramatic energy spurts & crashes), lack of attention, diabetes, hypoglycemia, yeast infections & over growths (constant body odor, reddening around the eyes, mouth, paws, in between pads, etc..),obesity.

PROPYLENE GLYCOL - This is a chemical found in automatic brake and hydraulic fluid and industrial antifreeze. In the skin and hair, propylene glycol works as a humescent, which causes retention of moisture content of skin or cosmetic products by preventing the escape of moisture or water. The Material Safety Data Sheet warns users as this strong irritant (additive) can cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage.

ANIMAL DIGEST - A cooked-down broth made from what is left in the stomach, intestines & colon of unspecified slaughtered animals (unless otherwise noted of the type of animal used). The animals used can be obtained from any source, so there is no control over quality or contamination. Any kind of animal can be included: “4-D animals” (dead, diseased, disabled, or dying prior to slaughter). However, should it only state “animal digest” in the ingredients, goats, pigs, horses, rats, misc. road kill, even dogs and cats euthanized at shelters can be used!

ARTIFICIAL ADDED COLORS - Although found in many USA human foods, snacks & beverages (approved by the FDA), they are banned from many other countries due to evidence linking them to certain cancers, brain tumors, internal organ damage/failure, & many other disorders when consumed for long periods of time.

MENADIONE SODIUM BISULFITE COMPLEX (source of Vitamin K activity) - Added to cheap pet foods because manufacturers claim it helps with blood clotting, however, it has never been researched or specifically approved for long term use, particularly in pet food. Additionally, it has been banned from food and supplements for human use in many European countries due to serious side effects, including permanent organ damage and deaths. The FDA has, however, banned synthetic vitamin K from over-the-counter human supplements because of its high toxicity but it’s still allowed in dog food.

So, now you have it. The truth to why your dog may be suffering from some issues or better yet, what to suspect if you continue to feed your dog a food like this. Just remember, your dog is a carnivore. Stick with a grain free food, filled with just wholesome proteins, fruits and vegetables. Your dog will be thanking you for it.

Is It Necessary To Add Moist Canned Food to Dry Dog Kibble Daily?

When ever I conduct a nutritional dog food consultation, I often get asked this question by pet parents who choose not to feed a raw diet to their pet. As like many, they have opted to feed their pet the traditional dry kibble diet only and think it's all their dog needs. Interestingly though, they have chosen not to add moist or canned foods because they have been led to believe by someone they know or better yet, a vet that "it's going to rot the dog's teeth out" or better yet, "they don't need it". This is complete and utter non-sense and I will debate this until I am blue in the face.

As a carnivore, your dog's body has been built and designed to take in a majority of wholesome moist meats, like their cousin, the wolf. Dry kibble (depending on the brand) has not only been designed to (or should I say "somewhat") made to meet the nutritional requirements for your dog, but it was made to be a pure CONVENIENCE to you, the pet parent. How easy is it to scoop kibble and dump it in a bowl, walk away and wait for your dog to eat it? To me, this is simply like putting DRY cereal in front of a child (without milk) every day for every meal! Wow, that’s easy & convenient, isn’t it, but how healthy is it after a while?

Another example I always like to point out is that, as a human, would you dehydrate all your food to take out the moisture from every single meat protein, vegetable and fruit you consume daily to "dry" it out? The answer is absolutely not! No matter what you eat or how you prepare it; whether it's raw, home-cooked, processed, or frozen, the contents of your daily food intake always includes having it's natural moisture intact. Furthermore, don’t you additionally drink a beverage or two with every meal? Essentially, all this moisture you're consuming daily is hydrating your body, including the skin, which is the largest organ of the body. Therefore, would you consider a dog eating the same DRY food daily and lapping up water here and there so healthy in the long run? The answer is clearly no. Interestingly enough, I always seem to get a large amount of pet parents asking me why their dog’s skin is so dry all the time. The first question I ask them, “is your dog on a dry food diet only?” Eight times out of ten, the dog is in fact, only eating dry food. Another interesting fact is many pets on dry food diets only also have a higher chance of developing kidney and bladder crystals/stones. Why? Simply because of the lack of moisture in their diets. This is why vets will prescribe a “prescription” canned dog food when your pet has been faced with this medical problem. Look at any canned food - they all contain 80% moisture. Although such issues like this can be avoided by knowing what and how to feed your pet, the bottom line is that we all need adequate amounts of water to survive, but also need to eat wholesome proteins, fruits and vegetables that are naturally “wholesome” to support & keep all our organs functioning properly – period.

