Healthy Pets Blog

The Overuse of Rabies Vaccination

2011-10-25T16:04:00.002-05:00

The Overuse of Rabies Vaccination

Responsible pet owners place great faith in veterinary medicine, and rarely question the safety or need of a yearly rabies shot. However, some rabies vaccination laws may require pets to receive shots too often, especially if the animal is advanced in age or sick. Although some states offer exemptions, local authorities may choose to enforce their own laws. As result, all kinds of pet owners, from graduate students and families to single pet owners whose pet is the world to them have experienced tragedy when their beloved pets have suffered serious health issues or died due to excessive or risky vaccination. When conventional medicine fails, alternative treatment options for the effects over-vaccination may prove to be helpful.

Rabies vaccination laws differ from state to state, and local authorities are under no obligation to recognize state guidelines. Presently, there are 13 states that offer medical exemptions for animals in poor health: Alabama, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia and Wisconsin.

No matter what state pet owners live in, it is important for those with ill or senior pets to get their pets exemption from the rabies vaccine by bringing a certificate of non-vaccination to be signed by their veterinarian. Pet owners should make sure the symptoms of their pet's adverse vaccine reactions are documented in the animal's veterinary file and then keep a copy themselves to use in a medical exemption appeal. Since manufacturers' labels on vaccines clearly warn that only healthy animals should be vaccinated, requests for medical exemption should be made in any state, regardless of rabies laws.

Until the vaccination issue is resolved, advocates need to fight for the rights of pet owners to have greater control over a system that puts so many animals at risk of serious illness or death. Students from online schools and traditional university campuses may be a great source of advocacy, as they often do not have animals themselves, but are willing to back an important cause. There are also online resources already in place for advocacy.

Aimee's Rabies Exemption Law in Texas and Molly's Bill in California are two examples of victims who actively seek rabies vaccine law reform. The Rabies Challenge Fund is working to change rabies requirements to once every 5 years, with a goal of eventually creating an interval of once every 7 years. They have also been responsible for changes in rabies vaccine laws around the country. They plan to study the levels of antibodies needed in order for an animal to be protected against the virus.

An antibody test could be used in place of the standard annual rabies vaccine, and prevent unnecessary suffering and death. Preventative measures may be taken so that the animal is protected and vaccination is unnecessary. This is especially important for small breeds, who suffer the most as a result of over-vaccination because of their size.

Many pets suffer the effects of over-vaccination. Vaccine-related disorders often manifest themselves from about 2 weeks to 1 month after administration. Vaccinosis is a common consequence of immune system weakness caused by vaccinations. Autoimmune diseases, hypothyroidism, skin diseases, allergies and asthma are some examples of vaccinosis.

These adverse reactions should be reported to the federal authorities and vaccine manufacturers. The Center for Veterinary Biologics has an adverse event report form that may be completed online. Manufacturers often employ veterinary service departments to keep record of reported issues and offer treatment options.

Holistic care may be another option to consider when conventional treatments provide no relief. Holistic veterinarians treat animals using natural remedies including herbal therapy, chiropractic care, and acupuncture, and prefer the use of safer alternatives to vaccines. Shirley's Wellness Café, for example, offers online medical help in a variety of areas, including over-vaccination. They also support the reformation of vaccine laws nationwide.

The one-size-fits-all approach to pet vaccinations has proven to have detrimental effects, but luckily there are resources online to learn more about over-vaccination and prevention. Those who have suffered the consequences are working to change laws that do not take an individual animal's health, age, and size into consideration. In the meanwhile, owners must stay informed of local regulations and possible health risks. For those who are already victims of this flawed system, there is hope.

Dog Treats - Pigs Ears - Recall March 2011

2011-03-09T19:13:00.000-06:00

Jones Natural Chews Co Recalls Pig Ear Dog Chews Because Of Possible Salmonella Health Risk

Contact:
Jones Natural Chews Co
877-481-2663 or 815-874-9500

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 8, 2011 - Jones Natural Chews Co of Rockford, IL is recalling 2705 boxes of Pig Ears because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling dry pet food and/or treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the chews or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Jones Natural Chews Pig Ears were distributed in CT, IA, IL, MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NJ, NM, NY, PA,VA, WA, and WI. They were shipped to distributors and retailers between September 15, 2010 and November 2, 2010 where they were available for purchase.

Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears 2pk bag with header card–item upc 741956001047 lot 2420
Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears bulk 100ct box-box upc 741956001139 lot 2490, 2560, 2630, 2700, 2840, 2910, 2980
Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears bulk 50 ct box-box upc 741956001504 lot 2490, 2840
Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears bulk 25ct box-box upc 741956001467 lot 2700
Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears 1pk shrinkwrapped-item upc 741956001146 lot 2700, 2840, 2420
Jones Natural Chews Co Pig Ears 10pk printed bag-item upc 741956001405 lot 2420, 2560, 2630, 2840
Blain’s Farm & Fleet Pig Ears 10 pieces bag-item upc 741956001405 lot 2560
Country Butcher Dog Chews Pig Ears 1pk shrinkwrapped-item upc 741956001511 lot 2630
Country Butcher Dog Chews Pig Ears 1pk shrinkwrapped-item upc 741956001146 lot 2420
Country Butcher Dog Chews Pig Ears 12pk bag-item upc 741956001245 lot 2910

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was the result of a routine sampling program by Washington State Department of Agriculture which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria. The company has no product left in inventory from this batch of pig ears.
Consumers who have purchased any of these pig ears are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-877-481-2663.

New Puppy Gear to Keep Pup Safe and Happy!

2011-01-26T14:06:00.000-06:00

Everyone loves a puppy and it's so exciting to bring the baby dog home. Puppies need a lot of things to keep them occupied so they stay out of trouble. Plenty of chew toys and teething "rings" are a must. A puppy will lost his baby teeth (milk teeth) at around 4-months-old. To help this sometimes painful time you can give you pup chew toys.

Toys of all kinds are a must for your puppy. If pup will spend time alone he will need toys, a bed, a crate, treats, water and feed dishes and more DOG TOYS. Advice, never leave a puppy alone with stuffed toys. You don't know if he will destroy them and eat the stuffing. Save the plush dog toys for when you are home to supervise.

A crate is good for puppies while they are being house trained. Or at least a gate to block off rooms meant to be off-limits. Enjoy your puppy while keeping him safe in his new home.

We have always liked discount dog supplies at GregRobert.

The quality is good and the prices are great!

"Proportions" Dog Food Review

2010-07-21T09:34:00.003-05:00

I'm always on the look-out for good natural dog food that is more than humdrum dry kibble. My dog Riley, recently got to sample a new food from Proportions Canine Nutrition.

Note cute picture of Riley on the box. Each box has the 3 packets of food.

The Proportions is 3 separate pouches of pre-measured Hearty Stew, Crunchy Blend using holistic dry food from Wellness, LiveSmart and Newman's Own and finally the Harvest Mix packet of fruits and veggies. I didn't need to add water because of the yummy pumpkin stew base. Yes I tasted it and it wasn't bad. I mixed the 3 packets, let it sit a few minutes to soften the dehydrated fruits and veggies and it was ready to feed.

Actual picture showing all the chunks of chicken, soup base and fruits and veggies!

Did Riley like it? Riley will watch my every move when I'm preparing his breakfast and dinner. Anytime I add something new he knows it and can't wait for a taste. Because Riley is a chow hound I'm not sure he was the best subject for taste testing this food but I will say he ate every morsel and licked the bowl clean.

I really like what is in this premium holistic dog food but I LOVE what is NOT in it!

No chemical preservatives
No Artificial colors or flavors
No sugars or sweeteners
No fillers such as rice hulls
No animal by-products; this is so gross I won't go into it here. If you really want to know what goes into some dog foods read here....
No unknown fat or protein sources such as "animal fats" instead of, for example, chicken fat or chicken meal

What makes it different?
Proportions is a ‘Whole Food Nutrition Program that offers a healthy alternative to traditional feeding programs, and allows dog guardians to create a customized meal just for their dog. And it's delivered to their door each month. The shipping is already factored in the price so there's no question as what the total cost will be.

What makes Proportions “Whole Food” unique is it offers a balanced diet featuring reduced carbs and starches with a reduced portion of high quality dry food. The meal also features increased healthy, natural proteins and vegetables via a “stew” portion and is topped off with fruits and vegetables in “harvest mix” portion of the meal.

It was fun "making" my dog's custom dog food proportions online.
Here's how it works:
• Visit the Proportions web site.

• Input specific information about your DOG: breed, weight, activity level, age, allergies.
• Proportions generates a personalized meal plan with the right calories for your dog's needs!
• Upload the best photo you have of your dog to be featured on each meal package.

Readers of Healthy Pets Blog can get a free sample of Proportions.
Go to their website https://www.proportions.com/

Use code TNTrial20 to see if your dog loves the food as much as Riley did!

Riley, our goofy snow dog!

