Information Overload

The study shows pet owners are confused by the overwhelming number of pet foods, fad diets and conflicting advice. And while obesity can be linked to disease, age and genetics, it is most often a result of poor lifestyle choices.

Challenge them!

For dogs, regular structured walks are important for physical health and socialization. Obedience training is great for pups or rescue dogs since it not only increases physical activity, but also socializes them and challenges their brains.

Treat them Right!

Getting creative with treats is easy! Look for healthier, low calorie treat options with limited ingredients you know are healthy. 5 Calorie Superfood Dog Treats contain 4 natural ingredients rich in fiber (to keep them satiated), plus Omega 3 fatty acids (to promote healthy skin and coat).

Keeping simple, healthy, portion controlled snacks on hand helps us better manage our pet's weight (not to mention our own!) When combined with a realistic, simple goal, such as walking Max for 20 minutes after dinner 3 times a week, we develop easy habits to help us manage and maintain our pet's weight - as well as our own!

Wishing you all a happy, healthy spring!

Barbara

According to The American Veterinary Association

• 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some kind of oral disease by age 3.
  
  
• Most dental disease occurs below the gum line, where you can't see it. Bacteria that you can't see can damage the tissues connecting the teeth and jaw. That's why it's so important to have your veterinarian regularly examine your pet's teeth and perform regular professional dental cleanings.
  
  
• The single most important thing you can do to maintain your pet's dental health in between professional cleanings is to brush their teeth. A minimum of three times per week is recommended.  

At Home Dental Care

If you have been keeping up with regular at home oral care for your pet, congratulations! If not, we encourage you to consider having your pet's teeth examined by your veterinarian and taking advantage of this month's savings if your pet needs a professional cleaning.

After your pet's teeth have been professionally cleaned by a veterinarian, then your furkid(s) should be started on an at-home oral care plan that will prevent plaque - and tartar - from building up on teeth again. Look for a toothpaste with a seal from The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).

Petsmile Professional Pet Toothpaste has the VOHC seal, is (video) fast and easy to use - plus NO toothbrush is required! Cats and dogs love the natural London Beef Broil & Rotisserie Chicken flavors, and it's safe for puppies and kittens. Starting off your little furkids with a fast, easy oral care plan gives them the gift of health and saves you time, money and worry!

Wishing you and your furkids a happy, healthy February! 😻

Barbara

• Type 1 is an autoimmune disease whereby the pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone that grabs glucose out of the bloodstream to use as fuel. This type of diabetes requires daily insulin injections & regular blood sugar testing, along with careful balance of diet & exercise to help keep blood sugars within normal range. In dogs, Type 1 is more common than Type 2.
  
  
• Type 2 is a metabolic disease where the pancreas produces some insulin, but it is inefficiently utilized in the bloodstream. This type can often be managed with oral prescriptions & diet. Sometimes, diet alone is enough to maintain normal blood sugar levels. In cats, Type 2 is more common.

In either case, the glucose in the body cannot be used effectively, which leads to a litany of health problems. Diabetes is a serious, irreversible condition for which there is currently no cure. Early detection & proper treatment are critical, as uncontrolled diabetes leads to devastating effects on the body, and ultimately death. Overall, treatment is similar across animals and humans.

Symptoms of Diabetes

• Excessive thirst
• Increased urination
• Appetite changes
• Fruity breath
• Unexplained weight loss
• Depressed attitude
• Extreme fatigue
• Chronic skin or yeast infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Vomiting

Diet

With diabetes, the goal is to balance blood sugar levels by balancing food intake with insulin (or oral medications) and exercise. Carbohydrates have the biggest impact on blood sugar levels.The higher the carb intake, the more blood sugars will increase.

The glycemic index measures how quickly and dramatically a food will increase blood sugar levels. Low glycemic foods, such as veggies, whole grains (e.g., oats), most fruits and other complex carbohydrates (e.g., legumes) are ideal, since they release glucose slowly and steadily, without causing sharp spikes in blood sugars.

As a Type I diabetic for 35 years, fiber is my friend because it helps reduce the rate at which glucose gets released into the blood stream. 5 Calorie Superfood Dog Treats are an excellent snack for diabetic dogs because they're rich in fiber from the combination of whole oats, chia seeds, natural fruits and veggies - my dogs share them with me (especially before long walks!)

Keeping your fur kid active is important, since exercise helps lower blood sugar levels. Plus, it increases metabolism to help the body use insulin more efficiently. A small snack before exercise can help prevent blood sugar levels from dropping too rapidly (hypoglycemia). An activity plan should be discussed with your vet to avoid complications.

