Nature's Logic 100% Natural Pet Foods

Two Reasons Not to Feed Your Dog a Vegan Diet

noreply@blogger.com (Nature's Logic) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 01:17:00 +0000

Recently, a high-profile television celebrity and pet food company announced plans for a new vegan dog food. A vegan diet is one that contains no animal content like meat, fish or poultry, and also no products that come from animals, such as milk or eggs. The spokesperson and manufacturer of the vegan pet food are certainly very well-meaning in their intent to do what’s best for pet. However, in this situation they may have let the marketers override the scientists. Most pet experts agree a vegan diet not the best option for healthy dogs and cats.

Vegan Diet Not Biologically Appropriate for Pets

In nature dogs and cats are meat-eating predators, or what scientists call carnivores. Cats are called “obligate carnivores,” which means their diet must consist primarily of meat. When wild dogs or cats consume their prey they eat the entire animal, including hair, bones, entrails, blood, stomach contents, etc. So the most natural diet for dogs and cats is one low in carbohydrates and high in protein derived from carnivore-appropriate animal ingredients.

Dr. Karen Becker, an integrative wellness veterinarian, states her concern that the “creation of a vegan dog food could persuade pet owners to remove animal protein from the diets of their carnivorous canine companions.”¹ Natural carnivores, like dogs and cats, should consume foods rich in protein derived from high-quality sources like beef, chicken, duck, lamb, fish, venison, and rabbit. A vegan dog food, by definition, would not contain any of these ingredients and would therefore need to supply protein and essential amino acids from non-animal sources.

Non-Animal Protein Sources and Levels in Vegan Pet Foods

Vegan pet foods without protein from animals or animal products must get protein from some other source. A very common source of non-meat protein is soy, as seen in a number of vegetarian pet foods listed by The Dog Food Project.² Unfortunately many dogs are sensitive to soy and may have allergic reactions. For this reason, soy is generally avoided as an ingredient in higher-quality pet foods.³

Eliminating animal protein and using soy, seeds, or quinoa (a grain with complete protein) in pet food makes it difficult to achieve optimal protein levels for a natural carnivore. While most vegetarian dog foods meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) minimum requirement for protein content in adult dogs (18%),⁴ the more biologically-appropriate pet foods will contain 30% or more protein, a substantially higher amount than in vegetarian or vegan pet formulas. Further, the protein from high-quality animal sources naturally supplies a wide variety of essential amino acids.

About Nature's Logic

In addition to high levels of animal protein, Nature’s Logic formulas are made with solid, nutritious whole food. The 100% natural ingredients supply all essential nutrients with NO added synthetic vitamins or minerals. For more information about our kibble, canned or raw diets, please visit www.natureslogic.com.

1. http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/01/19/vegetarianism-for-pets.aspx

2. http://www.dogfoodproject.com/index.php?page=vegetarian_vegan

3. http://natureslogic.blogspot.com/2011/09/tips-for-recognizing-and-avoiding-food.html

4. Official Publication 2008, AAFCO, p.131 & 136

3 Ways Better Food Means a Happier, Healthier Pet in 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Nature's Logic) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 03:02:00 +0000

As we set our own new year’s resolutions, there is a good chance that eating better is among them. What about your dog or cat? Pets rely on us for their care and wellbeing, so January is a good time to think about their health, too. Improving your pet’s nutrition with a better food will lead to noticeable results for your pet’s health this year.

Premium Food Helps Your Pet Maintain a Healthy Weight

There are considerable health risks to overweight pets. Obesity can and does result in several diseases, including diabetes or insulin resistance, joint problems/osteoarthritis, respiratory disorders, high blood pressure and heart disease, kidney and liver problems, and cancer. Keeping your dog or cat at a healthy weight is important to his longevity.

It’s not just how much, but also what you feed your pet that impacts his weight. Some pet foods have more nutrients than others. Nutrient-dense foods pack more protein, vitamins and minerals into fewer calories. You’ll feed less to satisfy your pet’s nutrient requirements if you select a high-protein, low-carbohydrate food with high-quality animal proteins.

High-Quality Food Helps Your Pet Feel More Comfortable

Digestive issues are uncomfortable for pets. While there may be many causes, gastrointestinal problems are often a result of poorly digested food. Selecting a species-appropriate diet of highly-digestible nutrients helps. Also, a food with natural digestive enzymes and probiotics can help pets fully utilize and get the most nutrition from their food, while also leading to a more comfortable tummy.

Another cause of discomfort for your pet is food allergies, which often present as itchy skin or eyes, nasal discharge, and coughing or sneezing. The most common allergens for pets include corn, wheat, soy, and gluten. Select a pet food without these ingredients and you may notice your pet feel relief from uncomfortable food allergies.

A Good Diet Helps Prevent Pet Health Issues

Feeding your dog or cat a premium pet food can also help prevent future health problems. For example, heart disease in pets is more common that we might think, and that it can be present in seemingly healthy dogs, according to veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker. To protect your dog's heart health, Dr. Becker recommends feeding a high-quality, species-appropriate food, with optimal protein and healthy fat. (1)

Other pet food ingredients can have preventative health benefits, too. Fruits and vegetables supply your pet with essential vitamins and minerals, as well as phytonutrients and anti-oxidants. The natural antioxidants in fruits and vegetables will help keep the body working at its best, for a strong defense against disease. Fruits and vegetables are protective to health as they’re helpful at reducing the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and some cancers.(2) When selecting a pet food, check the ingredients to see that it contains foods like cranberry, avocados, apples, blueberries, apricots, broccoli, spinach, carrots, artichokes, and pumpkin.

Nature’s Logic make the first and only full line of raw, canned, and dry pet food with NO chemically-synthesized vitamins or minerals, and loaded with protein and essential nutrients. Our dog and cat foods contain NO gluten, corn, wheat, rice, soy, tapioca, peas, or potatoes, and the millet in our kibble has been certified non-GMO. For more information, visit www.natureslogic.com

Genetically Modified Ingredients: How to Know if Your Pet Food GMO-Free

noreply@blogger.com (Nature's Logic) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 20:15:00 +0000

The science of genetic engineering has made it possible to alter the genetic material, like DNA, of many organisms, including bacteria, plants and even some animals. The resulting products are called Genetically Modified Organisms, or GMOs. Agricultural biotechnology creates genetically modified organisms for specific benefits. Developing a crop resistant to pests, herbicides, or harsh environmental conditions leads to more efficient and less expensive food production in the world. GMOs also may be created to improve the nutritional value of a food, such as a genetically-modified sweet potato that is enhanced with protein and other nutrients.¹Such benefits can be life-saving to people in food-scarce parts of the world.

Safety Concerns about GMO

As GMOs have become more prevalent since they were first introduced in the mid-1970s, scientists have studied the impact of these new organisms on our environment and health. While research is not conclusive, many experts have associated GMO foods with increases in allergies, resistance to antibiotics, and even deficiency of nutrients in crops while other natural plant substances become too concentrated and therefore toxic.²

Such concerns are true for pets, as well as humans. Veterinarian Dr. Michael W. Fox has reviewed the rise in certain pet health conditions over the same years GMOs have become more prevalent. He reports that veterinarians are now diagnosing and treating more allergies, atopic dermatitis, irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. Further supporting his hypothesis that GMOs are to blame, the animals’ symptoms often disappeared soon after they were transitioned to a diet containing no genetically-modified GM ingredients.³

Common GMO Pet Food Ingredients

Certain agricultural crops have become predominantly GMO in the US, including corn and soy, common ingredients in many pet foods. Other potential pet food ingredients that are now often genetically engineered include vegetable oils made from corn and canola, soy protein, lecithin (product from soy), and sugar beets (beet pulp in some pet foods). GMO wheat is expected to hit the market soon. The growers that produce GMO crops then sell the food to livestock feed companies and others, including many large pet food manufacturers.⁴

GMO-Free Pet foods

The entities that regulate pet food do not require manufacturers to disclose whether or not their products contain genetically-modified ingredients, so you won’t see the information on a package or label. If a pet food contains no GMOs, the company making it can certify that fact through independent laboratory testing, though this is not yet widely done. Alternatively pet food manufacturers can ask their ingredient suppliers to verify the non-GMO status, as Nature’s Logic has done with its ingredient, millet.

As awareness of possible risks from GMO foods increases, more companies may voluntarily test. Someday regulators may even require disclosure. In the meantime, read the pet food labels carefully and look for common GMO ingredients like corn, soy, canola oil, or rice. Most high-quality premium pet foods are corn- and soy-free, but check to be sure.

Beware of Hidden Ingredients in Pet Foods

Unfortunately, sometimes not everything that is in a pet food appears on its label. For example, the main ingredient in most "Natural Liver Flavors" is not liver, but soy flour. A typical ingredient list for one of the most widely used natural liver canine flavorings is: Soy Flour, Hydrolyzed Poultry Liver, Brewer's Yeast, Lecithin, Natural Tocopherols, and Rosemary.⁵ The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) sets these labeling guidelines used by states that regulate the pet food industry.

If you have questions about an ingredient or the GMO-status of your pet’s food, contact the manufacturer directly. They should be able to tell you if their products contain any genetically-modified ingredients. If they can’t or won’t, pick a food by a company that will.

Nature’s Logic make the first and only full line of raw, canned, and dry pet food with NO chemically-synthesized vitamins or minerals. All essential nutrients are provided by whole foods and 100% natural ingredients. Our dog and cat foods contain NO gluten, corn, wheat, rice, soy, tapioca, peas, or potatoes, and the millet in our kibble has been certified non-GMO. For more information, visit www.natureslogic.com

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_organism#Transgenic_plants

2. http://advocacy.britannica.com/blog/advocacy/2009/08/consumers-beware-genetically-engineered-crop-ingredients-in-pet-foods-and-human-foods/

3. Michael W. Fox, DVM; Genetically Engineered Foods and Dog & Cat Health Issues, www.twobitdog.com/drfox/

4. http://advocacy.britannica.com/blog/advocacy/2009/08/consumers-beware-genetically-engineered-crop-ingredients-in-pet-foods-and-human-foods/

5. http://natureslogic.blogspot.com/2011/05/study-finds-hidden-ingredients-in-dog.html

3 Things to Know Before Giving Your Pet a Multi-Vitamin Supplement

noreply@blogger.com (Nature's Logic) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:18:00 +0000

Health-conscious humans are now reevaluating their decision to take multi-vitamin supplements themselves, as well as whether to give them to their pets. Recently, a team of French researchers tracked 8,112 volunteers who took either a placebo or a multi-vitamin for over six years and found no evidence multi-vitamin supplements help prevent major health events like heart disease or cancer. Other recent studies have even indicated that vitamin supplements may increase the risk of certain cancers.¹ Similarly, many of the recent pet food recalls have been due to potential adverse consequences of excess man-made vitamins or minerals that are routinely added to most pet foods. Here are three things that will help you determine if you should give your dog or cat a multi-vitamin supplement.