If you aren't ready to feed your dog a home made dog diet, I would say the Proportions is a great option. It is custom for your dog, has home delivery so you don't get overwhelmed with the bags of dog food at your pet store. Proportions are using human quality ingredients in their canine nutrition!

Raw Pet Food Recall Expanded - Nature's Variety Chicken

2010-03-09T14:29:00.003-06:00

Nature's Variety Expands Nationwide Voluntary Recall to Include All Raw Frozen Chicken Diets with Any "Best If Used By" Date On or Before 2/5/11

Contact:
Jeff Dezen/JDPR
864/233/3766 ext. 11
jeffd@jdpr.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Lincoln, NE, March 8, 2010 – Nature's Variety has expanded its voluntary recall of Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diets for dogs and cats to include the "Best If Used By" dates of 10/29/10 and 11/9/10 because these products may be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the product or any surfaces exposed to these products.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
Pets with Salmonella infections may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, or vomiting. Some pets may experience only a decreased appetite, fever, or abdominal pain. If your pet has consumed any of the affected products and is experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
The recall includes the following products with a "Best If Used By" date of 10/29/10 or 11/9/10:

- UPC#7 69949 60131 9 – Chicken Formula 0.75 lb trial sized medallions
- UPC#7 69949 60130 2 – Chicken Formula 3 lb medallions
- UPC#7 69949 60120 3 – Chicken Formula 6 lb patties
- UPC#7 69949 60121 0 – Chicken Formula 2 lb single chubs

In an abundance of caution, Nature's Variety has also chosen to expand this voluntary recall to include all Chicken Formula and Organic Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diets for dogs and cats with any "Best If Used By" date on or before 2/5/11. Nature's Variety has elected to clear the market of raw frozen chicken diets as it implements a state-of-the-art new food safety process called High Pressure Pasteurization for use on all Nature's Variety Raw Frozen Diets.
The products included in the expanded recall are any Chicken Formula or Organic Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet with a "Best If Used By" date on or before 2/5/11, including:

- UPC#7 69949 60131 9 – Chicken Formula 0.75 lb trial sized medallions
- UPC#7 69949 60130 2 – Chicken Formula 3 lb medallions
- UPC#7 69949 60120 3 – Chicken Formula 6 lb patties
- UPC#7 69949 60121 0 – Chicken Formula 2 lb single chubs
- UPC#7 69949 50121 3 – Chicken Formula 12 lb case of chubs
- UPC#7 69949 60137 1 – Organic Chicken Formula 3 lb medallions
- UPC#7 69949 60127 2 – Organic Chicken Formula 6 lb patties

The "Best If Used By" date is located on the back of the package above the safe handling instructions. The affected product was distributed through retail stores and internet sales in the United States and Canada.
No other Raw Frozen Diets are involved in this expansion other than chicken, and no other Nature's Variety products are involved.
Nature's Variety now uses High Pressure Pasteurization on their Raw Frozen Diets as a unique process to kill pathogenic bacteria through high-pressure, water-based technology. Having incorporated this state-of-the-art technology on a portion of their raw product offerings in late 2009, Nature's Variety was able to confidently implement the process universally on all Raw Frozen Diets after the 2/11/10 recall in order to enhance food safety. Nature's Variety also utilizes a test and hold protocol to ensure that all High Pressure Pasteurized Raw Frozen Diets test negative for harmful bacteria before being released for sale.
"Nature's Variety believes replacing all raw frozen chicken products on the market with new raw frozen chicken products that use High Pressure Pasteurization is an important and responsible step in order to reinforce consumer confidence and trust," stated Reed Howlett, CEO of Nature's Variety. "By recalling all raw frozen chicken products with ‘Best If Used By' dates on or before 2/5/11, we can provide our pet parents with new raw frozen chicken products that have been processed through High Pressure Pasteurization. Adopting High Pressure Pasteurization is an important step to ensure that our products meet the strictest quality and food safety standards."
Howlett stated, "Our commitment to consumers in the future is the same as it's been in the past – to offer Raw Frozen Diets made from the highest quality ingredients, made in our own plant in the Midwest, by people who care deeply about pet nutrition, health, and happiness."
If you are a consumer and have purchased one of these products, please return the unopened product to your retailer for a full refund or replacement. If your package has been opened, please dispose of the raw food in a safe manner by securing it in a covered trash receptacle. Then, bring your receipt (or the empty package in a sealed bag) to your local retailer for a full refund or replacement.
Consumers with additional questions can call the Nature's Variety dedicated Customer Care line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 800-374-3142. For additional resources about High Pressure Pasteurization or other Nature's Variety food safety protocols, visit www.naturesvariety.com.