Diabetes requires consistency, planning and discipline, but our pets are more than willing to oblige! And the joy of seeing them feel healthy & happy is worth it!

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!  🍗

Barbara

Simply put, fiber is the bulk & roughage found in natural foods that optimize numerous body functions, improving overall health in both pets AND people.

There are 2 type of fiber - soluble & insoluble. Soluble fiber is found in healthy foods like oats, beans, fruits & veggies. It absorbs water, transforming into a gel-like substance in the colon. Insoluble fiber adds bulk, helping food to more quickly pass through the stomach & intestines. Most foods have a combination of both types.of fiber.

The Benefits of Fiber

- Creates a feeling of satiety & fullness
- Reduces cholesterol
- Stabilization of blood sugar levels
- Decreases fat absorption
- Helps reduce heart disease
- Slows down digestion

As the busy holiday season approaches, we tend to overindulge ourselves - and our pets. So it is smart to plan ahead and stock up on some tasty, low calorie, high fiber treats to help curb cravings and minimize some of the predictable holiday over indulgences.

You’ll find fiber in all of Really Natural's edible offerings, including 5 Calorie Superfood Dog treats, Mini Apple Dices, Dried Papaya and Pineapple.

Wishing you a beautiful fall season! 🍁

Barbara

Diet & Exercise

No matter the type of pet you own, it all boils down to overall diet & exercise (the same is true for us!) Decreasing portions goes a long way. And adding some short walks a few times a week can make an enormous difference.

Mental Stimulation

Another fun way to get your pets engaged in eating less, while slowing down the speed at which they eat, is to incorporate a food puzzle at meal or snack times. Puzzle toys are available for cats, dogs & other small pets and they not only keep your pet learning, but they encourage slower digestion which helps keep your pet feeling full longer.

Smart Snacking

Treat time is a fun way to connect with our pets, helping with training, bonding - or rewarding just because you love 'em!

Small dried papaya & pineapple dices make portion control easy, plus they work great in puzzle & foraging toys that help prevent boredom & mentally challenge birds, rabbits, sugar gliders & other small pets.

For people, they make a great addition to salads, baked goods & trail mixes. A few papaya dices with a dash of curry powder can transform a boring chicken & veggie dish into a tasty, exotic meal with minimal calories & effort!

Health Benefits of Papaya & Pineapple

• Rich in dietary fiber, plus a unique enzyme that aids digestion

• Filled with antioxidants to protect against free radical damage associated with age-related degeneration & disease
  
  
• Each fruit has a protective enzyme. Bromelain in pineapple & papain in papaya fight inflammation, help indigestion & boost the immune system
  
  
• Papaya is abundant in beta-carotene, vitamin C, bioflavonoids and the minerals potassium, magnesium & calcium

Celebrate summertime with delicious, tropical, healthy treats you can share with your feathered & furry kids!

Practically speaking, Petsmile is our favorite because

• The fast & easy "swipe on formula" doesn't require a toothbrush

• The London Beef Broil flavor is LOVED by both cats & dogs

• Just 2 - 3 weekly applications are required

• It's a fun, interactive, bonding experience for you AND your pet

• Your pet thinks it's a treat!

Wishing you a Naturally Beautiful Day! 😻
Barbara

Apple Pectin - and More!

Apple pectin is a soluble fiber that binds to fatty substances - like cholesterol & toxins - in the digestive tract to promote their elimination. So it helps to improve gastrointestinal health AND lower cholesterol. Plus, the antioxidants & vitamin C in apples may also help with degenerative conditions like joint disease. As a type 1 diabetic for nearly 35 years, I can attest to the benefits soluble fiber has on blood sugar levels.

For Pets AND People

The core & seeds of apples are considered toxic to animals and should NOT be consumed by animals. These mini dices are natural apples that have had the core & seeds completely removed, making them a safe, delicious & healthy treat for pets of all sizes, including cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, rats, mice, chinchillas, flying squirrels, prairie dogs - and more.

With no preservatives and no added sugar, these diced apples make a nutritious, tasty snack that can be given right out of the bag to small pets, or used as a topper sprinkled over meals a couple of times weekly for dogs and cats. Plus, they come from a human food facility so you too can enjoy them - I love them on peanut butter sandwiches!

Have a Naturally Beautiful Day! 🍎
Barbara

Since allergies are tied to the body's autoimmune system, naturally strengthening the immune system from the inside out can help prevent (or at least decrease the symptom severity of) skin inflammation and infections. When taken over time internally, krill and coconut oils can benefit inflammatory, allergic skin issues that can lead to painful infections. 