#1 - Most Commercial Pet Foods Contain Sufficient Vitamins & Minerals

Whether you feed raw, canned or dry formulas, most commercial pet foods contain the necessary vitamins and minerals for the use indicated. Nearly every one of them accomplishes this by adding dozens of synthetic vitamins and minerals. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) establishes the needed levels and pet food manufacturers create foods that contain those nutrients.

AAFCO is a voluntary association of local, state and federal agencies charged by law to regulate the sale and distribution of animal feeds and animal drug remedies.^²AAFCO has developed nutrient profiles for dogs and cats that most pet foods use when formulating their foods. The formulas routinely fall short of natural vitamins and minerals from the food so most pet food manufacturers add a synthetic vitamin and mineral premix to achieve the required levels.

You will know your pet’s food contains sufficient vitamins and minerals, as well as other key nutrients, if you see one of the following statements on the package:

1. “(Name of product) is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog (or Cat) Food Nutrient Profiles for ______________.” (gestation/lactation, growth, maintenance, or “All Life Stages”).

2. “Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that (Name of Product) provides complete and balanced nutrition for ____________.” (gestation/lactation, growth, maintenance, or "All Life Stages").

However, these regulatory statements will not tell you the source of those vitamins and minerals, or any hidden ingredients they may carry. For that you need to understand a little more about the differences between “added vitamins and minerals” and real nutrients that come naturally from food.

#2 - Vitamins & Minerals in Most Pet Supplements and Foods are Not Natural

Just as with human supplements, multi-vitamin tablets or chews for pets are overwhelmingly man-made versions of the real nutrients naturally found in food. Chemically-synthesized vitamins and minerals carry unwanted contaminants, such as processing aids, carriers, preservatives, and even heavy metals, that don’t appear on the pet food label.³ The majority of commercial pet foods add as many as 26 synthetic vitamins and minerals, all made in chemical plants. These unnatural nutrients make up for inadequacies in the foods and allow the companies to meet the AAFCO nutrient profiles required for dogs and cats.⁴

This is also true for nearly every so-called “natural” pet food. AAFCO allows the use of the word “natural” even if the pet food contains synthetic vitamins and minerals. Manufacturers can do this as long as the remaining ingredients meet AAFCO’s definition of natural and the company includes a disclaimer on the label, such as “natural with added vitamins and minerals” or “fortified with added vitamins and minerals.”⁵ Such statements may look like positive marketing messages but they are really warnings to pet parents that the food is not 100% natural because it contains chemically-synthesized vitamins and minerals.

There is a truly natural pet food without these man-made vitamins and minerals. Nature’s Logic is the only full-line of raw-frozen, canned, and dry kibble pet food with NO chemically-synthesized nutrients. The company’s formulas supply all essential vitamins and minerals from whole food and 100% natural ingredients. This is the safest way to supply nutrients to pets.

#3 - Nutrients from Whole Foods are Safest Supplements for Pets

If you and your veterinarian feel your dog or cat’s health situation requires additional vitamins or minerals, choose a pet supplement made from whole foods and 100% natural ingredients. Nature’s Logic makes our All Food Fortifier to supply a complete spectrum of all natural vitamins, minerals, essential fats, enzymes, and other trace elements. The nutrients come from all natural sources, not chemistry labs. There are no man-made ingredients. For more information, including a complete list of ingredients, visit www.natureslogic.com.

1. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2078861/Taking-multi-vitamin-pills-does-health.html

2.      http://www.aafco.org/
3.      http://natureslogic.blogspot.com/2010/11/added-vitamins-and-minerals-in-pet-food.html
4.      http://www.natureslogic.com/faq/didyouknow.html
5.    http://www.natureslogic.com/pdf/AprMay2008.pdf

Do I Need to Add Supplements to a High-quality Pet Food?

noreply@blogger.com (Nature's Logic) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 02:28:00 +0000

More and more pet parents are migrating to more natural and biologically-appropriate pet foods for their dogs and cats. This is resulting in greater health and longer lives for their companion animals. It also raises the question of whether adding a supplement to these premium foods is really necessary. The answer to that depends upon what type of food you are feeding and what it contains, since natural, premium pet foods vary considerably in type and content. Determining if you need to add a supplement to your premium pet food depends upon if you feed raw, canned, or dry food, and whether or not you have a pet with a condition requiring extra nutritional support.

Need for Supplementation if Feeding Pets Raw Diet

Feeding a properly-formulated raw food to a carnivore is feeding your dog or cat what it most appropriately should eat. Raw meat and poultry, along with proper percentages of bone and organ meat, supply a naturally correct profile of amino acids and most vitamins and minerals. Also, inherent in the raw food are enzymes and probiotics (naturally-occurring bacteria) that support digestion and play a key role in a healthy immune system. A raw food with high levels of organ meat will have plenty of natural taurine that cats must get from their diets. If feeding a raw food with these qualities, no supplements are needed.

Supplements Benefiting Pets Eating Canned Food

High-protein, low-carbohydrate canned pet foods can have all the same nutrients and moisture content as raw foods. However, due to processing steps required for safe canning, they lack the natural enzymes and probiotics found in raw foods. If feeding canned food only, it is a good idea to add a supplement with digestive enzymes plus either probiotics or prebiotics.¹

Supplements for Pets on Dry Kibble Formulas

If you are feeding a dry pet food, the need for supplementation depends upon the nutrient content of the particular kibble formula. A biologically-appropriate food for cats and dogs would be one that is high in animal protein and low in carbohydrates. One that is formulated to supply proper nutrition for all life-stages will ensure all essential nutrients are present. If that pet food also has natural digestive enzymes and probiotics or prebiotics added, no added supplements are needed. Specially-prepared probiotics and enzymes are applied to the dry pet food after the heat and drying steps. This ensures that they remain viable and active when pets eat the food containing them. They remain dormant until the right conditions for them to activate. The dried enzymes need moisture to become active, while probiotics require a source of food, optimal temperature and pH, as well as moisture to grow.²

Supplements to Add for Pets with Special Health Conditions

A good diet can help to maintain a foundation of health that helps the entire body, including the joints, but certain ingredients in high-quality foods may specifically help support joint health. Check your pet food’s ingredients for whole foods with anti-inflammatory properties, such as the omega-3 fatty-acid, DHA (docosahexaenioc acid).³ Whole foods that supply natural sources of omega-3 fatty-acids include sardines (as well as other fish) and spinach. Fruits and vegetables containing antioxidants also possess anti-inflammatory properties. Some particularly joint-beneficial fruits and veggies are apples, tomatoes, kelp, and spinach.⁴

There are also pet food ingredients that naturally replenish the body with the joint-building substances glucosamine and chondroitin. These can be found in egg shells, egg shell membrane, and the small blood vessels and cartilage of animal ingredients. Some dogs with advanced age or joint health issues may benefit from medications or supplements containing additional glucosamine, chondroitin, or natural eggshell membrane (NEM®).

Pets with particularly sensitive digestive systems are also candidates for added supplementation. Raw pet food and some high-quality dry formulas contain digestive enzymes and probiotics. But a very sensitive dog or cat may need more in the form of a digestive supplement added to the food.

Nature’s Logic makes the only full-line of raw, canned and dry commercial pet food with no chemically-synthesized vitamins, minerals or other nutrients. Our high-protein, low carbohydrate diets are made from whole food and 100% natural ingredients. We also make supplements to support specific diets or for use with other brands of food. For more information please visit www.natureslogic.com.

1.      All Food Fortifier from Nature’s Logic, http://www.natureslogic.com/products/fortifier.html
2.      http://natureslogic.blogspot.com/2011/04/probiotics-enzymes-effectively.html
3.      http://ian-shoust.suite101.com/why-are-there-fruits-and-vegetables-in-pet-foods-a389427
4.      http://natureslogic.blogspot.com/2011/08/8-more-whole-food-ingredients-in.html

Are Limited-Ingredient Pet Foods Really Necessary?

noreply@blogger.com (Nature's Logic) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 23:47:00 +0000

A new trend in pet food is emerging with the proliferation of limited-ingredient pet foods on the market. These foods are being marketed to pet owners with dogs or cats that have exhibited sensitivities to specific foods in their diets. While a few pets truly do have allergies to many foods and might benefit from a limited-ingredient diet, the majority of dogs and cats will thrive on high-quality foods that contain a variety of healthy nutrient sources, but that don’t contain the ingredients known to be common allergens for pets.

More Pet Food Ingredients = More Natural Nutrients

Eating a healthy diet with a variety of foods is not just good for humans; it’s good for our pets, too. In the wild, animals eat their entire prey. Natural carnivores eat the meat, but also the bones and intestines, including the grains and vegetation previously consumed by the prey.

A wide range of whole food ingredients provide pets with an abundance of naturally occurring nutrients: Proteins, vitamins, minerals, fiber, probiotics, enzymes, antioxidants, co-factors, phytonutrients, and more. The natural synergies and increased bioavailability of these extra nutrients ensure the best possible nutrition for your pet. Using a variety of whole foods to supply natural nutrients means Nature’s Logic does not have to add chemically-synthesized vitamins and minerals to their foods. All the nutrition pets need instead comes from the food itself.

Limited Variety in Pet’s Diet May Lead to Allergies

Limited exposure to different foods may actually contribute to future food allergies in dogs and cats. Some experts believe that the reason so many pets have sensitivities to corn is that it has been overwhelming used as a major ingredient in pet food since the early days of commercial pet food production. Chicken is another ingredient that today’s pets may be finding harder to consume, after decades of it being the predominant protein in commercial pet foods. For tips to help you recognize the signs of food allergies in pets and avoid them, check out this blog article: http://natureslogic.blogspot.com/2011/09/tips-for-recognizing-and-avoiding-food.html.