Another key benefit of adding these “moist” foods to your dog’s dry kibble is that it gives some type of rotation of other types of wholesome meats, vegetables and fruits to your pet’s diet that they do essentially need. Humans, like wild carnivores, don’t eat the same thing over and over again. If we did, our body would not only start to have a deficiency somewhere down the road, but gosh, eating would be so boring! We all need a variation of wholesome and healthy foods to stay healthy as each and everything has an abundance of different vitamins and minerals. In addition, it’s amazing how many pet parents are “stumped” to why their pet that has been eating the same food for many months to many years is no longer eating their food anymore. I often get “they loved it and now won’t eat it anymore”. Well, if anyone was giving me “crackers” (to compare dryness) everyday for every meal, after a while, I would get tired of that old same cracker too. However, if someone then offered you a rotation of dips, spreads, or cheese to add on top of that cracker, it would become a little more interesting to eat, wouldn’t it? Moreover, you just added some more nutritional benefits to your diet. Same rule applies.

Therefore, stick to a brand of kibble that works for your pet that is free of corn, wheat, by-products, sugars and chemical preservatives. Seek out brands that overly use more proteins than grain/carbohydrate fillers, which are technically not conducive to a carnivores diet to begin with. Grain free dry kibble foods work best. As always, you’ll be able to make a determination by looking at the first 10 ingredients of your dog’s brand of food. Now, to introduce moist foods, simply add a small amount that has some different proteins not found in the kibble. For example, if the dry kibble is chicken based, use moist/canned meats such as duck, fish, venison, bison, etc.. Mix everything together, but always remember to start off in small amounts to slowly introduce these new ingredients to your dog’s diet to eliminate the chances of upset tummies. To ensure you don’t overly feed your dog, the more moist food you introduce, always draw back on some kibble to keep the calories intake somewhat the same.

So now that I covered why it’s so important to add moisture to your dog’s food, I want to lastly cover the whole misconception about how moist foods rot dog’s teeth out. Like most pet parents, many do not make it a regular routine to brush their dog's teeth like they do their own. Honestly, I hardly do either because thankfully, my “crew” love to chew on their bones & toys many times throughout the day. Naturally, they are cleaning their own teeth like any carnivore would do in the wild. Like wolves and tigers that are killing and consuming only raw, moist meats & organs, at the end of their fill, they will also clean their teeth naturally by indulging in chewing on the bones from their kill. It's nature’s way for a carnivore to clean their teeth. So having your pet chew on "harder" toys, especially after a meal is extremely important. But, if your pet is not a big, hard core chewer, you can either start a routine by brushing them with a dog toothbrush or a cheap but yet effective way is to take a “dry” wash cloth and wipe your dog’s teeth every few days; making sure your always cleaning along the gum line as well. This will prevent plaque from building up which is the #1 culprit of rotting teeth.

Anyway, I hope this blog was insightful to you. Remember, you can always lead a “horse” to water, but you can’t make them drink it. Well, the same rule applies to most dogs. However, by adding as much “moisture” as you can to your dog’s daily intake with wholesome meats, vegetables and fruits, you have made a big significant change in your dog’s overall health.

NJ Puppy Lemon Laws - Resources That Help Those With A Sick Puppy

Perhaps you've been there or know of someone who has. After spending a fortune on a puppy that you dreamed of having, you are forced to take on the financial and emotional hardship of trying to get a puppy well instead. The person that sold you the pet may tell you it's "normal" or "common" and not to worry. But, you may be put on the spot and told "should you not want that sick puppy, just return it back and we will give you another". Well, as nice as this sounds that they are "standing behind their sale", this is an unfortuante but common tatic that most puppy stores, dealers, and bad backyard breeders do. Knowing that you are most likey (emotionally) attached to that pet, they take the chance that you will not return that sick puppy back to them.