Raw Dog Cat Food Recall - Nature's Variety, Feb 2010

2010-02-12T12:25:00.004-06:00

Nature’s Variety Issues Nationwide Voluntary Recall On Raw Frozen Chicken Diets With A "Best If Used By" Date Of 11/10/10

Company Contact:
Jeff Dezen/JDPR
864-233-3376

Nature’s Variety has initiated a voluntary recall of their Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet for dogs and cats with a "Best If Used By" date of 11/10/10 because these products may be contaminated with Salmonella. The only products affected are limited to chicken medallions, patties, and chubs with a "Best If Used By" date of 11/10/10. No other Nature’s Variety products are affected.
The affected products are limited to the Nature’s Variety Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet packaged in the following forms:

3 lb chicken medallions (UPC# 7 69949 60130 2) with a "Best If Used By" date of 11/10/10
6 lb chicken patties (UPC# 7 69949 60120 3) with a "Best If Used By" date of 11/10/10
2 lb chicken chubs (UPC# 7 69949 60121 0) with a "Best If Used By" date of 11/10/10

The “Best If Used By” date is located on the back of the package above the safe handling instructions. The affected product was distributed through retail stores and internet sales in the United States, and in limited distribution in Canada.
If you are a consumer and have purchased one of the affected products, please return the unopened product to your retailer for a full refund or replacement. If your package has been opened, please dispose of the raw food in a safe manner by securing it in a covered trash receptacle. Then, bring your receipt (or the empty package in a sealed bag) to your local retailer for a full refund or replacement.
Nature’s Variety became aware of a potential problem after receiving a consumer complaint. Subsequent testing indicated that the lot code related to the consumer complaint tested negative for Salmonella. However, additional subsequent testing found the "Best If Used By" date of 11/10/10 to be contaminated with Salmonella.
No pet or human illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this lot code.
Reed Howlett, Nature’s Variety CEO, stated, "Because pet health and safety are our top priority, Nature’s Variety takes every step necessary to ensure the quality and safety of our products. In addition to our industry best manufacturing practices, and in an abundance of caution, all Nature’s Variety raw frozen products now will undergo a ‘test and hold’ period before being released for sale."
Salmonella can affect both humans and animals. Even though no illnesses have been reported, consumers should follow the Safe Handling Guidelines published on the Nature’s Variety package when disposing of the affected product. People handling raw frozen pet foods may become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not followed the safe handling guidelines set forth by the company.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella may experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, or fever. Although rare, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, or urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with the affected product should contact their health care provider.
Pets with Salmonella infections may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, or vomiting. Some pets may experience only a decreased appetite, fever, or abdominal pain. Infected, but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed any of the affected products and is experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
Consumers with additional questions can call our dedicated Customer Care line 24 hours a day,
7 days a week at 800-374-3142. Or, consumers can email Nature’s Variety directly by visiting naturesvariety.com¹.

###

Pet Odor and Stain Remover - CLEAN+GREEN® Review

2010-02-09T14:05:00.008-06:00

Keeping my pets healthy is a job I take serious. I stopped using most all commercial cleaners in my home 6 years ago, after one of my beloved Shelties died of cancer. I was relieved to know the products I cleaned with would not be causing health risks to the animals – but I was never pleased with the way the products worked. So many of the natural cleaners did not work on pet stains. I couldn't use my standard vinegar solution because it wouldn't take the accidental urine odors out of the carpet.

Since I'm a healthy pet nut and was already on the lookout for non-toxic cleaning products I was excited to receive some review samples of a new safe pet area cleaning line of products!

A few days after I got the CLEAN+GREEN® carpet cleaner, Riley the Sheltie was throwing up and Bob the cat decided to use the carpet instead of his perfectly clean litter box. The carpet cleaner worked beautifully on the cat pee. It removed the stain, urine and 100% of the smell. Wow, that's a first for getting rid of pet urine smell!

Unfortunately I didn't have the same great results with the dog vomit. I think I should have sprayed it heavier to soak the area and let it sit longer. Next time, yes there will be a next time, I'll soak the area and let it stay longer before wiping.

* Update… The cat threw up this morning so I used the carpet cleaner and this time it worked wonderfully. I think it has something to do with what the dog vomited as to why the product didn't work the first time…..

I tried the carpet and upholstery cleaner on a stain on the cushions of my rocker. First let me say this stain was actually spilled coconut oil that I had used on the dogs a few days earlier and it spilled while it was melted. It took every bit of the coconut oil stain out, not a trace and this is on a light colored fabric.