High quality pet foods now offer non-traditional, animal-protein sources like venison, sardine, duck, lamb, and others. Varying the proteins in your pet’s diet on a regular basis not only supplies him with a wider variety of amino acids and other nutrients, it may actually help avoid your pet becoming allergic to any one protein.

Instead of Limited-Ingredient Pet Foods, Simply Avoid Known Allergens

For most dogs and cats it is not necessary to limit the number of ingredients. Instead, pet parents can simply select a pet food that does not contain the culprit they’ve determined their pet cannot tolerate, or those most common allergens for pets. Pet food ingredients that most often lead to allergic reactions in pets are wheat, corn, rice, and soy.¹ Most high-quality pet foods do not contain these, but read the labels carefully to be sure.

Most dogs and cats can benefit from a good internal cleansing by eating a high-quality raw pet food, or a truly natural canned or dry food without synthetic ingredients or ingredients that can cause allergic reactions. Nature’s Logic is the first and only full-line, commercial pet food with no chemically-synthesized nutrients. All of the vitamins and minerals in our dry, canned and raw formulas are derived from food. Our foods contain no gluten, wheat, corn, soy, rice, potato or tapioca. More information about pet food ingredients may be found at www.natureslogic.com.

http://www.petfoodindustry-digital.com/petfoodindustry/201111/?folio=30#pg33

2012 List of Best Pet Foods Names Nature's Logic

noreply@blogger.com (Nature's Logic) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 20:31:00 +0000

On December 1,2011 Susan Thixon, the pet food advocate behind the website TruthaboutPetFood.com, published The List of Best Pet Foods and Nature’s Logic made the list! Based upon her own extensive research, Thixon used several criteria for selecting the 10 commercial pet foods she would feel comfortable feeding her own pets: Quality of Ingredients, Transparency/Customer Service, Integrity, and additional factors she knows from years of reporting on the pet food industry. No companies on the list paid to appear on this list or sponsored Thixon or her advocacy efforts in any way. Companies only learned of their inclusion on the list days before it was published.

In selecting Nature’s Logic for Susan Thixon’s 2012 The List of Best Pet Foods, Thixon cites several reasons, including transparency. “The history of communication I have had with this pet food company goes back many years,” writes Susan, “and each time they have provided me with complete answers the first time I ask. Prompt and honest answers from a pet food company is a very good sign.” Thixson also notes that Nature’s Logic “uses food to provide all the necessary nutrition,” with no added synthetic vitamins or minerals prevalent in other pet foods.

Susan Thixton, dubbed the 'Caped Crusader for Safe Pet Food', is a pet food safety advocate. Her website, TruthaboutPetFood.com provides pet food education to pet parents all over the world. Susan is a frequent guest on numerous talk radio shows across the U.S. and Canada, was interviewed in a pet food documentary being produced in Spain, has presented her unique pet food education to veterinary students at Western University of Health Sciences, and has represented pet parents at pet food regulatory meetings. The List of Best Pet Foods is available for purchase, for as low as $5, at: http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/articles/the-list.html. Funds support Susan’s advocacy efforts.

How Do New Pet Foods Get Started?

noreply@blogger.com (Nature's Logic) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:35:00 +0000

With new brands of pet food entering the market all the time, did you ever wonder how a new pet food brand gets started? There are probably as many ways as there are brands. Some are large corporations, extending their products into new areas to increase revenue. Others pet foods are small, family-based companies like Nature’s Logic. Here is how Scott Freeman, founder and managing partner of Nature’s Logic, tells his story of how he got started in the pet food business.

A Little Background

Over the course of my life, I have been asked a number of times, “How did you get into pet food? The answer is the same as when people ask me, “How did you meet your wife?” The answer is simple. I bought a horse. Yes, that is the simple answer that both led me into pet food and led me to my wife.

You see, in the early 1980's, I was working at a small firm in Conroe, Texas where some of the employees went fox hunting once a month in the pineywood hills of Nacogdoches, Texas. I had just recently bought an unbroken filly, had her green broke, and was starting to ride her with my $75, garage-sale western saddle. Knowing I had a horse and trailer, my co-workers invited me to come along on one of their fox-hunting outings. So I showed up in my jeans, boots, and used saddle and followed behind my peers in red coats, hunting caps, and tall, English riding boots. When the others jumped over fences to follow the hounds, I looked for gaps my horse could pass through. It was a lot of fun, but I felt a little out of place with my fellow equestrians.

Not wanting to be outdone, I started asking around where I could get some English riding lessons. A friend at church let me know that a gal was boarding a couple horses at his place and she gave English riding lessons. The day I arrived for my first lesson, Deborah was out in the pasture working with another student. She had on riding breeches and tall boots and the rest is history. I was slain and already in love.

The Early Equestrian Center

Over the next year, before getting married to Deborah, I made a trip to Europe and while there bought some top English riding equipment such as a Kieffer All Purpose Saddle, some Vogel riding boots, and Pikeur riding breeches. Also, during the next year I started turning my home with acreage into an equestrian center that eventually included a boarding barn, arenas, a veterinarian clinic and a retail store, which carried mainly English riding apparel and equipment, horse health supplies, a trailer dealership, a groomer, and animal feeds, including pet food.

During my eleven years at retail, I developed two different horse feed formulas that sold successfully. Often, I was able to visit different production plants that made predominantly horse feeds and other large animal feeds, but also dog food. At this retail store I was first introduced to an early brand of natural dog food in 1986 that I started selling at the store. A year later, through a number of events, I found myself becoming the wholesale distributor for this brand of food in the State of Texas.

So after buying the young filly in about 1983 and actions and events I was led to have from having this horse, I now had a wife, an equestrian center, and was wholesaling one of the original brands of natural pet foods in 1987.

The Focus on Pet Food

By 1995 we had sold to separate individuals the veterinary clinic, the store and the horse operation and moved to New Mexico where I started a new wholesale pet food distribution company. I sold that business at the end of 1997 and beginning in 1998 I became the national sales manager for one of the products I had distributed. During this time, I became more and more interested in animal nutrition and with my entrepreneurial spirit ended up partnering with another individual and became the main developer of the line of food I name Nature's Variety which launched in 2002. That partnership ended in the summer of 2005 after which I started work on the brand I now am managing partner of, Nature's Logic.

Appreciation

If it wasn't for my hard working wife, Deborah, I can say for certain we would never have been able to do all this. She has always helped financially with the family's needs with her great talent as teacher and instructor. She is currently a Humanities Instructor at a nearby college and also recently directed a most successful musical, The Sound of Music, at the Lincoln Community Theater. So successful it was, they extended it for two extra days because so many more people in the community wanted to see it and had not been able to because of all the sell outs.

Our future plans are to continue to grow Nature's Logic with additional product offerings. We greatly appreciate all of our customers who share our philosophy of nourishing pets with 100% natural whole foods, rather than creating inadequate formulas that must be fortified with synthetic supplements for adequacy. I also appreciate the path my horse, Miss Easter, who led me so well since the early 1980's. I am grateful for life, family and the great opportunities that have come from being a part of the pet food industry.

Scott Freeman

Founder and Managing Partner
Nature’s Logic

What questions do you have for Scott?

Are Potatoes, Chick Peas, and Tapioca Biologically-Appropriate Foods for Pets?

noreply@blogger.com (Nature's Logic) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 23:23:00 +0000

In the wild, dogs and cats are carnivores. They get the majority of their nutrients from meat and poultry, including organ meat, bone, and animal fat. Because of this, some experts argue dogs and cats don’t need grains at all, citing that grains are not “biologically-appropriate” foods for pets. This has helped fuel the current grain-free trend in pet foods.

Dogs and Cats in the Wild are NOT Grain-free

Meat-eating predators in the wild eat nearly their entire prey, including the intestines. This supplies them with additional nutrients from predigested

fruits, vegetables and yes, grains, in the stomach of their prey, and from the little that they will forage in the wild. So actually the most natural diet for dogs and cats is not one that is grain-free, but rather one high in animal protein and low in carbohydrates.

A Starch is Still a Starch

In order to make a dry food hold that is easily fed to pets, manufacturers must use a starch of some kind. A starch is a complex carbohydrate found chiefly in seeds, fruits, tubers, roots and stem pith of plants, notably in corn, potatoes, wheat, and rice¹. Grain-free kibble still contains starch from one or more of these sources, not because of the nutritional value, but because it makes the kibble stick together and hold its shape.

There is a dizzying array of starches in pet foods on the market today. Grain-free manufacturers are migrating from potato, to tapioca, to peas and chick peas. While some in the pet community will advocate grain-free foods as better for pets, are potatoes, chick peas, and tapioca really biologically-appropriate foods for dogs and cats? A starch is still a starch, regardless of the source, and these starches are a major source of carbohydrates in dry kibble pet foods.

Millet in Pet Foods

A high protein - low carbohydrate ratio is the proper criteria for selecting a pet food. Grain-free kibbles meet that criteria but they also contain starches not commonly eaten by carnivores in the wild. Instead, millet is a starch that is more likely to be eaten by predators in the wild, either directly or through their prey. This grass seed is similar to one a carnivore might consume from eating the stomach of a bird or herbivore. It is much more likely to occur naturally in a wild dog or cat’s diet than chick peas or potato, so will be more familiar to their digestive systems.

Further, millet is low in sugar and carbohydrates. The grain contains less natural sugar than other starches frequently used in pet foods. Plus millet contains NO gluten, a relatively common allergen for pets. Millet is the starch in Nature’s Logic dry kibble formulas for dogs and cats. Our diets also have NO corn, wheat, or soy. It is by avoiding these ingredients, not by going grain-free, that pet owners prevent common allergies. For more information about our 100% natural pet foods, visit www.natureslogic.com .

1. http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=starch

How a Diet of Whole Foods Can Benefit Your Pet's Joint Health

noreply@blogger.com (Nature's Logic) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 18:51:00 +0000

With most pet health issues, a good diet can help avoid later problems. This is true for joint health, too. Certain ingredients in high-quality pet foods help support joint health. Some dogs with advanced age or joint health issues may need additional help from supplements or medications, but a good diet can help to maintain your pet’s healthy joints longer.