However, you bought a puppy with all intentions of having a healthy one. Should it be your liability to pay for all the medical costs associated in getting that puppy healthy because you choose to keep that puppy instead? Absolutely not! The good news is that NJ Puppy Lemon Law clearly defines regulations that protect consumers who find themselves in this unfortunatete circumstance and getting restitution owed to them. However, the key is to start your claim as soon as possible. Make sure to record all expenses paid out related to getting the puppy well again. In additon, it is wise not to use the same veterinarian who signed off on the "fit for sale" certificate that is "working with" the pet store, dealer, etc..!

Here are some valuable resources to help those with getting their money back related to medical costs on their sick puppy -

NJCAPSA.org
>> Compliant Form

NJ Division of Consumer Affairs (pdf flyer w/ contact info)

Apple Cider Vinegar - A Must Have With Pets

Did you know that apple cider vinegar is like a little medicine cabinet in a bottle? Here are a few tried and true benefits to giving a little dose to your pet a day! (Dosage: 20 lb dog - 1 teaspoon, 50 lb dog - 1 tablespoon; diluted with water twice daily on each feeding - if spraying on coat/skin - dilute 1/2 and 1/2 in spray bottle)

• Aides in helping stubborn pets eat
• Restores acid/alkaline balance in the digestive tract and bladder
• Aides in the prevention of kidney and bladder stones/crystals from forming
• Aides in getting rid of internal & external parasites
• Restore luster and shine to coat. Also wards off fleas & ticks naturally.
• Aides in relieving dogs with runny eyes, noses or ear infections
• Helps with minor hot spots
• Helps rid tear stains

For additional reading, Click Here

Crap in a Bag - Dog Food Review: PEDIGREE

I can't express enough how important it is to feed your dog with a proper, well balanced, HEALTHY food now a days, especially if you want your dog to live a healthier lifestyle, despite what some vets and breeders will recommend. Surprisingly, I'm astounded by how many consumers still really have not clue to what is considered HEALTHY for their pet even with so much information that is accessible through the internet. Perhaps it's the manipulation by the marketing objectives by commercial dog food companies or moreover, the recommendation or suggestion of their vet because he/she said so. (Note: Although vets go to medical school for approximately six years - there is very minimal education on animal nutrition unless further education is personally sought by the individual themselves outside of Science Diet Research. This is why you will find vets highly recommending or pushing the prescription foods of Science Diet, which I also consider a very poor diet as well because of many poor ingredients they also use. Read some information on how Science Diet provides kick backs and bonuses to vets who "push" their foods.)

Because there are hundreds of crappy brands and formulas on the market, here is my first review on a national recognized brand of what I call "crap in a bag". Although this, as with many other brands, are associated with having different formulas (puppy, adult, large breed, small breed, senior), their MAIN FORMULAS consist of basically the SAME INGREDIENTS across the board but will slightly differ in one or two ingredients to accommodate each specific formula (added vitamins/minerals or different use of one protein source). However, the rating will ultimately stay the same.

BRAND: PEDIGREE

INGREDIENTS: Ground Whole Corn, Meat and Bone Meal (Natural Source of Calcium), Chicken By-product Meal (Natural Source of Glucosamine†), Corn Gluten Meal, Rice, Animal Fat (Preserved with BHA/BHT), Wheat Flour, Dried Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Wheat Mill Run, Caramel Color, Vegetable Oil (Source of Linoleic Acid), Vitamins (Choline Chloride, dl-alpha Tocopherol Acetate [Source of Vitamin E], L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate [Source of Vitamin C†], Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate [Vitamin B1], Biotin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement [Vitamin B2], Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Potassium Iodide), Iron Oxide, Added FD&C and Lake Colors (Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Blue 2, Red 40).

OUR RATING: Very Poor - Not Recommended.

ACTUAL ANALYSIS: Dogs are carnivores (meat eaters), however, no where do I see any wholesome and actual MEAT proteins in this food of which dogs need based on their genetic makeup. Let's start with the breakdown by the first 8 listed ingredients in the order they appear:

1. Main ingredient - CORN - Corn is a cheap grain filler which really does not have a high nutritional value to it nor is fully digestible - even in human consumption. Moreover, it is known to cause allergies in dogs.