For external symptoms like dermatitis, itching, rashes, insect bites, itchy / inflamed skin and more, a well formulated herbal healing salve helps calm, soothe & heal irritated skin conditions, while helping prevent skin infections - without chemicals or side effects.

Wishing you a beautiful and healthy spring season! 🌼

The alkaline properties of chlorophyll can help maintain a balanced pH level to reduce acidity in the body, naturally protecting the body from the inside out.

Our senior beagle LOVES Sweet Breath which contains a potent form of a chlorophyll juice concentrate, combined with peppermint essential oil. It is a healthy, inexpensive way to achieve a quick minty flavor burst in the mouth - and when used regularly, it helps decrease stinky body odors over time that Max (AND Max's dad!) sometimes generate!

Have a Naturally Beautiful Day 🌿

Barbara

Oral health issues of the gums and teeth are common in both dogs and cats - by age 3, more than 75% have some form of tartar buildup on teeth, especially if they are not receiving regular teeth cleanings at home. Just like people, regular oral care can prevent oral disease from manifesting into serious, life threatening health problems.

Once tartar is removed, at home care can prevent future troubles. Petsmile meets the Veterinary Oral Health Council effectiveness standards for inhibiting plaque growth on teeth. The fast & easy formula doesn't even require a toothbrush - just dab a pearl size drop of Petsmile on your fingertip & swipe across you pet's teeth 2 to 3 times weekly. Cats and dogs LOVE the natural London Beef Broil taste so they think they're getting a special treat!

Our pet's oral health care is one thing we can do to increase the years of love we get to share with our furbabies!

If your furkid or feathered friend received new toys, bowls, cage or other accessory during the holidays, there is no time like the present to keep those items fresh & free from inevitable odor buildup. Small exotics, pocket pets and messy birds often throw food in addition to going potty inside their cages, creating a dirty, stinky habitat. And despite regular cleanings, bacteria attaches itself onto surfaces & into crevices of every item in your pet's cage, resulting in pungent odors.

Smarter, Safer Odor Prevention

Start off 2018 clean with a unique, non-chemical odor-prevention solution. The biodegradable product is safe for pets, humans and the earth. And like everything at Really Natural Pets, you can use it in your own habitat too (...not that any of us humans ever create odors!)

Wishing everyone a beautiful, healthy new year! 🎇

Why Calories STILL Matter

The most reliable, timeless principle is "Calories In" (CI) vs. "Calories Out" (CO). Calorie management offers real life flexibility as long as overall balance is followed. In general, more physical activity allows for more calories without weight gain (and vice versa).

• If overall CI > CO, weight gain occurs
• If CI < CO, weight loss occurs
• If CI = CO, weight will be maintained

The above principle applies to pets AND people. And as the body ages, gets ill or develops disease, the formula may need to be slightly adjusted. For example, a body typically needs fewer CI as it becomes older.

We all tend to eat more & exercise less during the holidays. And eliminating stress is challenging for all of us. Pets are particularly sensitive to OUR stress levels which may contribute to destructive behaviors. When it comes to weight management, we're responsible for managing our own own waistlines along with Buddy's.

Have  a Naturally Beautiful Day! 🌼
Barbara

Have  a Naturally Beautiful Day! 🌼
Barbara

Food Ingredient Labels

• Corn sweetener
• Corn syrup
• Dextrose
• Fructose (naturally occurring in fresh fruit)
• Fruit juice concentrate
• Glucose
• Lactose (naturally occurring in milk)
• Malt Syrup
• Sucrose
• Cane crystals
• Evaporated cane juice
• Corn Syrup Solids

Natural vs. Synthetic Ingredients in Non-Food Products

Paying more for poor quality is no deal. Seriously, check the ingredient list next time you are shopping to see for yourself.

A single snack solution for birds, small pets - and owners - with less sugar, lower calories, less unnecessary packaging clutter (and waste), no unnecessary preservatives - for less money? Yep! 😍 

Have a Naturally Beautiful Day! 💕

Barbara

• Aim to find the right balance of the best ingredients you can afford
  
  
• Many pet foods labeled "natural" mix human grade ingredients with by-products
  
  
• Look for real meat at the top of the list. A few examples of real chicken meat include deboned chicken, chicken neck & dehydrated chicken
  
  
• The first few items in an ingredient list represent the highest percentage by weight of ingredients in the final product.
  