Why Your Pet May Develop Joint Pain

There are many reasons that pets develop problems with their joints. One of the most common causes of joint pain is obesity, since excess weight puts more stress on a dog or cat's joints. Certain dog breeds, like German Shepherds, may also be more likely to have joint health problems. In addition, there are medical conditions which older pets are more prone to developing, such as arthritis.¹

Your Pet's Diet and Joint Health

Ideally, pets would never have to deal with painful joints. Unfortunately, it is a reality for many pets and their parents. One of the best ways to prevent joint pain and support joint health in dogs and cats is to make sure their diets are rich in whole foods containing ingredients with anti-inflammatory and joint healing properties.

“One of the most common anti-inflammatory ingredients found in pet foods is the omega 3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenioc acid).”² Whole foods that supply natural sources of omega 3 fatty acids include sardines, as well as other fish, and spinach.

Fruits and vegetables containing antioxidants also possess anti-inflammatory properties. Some particularly joint-beneficial fruits and veggies are apples, tomatoes, kelp, and spinach.³

Since dogs and cats are carnivorous by nature, it is important for them to eat diets rich in animal ingredients. It is widely known that glucosamine and chondroitin, very common ingredients in joint supplements, are beneficial to joint health. However, many glucosamine/chondroitin supplements may not be whole-food based and there are, in fact, foods that naturally supply these joint-building substances. They can be found in egg shell, egg shell membrane, and small blood vessels and cartilage of animal ingredients found in high-quality pet foods.

Whole foods provide pets with an abundance of naturally occurring nutrients: Proteins, vitamins, minerals, fiber, probiotics, enzymes, antioxidants, co-factors, phytonutrients, and more. The natural synergies and increased bioavailability of these extra nutrients ensure the best possible nutrition for your pet's joint and over-all health. Nature’s Logic has formulated truly natural pet foods made completely of whole food ingredients substantiated for all the life stages of dogs and cats. For more information, visit www.natureslogic.com .

What natural approaches have you taken to address your pet's joint health?

1 http://www.nativeremedies.com/blog/joint-health-for-our-pets/

2 http://ian-shoust.suite101.com/why-are-there-fruits-and-vegetables-in-pet-foods-a389427

3 http://natureslogic.blogspot.com/2011/08/8-more-whole-food-ingredients-in.html

Three Common Pet Food Ingredients & Large Breed Puppy Growth

noreply@blogger.com (Nature's Logic) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 22:14:00 +0000

Every pet parent wants to feed their puppy a food that will help it grow to be healthy and happy, filling in all that loose skin. For large breeds, veterinarians and breeders often suggest a diet lower in protein, fearing the puppy may grow too quickly and develop skeletal issues. All dogs thrive on a diet rich in animal protein, and the real culprit in such cases may actually be the man-made vitamins and minerals routinely added to pet food.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials, or AAFCO, has established nutritional profiles for pet foods. However pet food manufacturers have the ability to determine what they will put in their formulas to reach those recommended nutrient levels. Because most pet foods are formulated from deficient feed ingredients, chemically-synthesized forms of vitamins and minerals are routinely added. This is cheaper than using high-quality, whole food ingredients to begin with, resulting in more profits for the company.¹

Skeletal Problems in Animals and Synthetic Nutrients

While this may be the least expensive way to make pet food, it is not the safest way. The potential toxicity from these unnatural forms of vitamins and minerals has been known for decades. The National Research Council and its Committee on Animal Nutrition has published two books on this topic: Vitamin Tolerance of Animals and Mineral Tolerance of Domestic Animals. The research identified skeletal and joint issues associated with three synthetic nutrients commonly found in pet foods²:

1. Vitamin A: Continued high doses of synthetic Vitamin A can cause cervical spondylosis, a degenerative joint disease affecting the cervical vertebrae, intervertebral disks and surrounding ligaments and connective tissue. This disease can also put pressure on the nerve root resulting in pain or a prickling sensation radiating down the arms. Synthetic Vitamin A can also cause proliferative gingivitis, incisor exfoliation, thin mandibles, bone changes, and depleted cartilage matrix.

2. Vitamin B6: Excessive amounts have resulted in degeneration of posterior columns of the spine.

3. Phosphorus: Over supplementation of man-made phosphorus have resulted in stiff joints, bone loss, bone porosity, and deposition of calcium in tendons and organs.

It may be tempting to dismiss these risks, since studies used high levels of Vitamin A, B6, and phosphorus, but synthetic nutrients are a common reason for pet food recalls. Blue Buffalo’s October 2010 dog food recall is just one of many in recent years and was due to excessive Vitamin D. In 2006, Royal Canin recalled several of their foods because they also contained too much added Vitamin D. In 2009, Nutro recalled cat foods, citing the formulas contained “excessive levels of zinc.” At about the same time, 21 horses at the U.S. Open Polo Championship in Florida died from a supplement overdose of the mineral selenium. The common factor in all of these events was the use of added man-made vitamins or minerals³

Pet Food Nutrients from Whole Foods Safer

Pet experts may indeed be right that some pet foods are contributing to skeletal growth issues in large breed puppies, but it is likely that the reason is not protein, but the potentially-toxic brew of 20 to 26 chemically-synthesized nutrients. Even those marketed as “Natural” often carry the disclaimer, “with added vitamins and minerals.” This tells pet parents that the food is natural, but it contains unnatural (synthetic) supplements, similar to those tested by The National Research Council.

Nature’s Logic believes that a properly-formulated, whole-food diet rich in animal protein does not lead to skeletal-development issues in large breed puppies. All nutrients in our foods, including the vitamins and minerals, are present naturally from the food ingredients. For more information about our 100% natural foods for dogs and cats, please visit www.natureslogic.com.

Have you ever had a large breed puppy with skeletal growth issues?

1.      http://natureslogic.blogspot.com/2011/05/quality-requires-commitment-to-pets-not.html
2.      http://www.natureslogic.com/pdf/vitaminmineral.pdf
3.      http://natureslogic.blogspot.com/2011/10/concern-over-feeding-people-food-to.html

How Obesity Affects Pet Health & Role of Pet Food Ingredients

noreply@blogger.com (Nature's Logic) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 17:52:00 +0000

Did you know there is a National Pet Obesity Awareness Day? In its 5^th year, it fell on this past October 12, and perhaps it came and went mostly unnoticed by pet parents. Yet pet obesity is a growing problem which poses serious dangers to the health of our pets. Over 50% of pets in the United States are considered overweight or obese, and it seems that this phenomenon is only on the rise.¹

Health Risks to an Overweight Pet

There are considerable health risks to pets who are overweight or obese. Obesity can and does result in several diseases, including diabetes or insulin resistance, joint problems/osteoarthritis, respiratory disorders, high blood pressure and heart disease, kidney and liver problems, and cancer.

While breed, gender and age can put your pet at risk of being susceptible to becoming overweight or obese, there are at least two areas that pet parents can help prevent their dogs and cats from putting on too many pounds. Making sure that your four-legged friend gets enough exercise is one way, and being careful about feeding habits as well as being knowledgeable about what your dog or cat is eating is the other.²

How Your Pet's Diet Can Help Reduce the Health Risks to Your Pet

There are some key factors that pet parents can look for when determining what food to feed their animal companion, whether they are looking to reduce an obese dog or cat's weight or maintain a healthy weight for their pet. The following ingredients contribute to an appropriate diet that can help pets maintain weight as well as optimal overall health:

Low/carnivore appropriate carbohydrate: To ensure that your canine or feline is not ingesting extra sugars from the carbohydrates in their food, select a formula with a species-appropriate starch (if one is even necessary, such as in dry foods). Ingredients like potato, sweet potato and tapioca, while gluten-free, are high in sugar. Alternatively, millet is a gluten-free starch with no detectable sugar.³
High protein from animal ingredients: In nature, dogs and cats are meat-eating predators, or carnivores. Therefore, a diet consisting of high protein from animal ingredients is most appropriate for them.
Nutrients derived from whole foods vs. man made vitamins and minerals: Not only are synthetic vitamins not as beneficial as those derived from whole foods, there may also be considerable risk to pets ingesting them.⁴ Many man-made vitamins routinely added to pet foods, those not coming from the food itself, contain chemical preservatives. Some scientists are also beginning to suspect that chemicals and non-natural food sources are a less obvious but serious cause behind pet obesity.⁵

Nature’s Logic provides your pet with essential and complete nutrition using only 100% natural ingredients. We never add chemically-synthesized vitamins, minerals or other trace nutrients. The only carbohydrate used in our dry formulas is millet, which is gluten-free, hypo-allergenic, and lower in carbohydrates than the starches used in grain-free diets. For your natural carnivore, Nature’s Logic foods are rich in protein, derived from beef, chicken, duck, lamb, fish, venison, and rabbit. Our foods range in dry matter protein content from 31.5% to 51.69%. The care we take to formulate our all natural foods ensures that a diet of Nature's Logic is ideal for maintaining a healthy weight for your pet. For more information, visit www.natureslogic.com.

Have you ever had a pet who struggled with obesity?

1 http://www.petobesityprevention.com/pet-obesity-fact-risks/

2 http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2010/05/05/risk-factors-for-pet-obesity.aspx

3 http://natureslogic.blogspot.com/2011/06/diabetes-in-dog-controlled-by-natures.html

4 http://natureslogic.blogspot.com/2011/10/whole-foods-like-real-fruits-benefit.html

5 http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/11/animals-are-becoming-obese-like-us-says-study.php

Concern Over Feeding People Food to Pets but Not Chemicals?

noreply@blogger.com (Nature's Logic) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:07:00 +0000

Newspapers, television, the internet and other information channels frequently report on the danger of giving human food to your pets. From chocolate to raisins to onions, experts cite the potential health threats various human foods pose to dogs and cats. To be clear, there is sound science behind why some human foods are not a good idea for pets. But why do these food threats warrant all this attention from veterinarians and other pet health experts, while those same experts continue to endorse or sell pet foods containing potentially harmful chemicals? While a few pets every year sadly do become ill from eating grapes, macadamia nuts, or another inappropriate human food, an overwhelming number of dogs and cats routinely eat pet foods with synthetic vitamins, minerals and other man-made ingredients.

Added Vitamins & Minerals Not Natural

The definition of “Natural” for pet foods, according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), includes that a natural food cannot contain any synthetic ingredients. AAFCO makes an exception to the rule when adding synthetic vitamins and minerals, as long as the manufacturer includes a disclaimer that the added synthetic vitamins and minerals are not natural. This statement, commonly found on commercial pet foods, allows pet food manufacturers to call their foods “natural” when they actually include up to 26 chemically-synthesized vitamins and minerals.