2. MEAT & BONE MEAL - This is an inexpensive, cheap form of protein and highly consists of grounded up bone fragments (with minimal meat) which additionally does not provide adequate protein, thus is why it is indicated as being a natural source of calcium instead.


3. CHICKEN BY PRODUCT MEAL - By products consist of the "after parts", which in this case is the chicken. This consists of parts that are the "leftovers" that are banned from the human food chain. In plain English - it's simply garbage.


4. CORN GLUTEN MEAL - Derived from corn, the gluten meal is an cheap protein source; often used to feed "livestock". Again, with the use of corn listed as the 1st and 4th ingredient, it is again a cheap grain "filler" to formulate this food and known to cause allergies in dogs.


5. RICE - Although considered a safe but cheap "grain" for dog consumption, the fact that this is the third grain out of five ingredients so far (which not to mention, has more after the 8th ingredient) but yet has any good protein sources listed which should have been already. If this food contained actual and wholesome protein sources (deboned chicken, fish, beef, etc...) with rice being mentioned as either the 3rd or 5th only grain ingredient, then the food's rating would have been much higher (with the exception of what other ingredients are listed).


6. ANIMAL FAT (preserved with BHA/BHT) - Animal fat is a "generic" fat source that is most often made up of rendered animal fat, rancid restaurant grease or other oils that are deemed inedible for humans consumption. In addition, it is also preserved with a chemical called BHA/BHT that is banned in many countries, but still known to be used within the US (which the FDA still allows) in pet and human foods although research shows a link between the use of them and cancer. Read More Here


7. WHEAT FLOUR -In dog food products, this is commonly a by-product (think floor sweepings) of human food production and is a grain fragment we consider primarily a cheap filler. Wheat is believed by many to be the leading cause of food allergies in dogs . Wheat mill run is a further grain by-product (listed as the 12th listed ingredient).


8. BEEP PULP - Beet pulp is a controversial filler. It is a by-product, being dried residue from sugar beets which has been cleaned and extracted in the process of manufacturing sugar. It is a controversial ingredient in dog food, claimed by some manufacturers to be a good source of fiber, and derided by others as an ingredient added to slow down the transition of rancid animal fats and causing stress to kidney and liver in the process. However, research shows that beet pulp is an ingredient that commonly causes problems for dogs, including allergies and ear infections. There are more natural ingredients around if additional fiber is required such as apples, pumpkin, sweet potatos, etc..

It is also noted on the ingredient list of Pedigree, that various artificial food colorings are also used. As mentioned above about the consumption of BHA/BHT , many various forms of artificial food colorings are also banned in other countries due to the fact they are also linking many health issues & certain cancers associated with the consumption of them (although the FDA still allows human food companies to also use it). Therefore, since Pedigree continues to use these DANGEROUS INGREDIENTS, despite what research shows, in the manufacturing of their dog foods - I highly suggest not choosing any of their brands. In addition, please check your own foods ingredient lists and stop supporting companies who continue to jeopardize people and animals lives.

CLOSING NOTES: Premium, quality dog foods DO NOT CONTAIN corn, wheat, soy, by-products, sugars or any artificial preservatives and additives. Look for top listed ingredients such as wholesome & actual protein sources such as de-boned chicken, fish, beef which should then be followed with fruits, vegetables, herbs, etc. Also, a good quality food will not have to use "natural flavors" as an ingredient such as with poor quality foods do. Corn, wheat, bone meals, etc.. do not have any appealing smells unless natural flavors are used to help attract a dog to eat it. Just remember, you get what you pay for and you may save yourself $10 on a 30 lb bag of food when choosing a cheap brand, but in the long run, it can potentially cost you hundreds to thousands of dollars in medical bills (not to mention risking your pet's health) down the road!

Lastly, just because a vet or your dog's breeder recommends a food, it does not validate it to be a QUALITY FOOD! Please do your own research and by your dog's own advocate! Moreover, if your dog is getting frequent allergy shots but your vet has yet to ask you what kind of food you're feeding your pet or perhaps, didn't tell you that your pet's current food contains allergy producing ingredients , I suggest it's time to change your pet's doctor immediately because it's quite obvious your vet really does not care about the welfare of your pet but his pockets instead.