  
• Avoid anything with "by product" or "meat & bone meal" in the ingredient name
  
  
• Avoid poor quality fillers or potential allergens like corn, soy & wheat
  
  
• Visit pet food websites to review ingredients in the ingredient list. Then research anything you are unfamiliar with

As with people in the U.S., well over half our pets (cats & dogs) are overweight. Some pets may have an underlying health condition that predisposes them to gain weight, so at least 1 physical checkup annually can help identify a health issue, and if your pet has developed a health condition, working with your vet to manage that condition is critical.

In general, managing our furkid's weight is in our control. Smart choices, like portion controlling food AND providing regular exercise are as important for your pet as they are for your own weight management. Veterinarians & nutritionists who develop pet diets are experts in advising the correct feeding size based on an animal's weight. So whatever type of diet you choose, follow the recommendations printed on the label of your pet's food. Here are a few other tips if your pet needs to shed some pounds:

1) If Buddy is a senior, he's probably less active & will require fewer calories.   Perhaps our all-natural 5 Calorie Superfood Dog Treats could help?

2) Certain breeds, like beagles & basset hounds, gain weight more easily. You can stimulate a pet's metabolism by shifting to smaller, more frequent eating - like the human version of "grazing." A simple trick is to reserve part of each meal & then feed a few pieces throughout the day or night as "treats"

3) Calories matter! In 2014, AAFCO began regulatory procedures on pet food manufacturers requiring calories on food labels so pet foods show calories on labels. Other products, like snacks, chews, cookies & supplements are not required to list calories on the label, but most manufacturers will provide it on request. Knowing how many calories your pet gets daily is key to managing his weight.

Based on your pet's current age, weight & body condition, PetMD has a healthy weight calculator to help you determine your pet's ideal weight. Dr. Becker at Mercola's Healthy Pets provides formulas to calculate the calories your cat or dog requires daily to maintain current weight - and she provides more detail on tips for healthy weight loss.

4) A general rule of thumb for approaching weight reduction is to decrease food volume by 10% and monitor results. So, if your pet gets 1 cup per meal, decrease by 1 1/2  tablespoon (per meal). To be safe, check with your vet because age, breed, type of diet & other issues are relevant.

Managing Buddy's weight over his life pays off by helping him maintain overall health, happiness and comfort that is likely to increase his longevity.

Have a Naturally Beautiful Day! 😍

Barbara

Whether food, supplements, treats or chews, scan ingredient lists for healthful foods - like real meat, dried vegetables & heart healthy grains like oat flour. Ingredients listed at the top represent the main ones used in the recipe. A good rule of thumb is to avoid meat by-products, soy & corn which may contribute to allergies, weight gain, digestive difficulties and other health issues. Clean, healthy, human grade ingredients provide additional nutritional support and health benefits to help prevent or delay disease. How ingredients are prepared is also important - for example, cooking healthy foods at high temperature strips natural mineral & vitamin content.

While a healthy, well-formulated pet food gives pets the fundamental nutrition they need, a high quality supplement is particularly important, especially for pets who have additional needs related to digestion, heart, joints, skin, coat, allergies, brain, immunity and more. Just as we take supplements to fill voids in our own diets, pets often require supplementation too.

Our pets are an important part of the family and their nutritional needs require more than us just buying food. After all, we want them by our sides as long as possible - happy AND healthy!

Have a Naturally Beautiful Day! 😍

Barbara

Anesthesia-Free Dentistry:

This procedure is a newer trend of scaling pet teeth to remove tartar stains on pet teeth. It is considered a cosmetic procedure that does not address underlying oral disease. Further, it may inadvertently result in injury or infection. More details on Anesthesia-Free Dentistry can be found in a recent article from Healthy pets with Dr Becker.

Professional Dental Scaling by a Licensed Veterinarian:

If your pet has existing tartar (brown buildup) on its teeth, a licensed veterinarian is the only professional - by law - who can safely provide dental scaling under anesthesia.

While it is completely understandable to be concerned about your pet's safety, The Safest Way to Clean Your Pet's Teeth by Dr. Watts should ease your mind.

While anesthesia is never 100% percent risk-free, pre-treatment evaluation & modern medical techniques minimize risks. In fact, millions of dental scaling procedures are now safely done annually in veterinary hospitals.

Before anesthesia, a veterinarian evaluates the general health & size of a pet to determine the proper drug & dose. During treatment, continual monitoring is performed. Vets are well trained in all of these procedures. Here's a brief overview:

1. Dental tartar is firmly attached on a tooth's surface so removing tartar can only be safely AND properly done with ultrasonic and sonic power scalers, along with sharp-edged hand instruments.

2. Professional dental scaling happens on each tooth surface above AND below the gum line. The most critical cleaning happens between the gum & the root of each tooth, where there is active periodontal disease. It is not possible to access the area of each tooth on a non-anesthetized pet.