All added vitamins, those not coming from the food itself, contain processing aids and carriers, and many also contain chemical preservatives. Corn oil, starch, sucrose, mineral oil, and gelatin are all used in processing synthetic vitamins. Many fat-soluble vitamins, such as A, D, E, and K, often contain the chemical preservative BHT. Similarly, added minerals bring with them heavy metal contaminants such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. These hidden ingredients are allowed in mineral supplements added to animal feed and pet foods. There are hundreds of examples and variations of these man-made mineral supplements, including sodium selenite, ethylenediamine dihydriodide, calcium carbonate, zinc oxide or zinc amino acid complex, copper proteinate, copper sulfate, iron oxide or iron proteinate, magnesium amino acid complex, potassium amino acid complex, and manganese amino acid complex.

Synthetic Nutrients Common Reason for Pet Food Recalls

While reports of dogs eating Halloween candy or other harmful human foods happens and must be taken seriously, why do pet health experts not also warn about the much greater risk of that same dog getting a dangerous level of synthetic vitamins or minerals from his pet food? There are plenty of recent examples of pet deaths and pet food recalls due to these chemicals, yet foods containing them are still widely fed to our animal companions. Blue Buffalo’s October 2010 dog food recall is just one of many in recent years and was due to excessive Vitamin D. In 2006, Royal Canin recalled several of their foods because they also contained too much added Vitamin D. In 2009, Nutro recalled cat foods, citing the formulas contained “excessive levels of zinc.” At about the same time, 21 horses at the U.S. Open Polo Championship in Florida died from a supplement overdose of the mineral selenium. The common factor in all of these events was the use of added man-made vitamins or minerals. The same vets that often warn you not to let your dog have a sip of your alcohol actually recommend and often sell pet foods with chemically-synthesized vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. This seems like a contradiction.

100% Truly Natural Pet Food Has No Man-made Nutrients

If pet health experts are truly concerned about a dog or cat’s health and longevity, they might consider recommending pet diets that are 100% natural. The safest and most natural source of all nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, is food. If a pet food is marketed as “natural,” yet states it contains “added vitamins and minerals,” this tells pet parents that the food contains synthetic nutrients and ingredients that may contain these potentially harmful chemicals. Nature’s Logic is the only full-line, commercial pet food with no chemically-synthesized nutrients. More information about pet food ingredients may be found at www.natureslogic.com.

Have you read the ingredient label on your pet’s food?

Whole Foods Like Real Fruits Benefit Dogs' Urinary and Overall Health

noreply@blogger.com (Nature's Logic) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 18:07:00 +0000

The often overlooked, but mighty, cranberry has long been known to be beneficial for urinary tract health and maintenance not only in humans, but in pets as well. A recent study showed that a supplement containing proanthocyanidins, or PACs, was indeed helpful in maintaining dogs' urinary tract health. PACs are the bioactive component in cranberries, the part of cranberries that have an effect on living tissue.¹Incorporating whole foods, such as cranberries, in your pets' diet can not only help prevent urinary tract infection, but also provides a safe and natural source of all the nutrients your pet needs to stay healthy.

Cranberries, Blueberries & Urinary Health in Pets

Cranberries are an excellent whole food that aids in the prevention of urinary tract infections. The PACs they contain do not allow infection-causing bacteria to adhere to the wall of the urinary tract. Cranberries are also a good source of Vitamin C, dietary fiber, manganese, Vitamin K, and they contain a wide array of phytonutrients.

Another whole food that benefits urinary tract health is the blueberry. Blueberries contain a compound called epicatechin, which acts similarly to the PACs found in cranberries.² Blueberries also have the highest antioxidant content of all fresh fruits and are rich in Vitamin C, manganese, and dietary fiber. Incorporating whole foods that are good sources of Vitamin C in your dog or cat’s diet, like cranberries and blueberries, is yet another way to maintain the health of your pet’s urinary tract, as well as other important systems in his body.³

Whole Foods are the Best Source of Nutrients for Pets

While concentrated, synthetic supplements were used in the study, there are safer, more natural ways for pets to receive these important nutrients. The best sources of these vitamins, minerals and amino acids are whole foods. When vitamins and minerals are consumed from whole foods, they are delivered to the body along with many co-factors that help your pet utilize them to their fullest extent.^3,4The National Research Council has found that the bioavailability of some synthetic vitamins is only 15%. All of the nutrients essential to your pet's health can be found in their safest, most bioavailable form in real food.

Not only are synthetic vitamins not as beneficial as those derived from whole foods, there may also be considerable risk to pets ingesting them. Many man-made vitamins added to most pet foods, those not coming from the food itself, contain chemical preservatives. For example, fat-soluble vitamins, such as A, D, E, and K, often contain the chemical preservative BHT. The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Vitamin D3, published by BASF which manufactures it, shows that the synthetic vitamin also contains sucrose, gelatin, starch, sodium aluminocilicate, and BHT.⁵ Excessive levels of added synthetic Vitamin D3 was also the reason for the October 2010 Blue Buffalo pet food recall.⁶

It is a good idea to feed your four-legged companion a diet that includes the whole foods which aid in urinary tract maintenance. If pet parents want to avoid the potential health risks of concentrated synthetic supplements, they should select a pet food that gets nutrients from food, not chemicals. Nature’s Logic contains only whole food ingredients, including dried cranberries and blueberries, to provide the safest nutrition and overall health support using only 100% natural ingredients. High-quality animal proteins, fruits, vegetables, and other biologically-appropriate ingredients help dogs and cats thrive. For more information, visit www.natureslogic.com.

What do you do to make sure your pet stays as healthy as possible?

1 http://www.petfoodindustry.com/8050.html

2 http://www.foods-that-heal.com/blueberries-health-benefits.html

3 http://natureslogic.blogspot.com/2011/08/10-whole-food-ingredients-in-natures.html#more

4 http://www.wellness-decisions.com/vitamin-evaluation.html

5 http://www.natureslogic.com/pdf/MSDS/D3.pdf

6 http://natureslogic.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-study-finds-heavy-metals-in-many.html#more

Vitamin Tolerance of Animals, National Research Council

Mineral Tolerance of Domestic Animals, National Research Council

Tips to Ensure Your Cat’s Raw Food Diet Has Enough Taurine

noreply@blogger.com (Nature's Logic) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:44:00 +0000

With increased awareness of the importance of feeding cats a healthy, biologically-appropriate diet, many are choosing raw food for their feline friends. As natural carnivores, a raw food diet of meat is very healthy for cats, as long as it is nutritionally complete. One essential nutrient to be aware of in your cat’s diet is taurine. Selecting raw foods carefully will ensure your cat gets enough taurine for optimal health.

Cats Cannot Make the Taurine They Need

Taurine is an amino acid, one of many that the body uses to build protein. Taurine contributes to a cat’s health in a number of ways, including supporting vision, digestion, and heart function.

This essential amino acid gets particular attention in discussions about cat health because cats’ bodies are unable to make taurine, so they must get this important nutrient from their diet.

Pet food manufacturers are required to ensure that their cat foods contain at least a minimum amount of taurine. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has established a minimum level of 0.10% taurine in dry cat food, and a minimum level of 0.20% taurine in wet cat food. If the food ingredients a company uses to make cat food do not contain enough taurine, they will add some.

But added taurine is not natural. Pet food and supplement manufacturers that add taurine to supplement a cat’s nutrition use a man-made, synthetic form, most often from China. But the best source for all your cat’s nutrients, including taurine, is natural food, not a chemistry lab.

Taurine from Organ Meat

Cats in the wild obtained the taurine they needed from the prey they hunted and consumed. They ate all of the prey, including the organs. A raw food with high levels of meat, poultry and heart and liver tissue doesn’t need added taurine. If you are using at least 10% organ meat when making your raw food, there will be plenty of natural taurine in your cat’s diet. If you are purchasing a commercial raw frozen food, make sure organ meat is one of the first few ingredients on the label.

Nature’s Logic diets contain more than enough taurine from whole food ingredients. NL raw frozen diets contain both liver and heart tissue. For cat parents supplementing a homemade raw diet with kibble, to provide vitamins, minerals and other trace nutrients, an independent analysis of our dry food revealed that it contained 60% more taurine than the AAFCO required minimum. Nature’s Logic makes the only full-line of raw, canned and dry commercial pet food with no chemically-synthesized vitamins, minerals or other nutrients. Our high-protein, low carbohydrate diets are made from whole food and 100% natural ingredients. For more information please visit www.natureslogic.com.

Do you feed your cat a raw diet?

How to Read Pet Food Ingredient Labels & Choosing the Right Food for Your Pet

noreply@blogger.com (Nature's Logic) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 01:35:00 +0000

More and more pet parents are becoming aware of just how important their four-legged companion's diet and nutrition is to maintaining their health and happiness. But with so many different choices for pet food that exist today, how are you to pick? What are the key ingredients to look for? It is important to know what to look for on an ingredient label. Just as crucial is what you do not want to be present in your pet's food.

Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO)

You'll often see references to AAFCO when reviewing pet food labels. AAFCO is a voluntary membership association of local, state and federal agencies charged by law to regulate the sale and distribution of animal feeds and animal drug remedies.While AAFCO has no regulatory authority, it does provide uniform and equitable laws, regulations, standards, definitions and enforcement policies for regulating the manufacture, distribution and sale of animal feeds.¹

3 Things to Look For On the Ingredient Label of Your Pet's Food

1. Ingredient order. According to the AAFCO, pet food ingredients are listed in descending order by the weight of the initial components used.² Dogs and cats are carnivores, therefore the first ingredient(s) should be a source of animal protein. Next, in the case of dry foods, you should see a carnivore-appropriate starch, followed by a variety of fruits and vegetables to provide essential vitamins and other nutrients.

2. How the protein is listed: meat meal vs. fresh meat. It is easy to reason that one would want to turn over their bag of pet food and see a fresh meat source listed as the first ingredient...that's what we would want to eat. However, there is a drastic difference between using protein meal vs. fresh meat in pet food. Fresh meat or poultry containing 50% to 60% water, loses 90% of that water weight in the dryer during production, significantly altering the final amount of the fresh protein actually present. While it appears first in the list of ingredients, that is only because AAFCO allows listing of ingredients by weight of the product going in, not the final analysis after production. Using dried meal, instead of fresh or frozen protein sources, results in a higher final protein content in dry foods. In addition, the terms “meal” and “fresh meat” does not indicate anything about the actual quality of the product or from where it is sourced, so it is a good idea to ask manufacturers where they get their protein.