For more information on rating dog foods, you may also reference:

Healthy Dog Experts

Dog Food Analysis

Vet Balance

Let your pet eat well & live happy!

A Sprinke A Day Can Take The Stains Away!

For any of you pet owners who own a light colored or white "face" dog, you know first hand how difficult it can be to keep those awful, unsightly tear stains away! Whether the stains are reddish to brownish in color, a beautiful white or light colored dog can simply look "dirty", even after a professional grooming visit. Fortunately for darker color coated dogs, you will never have the opportunity to see them.

For decades, pet owners resorted to stain eliminating liquids and gels only to find them not effective. At times, these solutions also caused irritation to the dog's eyes which in turn, caused the eyes to tear even more. It was not until a few years ago that Angels' Eyes, a product made by the I'm a Little Teacup Company, proved that "a sprinkle a day, can take those tear stains away" - and literally! Now, it's one of the world's best known little secrets to keeping a light colored dog stain free!

Angels’ Eyes works to prevent tear staining by tying up circulating porphyrins. A porphyrin is a compound that reacts with light to produce a reddish brown stain to the medial canthus. The ingredients, 100%Pure beef liver and tylosin (as tartrate), will rid and prevent your dog from contracting Ptyrosporin (Red Yeast) and bacterial infections which causes excess tearing and staining. What makes Angels' Eyes different than other anti-tear staining products on the market is that other brands mask or have artificial food coloring, artificial food additives/preservatives, and cereals such as wheat causing the stains to reappear worse than before. Because Angels' Eyes is given orally in the pet's food, it does not require rubbing or any other difficult maintenance. With this product, you will not need to use any bleach, peroxide or any other product that may cause allergies and irritations.

Now, many factors contribute to tear staining. Pets could inherit very small tear ducts or overly watery eyes, particularly as a response to various products you may be giving to the dog (allergies or reactions) or even household chemicals you may be using. Definitely inherited are large eyes and short muzzles, which tend to allow more eye irritation and less drainage. There can be inherited or developmental structural defects that result in eye stains as well. Hygiene is another obvious factor. Matter in the eye tends to collect at the inner corner. If the pet’s eyes are exposed to dust, wind, grooming products, stray or ingrown hairs and other irritants, there will be more matter at the corners. This matter becomes an irritant and causes more tearing and therefore more staining. Therefore, it is essential to keep on top of a proper hygienic routine with your pet as well.

Angels' Eyes is 100% safe for pets and can be given as early as 8 weeks of age. Depending on the pet's size, a small sprinkle in the pet's food once a day does the trick. Treatment is given until results are achieved which usually is between 3-6 weeks; depending on how bad the pet has staining. Because there has been reports of pets not freely eating their regular food with the treatment of Angels' Eyes, the perfect remedy is peanut butter! Simply dip your finger in a jar of peanut butter (which all dogs love) and then dip your finger again in the Angels Eyes to allow the powder mixture to stick to your finger. With the aroma of creamy peanut butter, I never have seen a dog refuse this tasty treat!

Here are some other suggestions to keeping your pet's face stain free:

• Feed your pet a white meat diet. This includes chicken, turkey or fish. Dark meats can contribute to your dog getting darker staining around the eyes and mouth.


• Stay away from treats that contain food coloring, sugars or wheat as an additive.


• Wipe your pet's face daily with a clean, warm cloth.

PLEASE NOTE: Should your pet have noticeable reddish staining on it's paws, legs, etc.. this is caused by your pet's excessive self-grooming practices (i.e. licking it's feet constantly). Because a pet's saliva is also a bodily fluid, saliva also contains this active red yeast enzyme and as such, is just being transferred to the pet's coat when it's cleaning itself. Therefore, the use of Angels' Eyes may help eliminate stains from getting darker as it will rid and control the body of an excessive red yeast overgrowth.

To purchase Angels' Eyes, please Click Here. One month and four month supply treatments are available.