3. Inhalation anesthesia keeps pets comfortable & pain free during the procedure, allowing the vet to access & treat affected dental tissues. Further, the pet's airway & lungs are protected from accidental aspiration.

4. During anesthesia, a complete oral exam is also performed to allow the vet to check all teeth surfaces facing the tongue (which no pet will allow when fully awake). Without this comprehensive check, areas of disease & discomfort are likely to be missed.

Sophie, our 10 year old beagle just had her teeth cleaned last month for the 1st time since we got her 8 years ago. Thankfully, she had very mild tartar & required no tooth extractions. We took her to the vet hospital at 8 am and this was her 1 hour after returning home...


 
Bottom line: The sooner you start at-home care, the less often - and less likely - you will have to have their teeth professionally cleaned!

Have a Naturally Beautiful Day! ☺️

Barbara

If you already regularly brush your pet's teeth a few times weekly, your vet may tell you a cleaning may not be necessary this year, which can be a pleasant surprise that also saves you a lot of money! If you have not kept up on your pet's oral health, we encourage you to start this February.

In an article from Pet MD, oral health issues of the gums and teeth are common in both dogs and cats. Just like with people, regular oral care can prevent oral disease from manifesting into serious, life threatening health problems.

Once tartar is removed, at home care can prevent future troubles. Petsmile is approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council to inhibit plaque growth. It's so easy to use & doesn't require a toothbrush - just swipe a finger with Petsmile on it across you pet's teeth! And pets LOVE the natural London Beef Broil taste.

No time like the present to start a tradition that actually extends the years of love you will share with your pet!

Product manufacturers often say you need different products for different cleaning jobs in your home - for example, this product to remove odor in a kitchen, that product to do the same job in a bathroom. But have you noticed these products often have nearly identical formulations? Many natural product companies spin the same kind of stories.

We believe a natural product should be safe to use, period, no restrictions. This means you shouldn't have to put on eye gear to eliminate an odor. Or be careful where the product is used - the product is safe for ALL residents under the same roof, no matter how many legs they have or whether they're covered with fur, hair, feathers or just skin.

Our natural, no rinse odor control Cage & Toy Wash can be used on kitchen & bathroom counter tops, floors, pet habitats, eating surfaces - and more. The unscented, non-chemical odor elimination solution makes it difficult for odor-causing bacteria to grow so it's effective on pet accidents in habitats - or on the kitchen floor. Yet it's so safe, it can be used on toys, bowls or anything that will come into contact with pets or humans.

Many Cage & Toy Wash customers who originally purchased the product to control cage odor now use the product throughout their home. It's a new way of thinking & living that saves money, time, water - and storage space!

Have a Naturally Beautiful Day!
Barbara

• An up-to-date vaccination report from a licensed veterinarian is mandatory.
  
  
• Animals must be well trained on a leash & follow basic commands.
  
  
• An initial test is done to determine an animal's response around equipment like wheelchairs, canes, walkers, etc. For example, a screener may drop a walker in front of the animal to ensure it remains calm. If the pet remains calm, he or she moves onto the final evaluation.
  
  
• In the last assessment, the animal is exposed to a health care environment with common social behaviors. The pet is taken through the facility to interact with residents and staff, where there are noises, loud voices, coughs, screams, trembling hands, shuffling feet, etc. This final test ensures the animal does not become fearful or aggressive.

If the animal passes all parts of the screening process, it will be certified through Project PUP to become a visiting therapy pet. Our very own Sophie became a Project PUP Volunteer in 2011 and has brought comfort & joy to terminally ill patients of all ages.

"Pet therapy" provides a way to connect pets with people who are unable to have a pet due to illness or age. There is a lot more demand than there are volunteers. If you live in the Tampa Bay Area and have a pet that you think might be a good candidate, we encourage you to consider reaching out to Project PUP at 727-497-3005 about having your animal screened. Pet therapy not only provides great comfort to people, but it also mentally enriches pets!

Have a Naturally Beautiful Day ❤️

Barbara

Typically, a 10% decrease in daily food intake, combined with 15 minutes of exercise a few times per week makes a big difference. Whether you engage your pet in rigorous play, or take Buddy for a short walk, excess fat will get burned. Check out nine year old Sophie strut her stuff below!

And if your pup enjoys a few daily treats, 5 Calorie Superfood Dog Treats are a healthy, delicious, filling way to satisfy between meal cravings and help your furkid shed extra pounds (or maintain an already svelte figure!)

Have a Naturally Beautiful Day! 
Barbara