3. Hidden ingredients. If an ingredient I don't want in my pet food is hidden, how can I tell if it is there? There are a few common things to look for in pet food. First is the term “natural flavoring.” Most often, when a label lists the term natural flavoring, it is a hydrolyzed form of dried or liquid chicken liver. Hydrolyzed protein is one that's been broken down into its component amino acids, either by boiling in a strong acid, or by using an enzyme.This chemical breakdown of the protein results in the formation of monosodium glutamate (MSG).²Another thing to look for is the presence of man-made minerals, proteinates, or amino acid complex minerals routinely added to most pet foods. The word proteinate or amino acid complex refers to a synthetically made mineral bound to a protein carrier. The protein carriers attached to these synthetic forms of minerals consist of hydrolyzed soy.³

Watch for Misleading Terms on Pet Food Labels

There are some key terms you will find on pet food bags that don't necessarily mean what you think. First and foremost is the term “All natural with added vitamins and minerals.” This statement and its many variations would lead you to believe that the food you are holding is a natural and healthy choice for your pet. However, in the definition of the word “natural,” AAFCO says it would be false and misleading to have anything synthetic in a product named or marketed as “natural.” An exception is made for diets that incorporate synthetic vitamins and minerals if the remaining ingredients meet the definition of natural, and as long as a disclaimer is used to inform the consumer that the added vitamins and minerals are not natural, such as the statement above.

As loving pet-parents ourselves, we understand that you want to feed your pets only the very best. Nature’s Logic is committed to providing the highest quality and safest nutrition for the furry members of your family. We have created the first full-line kibble, canned, and raw frozen pet food in the world with no chemically-synthesized ingredients. Our pet foods are formulated the way a truly natural diet should be. We never use man-made vitamins, minerals, or amino acids. Nature’s Logic 100% natural pet foods are made primarily of meats and other high-quality protein sources, combined with carefully selected plant products to naturally provide the essential nutrition your pet needs to thrive. For more information on all our products – and to check out all all our ingredients – visit www.natureslogic.com.

What is most important to you when choosing your pet's food?

1 http://www.aafco.org/

2 http://www.petfood.aafco.org/IngredientsMakingPetFood.aspx

3 http://natureslogic.blogspot.com/2011/07/are-there-hidden-proteins-in-your-pets.html#more

Tips for Recognizing and Avoiding Food Allergies in Pets

noreply@blogger.com (Nature's Logic) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 20:49:00 +0000

More and more pet parents are dealing with food allergies in their four-legged companions, many without even knowing it. The signs of food allergies in dogs and cats are not always easily recognized. Once the signs are identified, there are basic steps pet parents can take to avoid common allergens, relieve their pet’s discomfort, and still provide all the nutrients he needs to live a healthy, happy life.

Signs of Food Allergies in Pets

One might expect food allergies to affect the gastrointestinal system, but GI problems are more about effective digestion of the food than an allergy to it. Instead, food allergies in dogs can present themselves as itchy or oozing skin, red irritated eyes, nasal discharge, coughing or sneezing, asthma, inflamed ears, or swollen paws.¹ Cats with food allergies show slightly different signs, with the main indication being itchy skin that leads to excessive scratching and hair loss.² What often looks like skin problems or environmental allergies may really be signs your pet is not tolerating a particular ingredient in his food.

Most Common Food Allergens in Pets

Many likely food allergy suspects have been identified over time. If you suspect your pet is allergic to something in his diet, check to see if one of the most common food allergens is present. For dogs, the culprit is likely to be beef, corn, wheat, soy, eggs, and milk.3 Cats with food allergies tend to have reactions to wheat, corn, dairy, beef, pork and fish.4 Pets, like many people, can be allergic to gluten, so gluten-free pet foods are becoming more common.5

Often pet parents can successfully identify the culprit causing the allergic reaction by making a series of changes to their pet’s diet. By monitoring the reaction of pets to various pet food ingredients, it is possible to eventually eliminate the one creating problems. Alternatively, veterinarians can help by testing your pet against potential allergens, to reduce the trial and error and more quickly determine the cause.

Three Tips for Avoiding Food Allergies in Pets

#1 - Rotate your pet's protein source. Often pets eat the same food, week after week, year after year. “Food allergies have been shown to occur more in pets that are fed only one food source for a prolonged period of time. Your pet’s immune system can become bombarded with the same allergens for so long that it begins to react negatively to the food source.”6 Rotating your pet’s primary protein source, a major ingredient in healthy pet foods, can help reduce developing an allergy over time, as well as provide a variety of different amino acids for optimal nutrition.7

#2 - Be aware of hidden ingredients. Due to pet food labeling regulations and inaccuracies by some companies, pet foods may contain ingredients not on the label. This means that pet parents must learn the common sources of hidden ingredients and ask pet food companies about them. One hidden source of protein comes with the man-made minerals, proteinates, or amino acid complex minerals routinely added to most pet foods. The protein carriers attached to these synthetic forms of minerals consist of hydrolyzed soy. In addition, “natural flavoring” is a very common ingredient found on most bags of dry pet food. Most often it is a hydrolyzed form of dried or liquid chicken liver. But you won’t see this chicken protein listed on the ingredient panel of the pet food because it falls under “natural flavoring.”8

#3 - Choose a food free of common allergens. One of the simplest things you can do to avoid food allergies in pets is to select a pet food free of the ingredients most often creating allergies for pets. Ignore the television commercials and magazine ads. Forget about how pretty the package is. Flip it over and read the ingredients.

Nature's Logic is ideal for sensitive pets. For easy protein rotation, the company has created seven different protein formulas: Chicken, Beef, Lamb, Venison, Duck & Salmon, Sardine, and Rabbit. Our foods contain none of the common allergens like corn, wheat, soy, or gluten. Pet parents need not fear hidden ingredients when feeding our formulas. The food’s flavor comes from naturally-dried meats, so there is no hidden soy. Further, Nature’s Logic has created the first and only, full-line of commercial pet food in the world with no chemically-synthesized vitamins, minerals, or other ingredients. For more information, please visit www.natureslogic.com.

Have you ever had a pet with food allergies?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Pets

noreply@blogger.com (Nature's Logic) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 01:07:00 +0000

Many pet parents have experience with a pet who has issues with a “sensitive stomach”, but could there be more to your pet's digestive upset than just sensitivity? We were recently asked if a diet of Nature's Logic could help a dog with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). This presented a good opportunity to research this all too common disease in pets – it's symptoms, causes, and what can help treat it. If you currently have or have ever had a pet who seemed to have digestive upset more often than not, there might be something more than a sensitive stomach at play.

IBD: Its Symptoms and Causes

Symptoms of IBD can range in severity from chronic intermittent vomiting and/or diarrhea and flatulence, to loss of appetite, severe weight loss, blood and/or mucus in the stool, fever and abdominal pain. IBD occurs when white blood cells enter the lining of the intestines of a dog or cat. “There are four common types of IBD, classified by what kind of white blood cells infiltrate the intestine: lymphocytes, plasmacytes, eosinophils and neutrophils. Without a doubt, the most common cause of IBD in pets is lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis, gastritis and colitis.”¹ In short, IBD occurs when the immune system attacks the pet's own body because it recognizes these white blood cells as foreign objects.
There are three common triggers that can lead to IBD in pets. The first is parasites. These can be present from birth if the mother is not tested and treated for parasites before breeding, or are very commonly picked up in puppy mills or by abandoned pets. A typical dewormer may not address the problem, so if parasites are suspected, it is a good idea to have your pet's feces tested for specific parasites so that they can be targeted and the issue resolved.
Another factor that can lead to IBD is overuse of antibiotics. Not only do antibiotics kill bad bacteria in the body, but they do not discriminate between the good and bad bacteria. So the good bacteria that creates a balanced, healthy gut flora in a pet is also wiped out. If a healthy balance is not restored, the pet is left very susceptible to GI inflammation leading to full blown IBD. Pets are also often treated with immunosuppressive steroids that merely serve to cover up symptoms rather than treat the cause so that the pet can truly heal. And thirdly, diet is a factor in leading to IBD. A diet that is not species – appropriate for a carnivore and is high in carbohydrates will most likely cause inflammation leading to IBD. If fed the same protein for years or even months on end, a pet can also develop sensitivities or allergies to that protein which can lead to inflammation.

Dietary Factors That Contribute to a Pet's Healthy Digestive System

Probably the biggest factor a pet parent can control is their pet's diet. Choosing a carnivore – appropriate diet that is low in carbohydrates is the basis for an ideal start, but also very important is including gut flora balancing probiotics and digestive enzymes. Nature's Logic may aid in helping a pet with IBD to recover and remain healthy with formulas that embody all of these qualities. Nature's Logic is 100% natural – all nutrition is derived only from whole foods and all natural ingredients. All our formulas are rich in protein derived from chicken, beef, duck, lamb, fish, and venison; and our variations provide an easy way to rotate your pet's diet so that they do not develop allergies to any specific protein. Nature's Logic is free of common allergens such as corn, wheat, rice, soy, tapioca, or potato; and is low in carbohydrates – ideal for natural carnivores like dogs and cats. Probiotics and enzymes increase bio-availability and aid in digestion. They are found naturally in whole food, but they are also added to Nature's Logic dry kibble after cooking. Nature's Logic never adds chemically-synthesized vitamins, minerals or other trace nutrients, to ensure that your pet is not exposed to the potential toxicities associated with these man-made substances. You can feel confident and have peace of mind when feeding Nature’s Logic. For more information about Nature's Logic, visit www.natureslogic.com.

Have you ever had a pet with digestive problems?

1.http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2010/11/02/inflammatory-bowel-disease-in-pets.aspx
2. http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2090&aid=305
3. http://www.thewholedog.org/artIBS.html

Diet Tips for Cats Predisposed to Urethral Blockage

noreply@blogger.com (Nature's Logic) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 20:38:00 +0000

Pet parents with male cats, in particular neutered male cats, may have to deal with an episode of urethral obstruction at some point in the life of their feline friend. This condition blocks the passage of urine and can be life-threatening if not treated.¹ If your male cat has not yet been neutered, waiting until he is around a year old, so the urethra is fully developed, may reduce the chance of urinary obstruction later. If your boys are already neutered, there are some food considerations that can help prevent future urinary tract issues.

Feed Moist Cat Food

The mineral deposits commonly associated with urethral obstructions in cats tend to form in urine that is concentrated.² The more water your cat consumes the

more dilute his urine will be, making it less likely to contain deposits. So, in addition to making sure your cat has a constant source of clean, fresh water (perhaps a pet fountain), the best way cat parents can prevent urinary problems is to always feed moist food, high in meat content. Nature’s Logic formulas are rich in protein derived from beef, chicken, duck, lamb, rabbit, venison, and sardine.

Canned pet foods have much higher moisture content, usually 75%-78%, than dry foods which contain only around 10-12% moisture.³ This is why canned-food diets are often supplemented with the more nutrient-dense, dry pet foods. For cats predisposed to urethral blockage, a diet consisting exclusively of dry food may not be the best choice. Feeding canned food will increase the water your cat consumes, helping to prevent future urinary problems.

pH of Cat Food & Urine

Researchers have found that a cat’s urine pH is an important contributing factor to the occurrence of urinary obstruction in cats. Mineral deposits and crystals are less likely to be formed in a more acidic urine.⁴ A diet high in animal protein naturally acidifies urine. Nature’s Logic feline canned foods range in dry-matter protein content from 40 to 50%.

Some pet food companies add synthetic dl-methionine to increase the acidity of their food, especially those that do not have high animal-protein content. Nature’s Logic foods contain sufficient levels of natural methionine and other amino acids because of the high meat or poultry content of our diets. We have no need to spike them with synthetically made Methionine, Taurine, or other man-made ingredients. For more information about our 100% natural pet foods, please visit www.natureslogic.com.

Have you ever had a cat with urethral blockage?

1.      http://www.catconnection.net/care/urinary.php
2.      http://www.catconnection.net/care/urinary.php
3.      http://natureslogic.blogspot.com/2010/12/two-reasons-to-check-moisture-content.html
4.      http://www.catconnection.net/care/urinary.php

How Your Pet Can Benefit from Sardine

noreply@blogger.com (Nature's Logic) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 17:57:00 +0000

When it comes to supporting a pet’s skin and coat, many pet parents are most familiar with salmon as a source of Omega-3 fatty acids. They may feed a diet that includes salmon or add a salmon oil supplement to their dog or cat’s food. But did you know sardine is a better, more cost-effective source of Omega-3 than salmon? Yes, this little fish, so often met with a crinkled nose when used as a pizza topping, is a nutrient-packed “Super-hero” that can benefit your dog or cat in a multitude of ways you may not know about!

Benefits of Omega-3 and Other Essential Fatty Acids Found in Sardine

Omega 3 fatty acids are considered “essential fatty acids”. Mammals need these fatty acids, but their bodies cannot synthesize them, so these nutrients need to be obtained through food. Sardines are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, well-known for their ability to help pets with dry, itchy skin and promote a healthy coat. But there are many other, lesser-known benefits of this essential fatty acid. Omega-3 fatty acids also help protect against heart disease and progressive retinal atrophy, an inherited disease of the eye that causes a dog to eventually become blind.

The Omega-3 fatty acid, DHA (Doco-sahexaenoic acid), is plentiful in sardines. DHA is crucial to unborn puppies when it comes to proper development of their immune, nervous and endocrine systems in addition to brain development.

Also present in sardine is Lysine. Lysine is an essential fatty acid that aids in repairing soft tissue damage caused by infection or disease. It also supports the healthy functioning of most other organs and systems in the body.

More Nutritional Benefits of Sardine

Sardine also contains CoenzymeQ10, an antioxidant, which promotes a strong immune system and healthy circulation. This healthy fish is also a wonderful source of naturally-occurring calcium and Vitamin D, making these important nutrients more easily absorbed and utilized by your pet’s body. Also found in the sardine are nutrients such as Vitamins A, B, and K, and the minerals iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. These great nutrients support energy levels, reproductive health support and joint building.

Finally, sardines do not have the heavy metal build-up often found in other fish eaten as food. This is due to the natural habitat of sardines, which is in colder waters found deeper below the surface. Also, they are a small, immature species with a short lifespan, so they have less time to accumulate toxins in their bodies.

New Nature's Logic Sardine Formula

Recently, Nature's Logic introduced a new Sardine flavor to its line of Canine Dinner Fare canned foods. Sardine is an excellent source of protein that is high in healthy Omega-3 fatty acids. Our Sardine formula contains no chicken ingredients (for those looking for new proteins for their rotation), and is a very palatable flavor for dogs.

Nature's Logic also offers an all natural supplement, North Atlantic Sardine Oil, which contains more EPA and DHA than Salmon Oil and has naturally lower levels of environmental contaminants. By Supplementing Nature’s Logic North Atlantic Sardine Oil’s natural rich source of long chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids, you are adding one of nature’s most bio-available sources of these nutrients to your pet’s diet.

Like all Nature's Logic foods, the new Sardine formula is nutrient dense, high in animal protein, and free of gluten and other common allergens including corn, wheat, rice, soy, tapioca and potato. It is made with 100% natural ingredients, and contains no chemically synthesized vitamins, minerals, or amino acids. All nutrients in Nature's Logic come from whole foods and natural ingredients, and nothing is ever man-made. For more information about Nature's Logic, visit www.natureslogic.com.

Have you tried sardine in your pet’s diet?

1 http://www.caninechronicle.com/Features/Jansey_09/jansey_509.html

2 http://animaleyecare.net/diseases/pra.htm

3 http://www.natural-dog-health-remedies.com/fatty-acids-for-dogs.html

4 http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=147

5 http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/omega-3-000316.htm

National Holistic Pet Day Raises Awareness of Pet’s Diet, Lifestyle, & Environment

noreply@blogger.com (Nature's Logic) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 18:00:00 +0000

This year, National Holistic Pet Day falls on August 30^thand the holiday provides a good opportunity to think about your pet’s daily lifestyle. The definition of holistic reads, “Relating to or concerned with wholes or with complete systems rather than with the analysis of, treatment of, or dissection into parts.”¹ This special day has an interesting background and helps pet parents understand what holistic truly means and how whole food nutrition is key to your Holistic Pet.

History of National Holistic Pet Day

National Holistic Pet Day was founded by Colleen Paige of Animal Miracle Network. She is considered to be one of America's premier family and pet lifestyle experts. She has also founded such holidays as National Dog Day, National Cat Day, National Kids & Pets Day, and several others. Ms. Paige has said of National Holistic Pet Day, “I want people to understand that with the already short life spans our pets have, they need a fighting chance these days to live as long as they were meant to. Pet owners really need to start looking at their pet’s diet, lifestyle and environment. I want to ensure that I have done my best to bring about public awareness of the need for a healthy lifestyle with our pets. I don’t blame myself for Tinkerbelle’s death, but now that she has died from cancer – I know I could have done better. I don’t want anyone else to have to feel how I feel…wondering if I could have prevented it.”²

Whole Body, Whole Food, Whole-istic Pet

A holistic lifestyle is one that takes into account your pet as a whole – mental, emotional, and physical. A holistic diet addresses the whole pet by optimizing their body's ability to utilize the nutrients in their food and increasing their potential for health and well-being. What better diet to fit the holistic description would there be than one made completely from whole food ingredients? Nature's Logic strives to provide complete, high-quality, species appropriate nutrition for your pet by using only 100% natural ingredients. We never add chemically-synthesized vitamins, minerals or other trace nutrients, to ensure that your pet is not exposed to the potential toxicities associated with these man-made substances. You can feel confident and have peace of mind when feeding Nature’s Logic. For more information on our foods, visit www.natureslogic.com.

How do you plan on celebrating National Holistic Pet day this year?

1 http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holistic

2 http://thewholedog.org/wholedognews/?p=558

Is Your Dog or Cat’s Raw Pet Food Really Raw?

noreply@blogger.com (Nature's Logic) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 23:03:00 +0000

With increased desired to feed the most biologically-appropriate diet, many pet parents are selecting raw foods. Feeding a properly-formulated raw diet to a carnivore is giving your pet what is most appropriately for him. Raw meat and poultry, along with proper percentages of bone and organ meat, supply a naturally correct profile of amino acids and most vitamins and minerals. Also, inherent in the raw food are enzymes and bacteria that aid in digestion and play a key role in a healthy immune system.

But a number of raw food companies have begun pasteurizing their raw pet foods. This came in response to recalls after their foods tested positive for salmonella, a bacterium

that can cause disease. However, in the process of killing potential pathogens (disease-causing bacteria), pasteurization can reduce the nutritional value of a raw diet. So is it really raw?

High Pressure Pasteurization of Raw Pet Food

Most “raw” pet food manufacturers use High Pressure Pasteurization (HPP) to prevent pathogens that can make your pets sick. This method incorporates water pressure to sterilize the food. Tests have shown that HPP denatures, or structurally changes, proteins in the raw meat, lowering the nutrients in the food. Raw diets that have been pasteurized with high pressure have lost some of their raw food benefits. One could argue that this pasteurized form of raw food is really no better than sterilized canned food.

Raw Pet Food Safety without Pasteurization

There are other methods of guarding the safety of dogs and cats that eat raw pet food, without using HPP. Nature's Logic's raw frozen diets are still 100% raw, with all the nutrients naturally obtained from raw meat, poultry and produce. We take a number of steps to ensure that is the case, without pasteurizing the food.

First, Nature’s Logic uses meats, poultry, fish, fruits, and vegetables that come from human-edible processing facilities. All our manufacturing plants are registered with the US Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration. They are all AIB Certified and several are EU (European Union) Certified.

In addition, Nature’s Logic tests all of our ingredients and finished foods to ensure there are no harmful bacteria, like salmonella or e. coli. These pathogens have been the cause of most of the pet food recalls that have occurred over the past ten years. We test for potential rancidity, aflatoxins, and vomitoxins, plus Nature’s Logic has also done random testing for fluoride.

Nature’s Logic’s position is that raw food needs to be raw, or what is the point? Our company has NEVER had a recall on any product, including our raw diets. If regulatory requirements are ever created to require pasteurization of raw products, then Nature's Logic would choose not be in that segment of the pet food market. A proper raw food, based on high percentages of animal protein and little or no grain, can greatly reduce a number of diseases or the severity of them in our pets. A good raw diet is an excellent choice for any dog or cat. For more information about Nature's Logic raw foods for dogs and cats, please visit http://www.natureslogic.com/.

Do you feed your pet raw food?

8 MORE Whole Food Ingredients in Nature's Logic Pet Food Explained

noreply@blogger.com (Nature's Logic) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 22:28:00 +0000

Recently on our blog, we highlighted ten of the whole food ingredients in our 100% natural pet food. The article revealed the nutritional contributions of pumpkin, kelp, alfalfa, chicory, almonds, apricots, blueberries, cranberries, parsley, and rosemary.¹ In this second installment, we'll be revealing the benefits of eight of the lesser known whole food ingredients in Nature's Logic's pet food. Whole food ingredients provide quality nutrition that a pet’s body can utilize for optimal health and strength.

Nutrient Definitions in Review

Antioxidants are substances that inhibit oxidation or reactions promoted by oxygen, peroxides, or free radicals (free radicals can damage cells and may play a part in several diseases such as cancer). A short list of antioxidants includes: beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, selenium, and Vitamins A, C and E. Antioxidants are naturally found in foods!²

Phytonutrients are certain plant components that promote health. Fruits, veggies & nuts are some of the phytonutrient-rich ingredients found in Nature’s Logic pet foods.

8 Beneficial Whole Food Ingredients

Egg Shell Meal – Provides food source of calcium. The natural eggshell also contains 2 to 3 percent egg membrane, which supplies a unique natural source of hyaluronic acid, glucosamine chondroitin, and collagen, natural joint building blocks.

Dried Tomato – Excellent source of Vitamins A, C and K; good source of potassium, manganese, dietary fiber, B vitamins, Vitamin E, folate, copper, niacin, magnesium, iron, pantothetic acid, and phosphorous; phytonutrient rich – specifically in lycopene, which has been studied for its cancer-preventing properties.

Dried Apple – Provide quite an array of phytonutrients and polyphenols (naturally occurring organic compounds in fruit and vegetables) which act as antioxidants in apples; source of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, folate, Vitamin C, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorous, as well as dietary fiber.

Dried Carrot – Excellent source of an array of phytonutrients (especially beta-carotene), as well as Vitamin A; a very good source of Vitamins C and K, dietary fiber and potassium.

Dried Pumpkin – Excellent source of the antioxidant beta-carotene and potassium.

Dried Broccoli – Excellent source of Vitamins A (antioxidant), C (immune support), and K (anti-inflammatory), folate, as well as fiber; good source of manganese, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, B vitamins, iron, calcium, zinc, and Vitamin E. Also rich in phytonutrients.

Dried Spinach – Excellent source of Vitamins A, C, and K, folate, riboflavin, pyridoxine, magnesium, manganese, potassium, calcium, and iron. Very good source of dietary fiber, phosphorous, copper, zinc, and Vitamin E. Also a good source of omega 3 fatty acids, niacin and selenium. Spinach is thought to have a unique combination of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components.

Dried Artichoke – Very good source of Vitamin C, folate, and manganese; good source of niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, vitamin A, and potassium.

Nature’s Logic has formulated truly natural pet foods substantiated for all the life stages of dogs and cats. Whole foods provide pets with an abundance of naturally occurring nutrients: Proteins, vitamins, minerals, fiber, probiotics, enzymes, antioxidants, co-factors, phytonutrients, and more. The natural synergies and increased bioavailability of these extra nutrients ensure the best possible nutrition for your pet.

Our formulas provide all the amino acids, vitamins, and minerals listed in the Association of American Feed Control Officials Nutrient Profile for Dogs and Cats, and do so without the addition of man-made synthetic nutrients. Pets of all ages will benefit from the superior nutrition and safety of Nature’s Logic foods. For more information, visit www.natureslogic.com.

http://natureslogic.blogspot.com/2011/08/10-whole-food-ingredients-in-natures.html.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/antioxidants.html

10 Whole Food Ingredients in Nature's Logic Pet Food Explained

noreply@blogger.com (Nature's Logic) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 16:56:00 +0000

In this part one of two post, we thought we would take a look at some of the lesser discussed yet amazing ingredients in our food. Nature’s Logic is the pioneer in developing truly 100% natural pet foods derived from nature…not chemistry. We have formulated truly natural pet foods substantiated for all the life stages of dogs and cats. Whole foods provide pets with an abundance of naturally occurring nutrients: Proteins, vitamins, minerals, fiber, probiotics, enzymes, antioxidants, co-factors, phytonutrients, and more. The natural synergies and increased bioavailability of these extra nutrients ensure the best possible nutrition for your pet.

What are Antioxidants, Co-factors, and Phytonutrients?

First, some elaboration on “beneficial terms”:

Antioxidants are substances that inhibit oxidation or reactions promoted by oxygen, peroxides, or free radicals (free radicals can damage cells and may play a part in several diseases such as cancer). Here is a short list of some antioxidants: beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, selenium, and Vitamins A, C and E. Antioxidants are naturally found in foods!

“Co-factors are non-protein chemical compounds that are bound to a protein and are required for the protein's biological activity. These proteins are commonly enzymes, and cofactors can be considered 'helper molecules' that assist in biochemical transformations.” ¹

And finally, phytonutrients are certain components of plants thought to promote health. Fruits, vegetables and nuts are among the phytonutrient rich foods found in Nature's Logic formulas.

10 Nature's Logic Ingredients, and How They Benefit Your Pet

Pumpkin Seed - provides minerals such as magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, iron, copper, and zinc; Vitamin K; several sources cite that pumpkin seeds have anti-inflammatory properties and contain phytosterols that may lower cholesterol and protect against many cancers.
Dried Kelp - great source of iodine (supports thyroid health) and iron, contains unique antioxidants, contains fucoidan which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and to induce cell death in cancer cells.
Alfalfa Meal - good source of calcium, contains Vitamins B, C, and K, as well as nutrients such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and folate.
Dried Chicory - high in dietary fiber, Vitamins A, B6, C, E, K, riboflavin, folate, pantothenic acid, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, manganese, thiamin, niacin and zinc
Almonds – a rich source of Vitamin E and B Vitamins, as well as dietary fiber, minerals and monounsaturated fat.
Dried Blueberry – highest antioxidant content of all fresh fruits, may aid in urinary tract health, high in Vitamin C, manganese, and dietary fiber.
Dried Apricot – high in beta-carotene, lycopene, Vitamin A, fiber; they also contain potassium, iron, calcium, silicon, phosphorus, and Vitamin C.
Dried Cranberry – source of Vitamin C, dietary fiber, manganese, and Vitamin K; wide array of phytonutrients.
Dried Parsley – rich in antioxidants; excellent source of Vitamins A, C and K; good source of B Vitamins, folate and iron.
Rosemary – provides immune and curculatory system benefits; provides several minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium; good source of Vitamins A and C

By using whole food ingredients such as those listed above, Nature's Logic is able to provide complete nutrition without the use of synthetic, manmade supplements. “Whole vegetables, like pumpkin, broccoli, spinach and carrots are going to provide quality nutrition that the dog’s body can actually utilize for optimal health and strength,” says Tracie Hotchner, author of The Dog Bible.² Fruits and vegetables are protective to health as they are thought to help in reducing the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and some cancers. They are also low in calories, which helps prevent obesity.³ Nature’s Logic provides complete and balanced nutrition for your pet by using whole foods and 100% natural ingredients. For more information visit www.natureslogic.com.

1. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/antioxidants.html

2. http://www.dogtipper.com/tip/2011/02/looking-for-vegetables-in-your-dogs-food.html/comment-page-1#comment-11645

3. http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/?page_id=164

Minor Changes Make Nature’s Logic Even Better

noreply@blogger.com (Nature's Logic) — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 15:25:00 +0000

As our new packaging continues to roll out, we are receiving a few questions from customers about some changes they have noticed. We’d like to answer those questions here, so everyone can benefit from the information. The changes may be grouped into three categories:
·        New Packaging
·        Manufacturing Improvements
·        Minor Ingredient Adjustments

New Packaging

In early 2011, Nature’s Logic began introducing our new packaging. The first product sporting the updated look was the new Sardine Canine Canned formula. We followed that new product introduction with new labels on the other canned flavors.

Currently we are implementing the new packaging on our dry kibble formulas. The Canine Chicken kibble is now making its way to stores, in both the 4.4- and 26.4-pound bags. The Beef kibble, in the 26.4-pound bag, is currently being printed and will be next to arrive in stores, followed by the 7.7-pound bag of Feline Rabbit and the 26.4-pound Canine Lamb. We expect to complete the new packaging make-over on all other kibble formulas by the end of 2011.

In addition to the new look, with lighter, more “natural” colors and designs, some of our customers have also noticed that we removed the calcium and phosphorus content information. We did this to make room for more educational information about the food and other information requested by customers, such as the number of calories (kcals) in each of our foods. Since a complete nutritional analysis for each product, including the essential fatty acids, calcium, and phosphorus, is on our website at www.natureslogic.com, we felt we could remove this information without too great an inconvenience to our customers.

Manufacturing Improvements

Some customers also noticed that the number of kcals and feeding instructions changed ever-so-slightly. This was a result of adjustments to our manufacturing process. We improved the grinding of our ingredients to create a smoother-textured kibble with better uniformity throughout each piece. This resulted in a better and consistent density, slightly decreasing the calories per cup, resulting in the minor adjustment to feeding guidelines. The more uniform pieces, along with improvements that also reduced breakage and crumbling, led to more cups of food per bag. This increased volume means more calories/nutrients in each bag of Nature’s Logic kibble.

Minor Ingredient Adjustments

Nature’s Logic foods are still formulated as dogs and cats, natural carnivores, would eat in the wild. They are rich in high-quality animal proteins, low in carbohydrate, with all nutrients coming from whole foods and 100% natural ingredients. But there have been a few very minor adjustments to the ingredients that some customers have noticed on the new bags.

If you compare the old to the new, you’ll notice that we removed flaxseed from our formulas. We did this in response to customer concerns about information on the internet regarding a possible connection between flaxseed and reproductive issues in pets. From our review of the literature, Nature’s Logic does not believe this is a risk. However, since we could increase pumpkin seed in our foods and replace any nutritional value lost from the removal of flaxseed, we took it out.

Thank you!

Nature’s Logic is committed to providing the safest, most nutritious food possible for your dogs and cats. Thank you for the opportunity to explain these minor changes and for your continued support.