My dogs spend a lot of time hanging out with me in the house and they make the carpet and couch smell a bit doggy! I sprayed the leather couch with the furniture refresher. I spayed a small amount on the seat cushions and wiped with a dry cloth. The couch smells fresh and the refreshing product took some of the doggy oils off as well.

I'm glad the products are non-toxic and safe for my pets because Scotty, one of the Shelties, went right to the place I sprayed on the carpet and licked it! I moved him out of the room. He was fine because there are no harmful ingredients in the CLEAN+GREEN® products.

I 100% recommend the CLEAN+GREEN® products for all pets. The products work so much better than any "natural" cleaning products I've tried over the years. And this is an honest review based on my own opinion. I am not being compensated now or ever from the CLEAN+GREEN® company, I did receive free sample products.

Here are a few things to think about - even if you're not a healthy pet nut like me...

According to the Environmental Protection Association (EPA), typical household cleaning products and air fresheners are one of the leading contributors to poor indoor air quality. The agency reports that poor indoor air quality can lead to health issues; animals have faster metabolisms and smaller lungs than humans, and not only are they processing these chemicals at a faster rate, they are also breathing them in more rapidly. Because animals are closer to the ground, they are more often in direct contact with these harmful substances.

CLEAN+GREEN® are the only eco-friendly aerosol pet cleaning products on the planet. Unlike most other cleaning products that can be harmful, require multiple applications and/or only temporarily mask odors, CLEAN+GREEN® delivers instant results in a non-toxic, eco-friendly solution. CLEAN+GREEN® permanently cleans pet stains and eradicates odors. It is safe for pets, people (kids too!), and the planet. Each CLEAN+GREEN® product is individually formulated to address a specific odor/stain problem and can be used on carpet and area rugs, wood floors, tile, cement and all fabrics. The products are non-toxic, non-flammable, non-carcinogenic and will not damage the ozone layer – with no harsh chemicals or perfumes, no VOCs and no CFCs.

CLEAN+GREEN® offers a line of green home cleaning supplies for green carpet cleaning and carpet stain removal, green wood & tile floor cleaning, and green furniture cleaning for pet urine removal, pet stain removal and pet odor removal. The products work on cat urine, dog urine, vomit, hairballs, bird droppings, and small animal urine. They are odor eliminators for cat urine odor, dog urine odor, vomit odor, hairball odor, bird dropping odor, small animal odor, dog smell, cat smell, ferret smell and other small animal smells. CLEAN+GREEN® is a stain remover for urine, feces, vomit, hairballs and any other pet accidents.

Dog and Pet Food Comparison

2010-01-21T08:29:00.005-06:00

Comparing Pet Foods Based Upon What Matters

The First Study Of Its Kind In The Pet Food Industry-

Anyone responsibly choosing food products for their family and pets must have health as the primary objective. Food can indeed impact health more than any other factor. Essentially every degenerative disease is now linked to diet in one way or another. Given that as the starting point, how does the public sort through the confusing clutter of pet foods the marketplace? Each one claims to be better and healthier than the others. But since pet foods are essentially nondescript processed artifacts that cannot be identified as a steak, drumstick, grain of corn or rice, or the like, a lot of trust has to be extended by the consumer.

Contrary to popular belief, regulators do not oversee manufacturing or formulations - rather, only what is said on the pet food label with regard to ingredient nomenclature and nutrient percentages. Regulators also do not control who becomes a pet food company - really anyone can. Since pet food manufacturers can make about any claim in advertising and brochures (and boot leather and rancid soap could create adequate protein and fat percentages, and a pinch of organic caviar and filet mignon in a formulation can make a "new organic caviar and filet mignon" diet), official-looking labeling and literature is meaningless by and large.

Intelligent consumers should be skeptical of all claims based on in-vogue sound bites such as: natural, high protein, breed specific, human grade, organic, no corn or soy, etc. Pet health cannot reduce to one singular feature in one particular packaged product regardless of how much profiteers would like the public to think so and regardless of how much a lazy public (solve all problems with a purchase, a pill, a surgery) would like to reduce it to such simplicity. Everything good in life takes effort. Feeding pets is no exception.

The ideal diet is that diet pets are genetically adapted to - the food in kind and variety they would eat if returned to the wild. That requires thought and meal planning, not just emptying a package into a bowl. This can be accomplished most perfectly by obtaining fresh food from the grocer and preparing meals. Manufactured foods and supplements can also be used but they should come from those who understand this simple archetypal feeding principle and are competent to make pet products as close to that model as possible. Instead, most pet food manufacturers, themselves naively believing nutrition and health come from packages, fill the market with an endless variety of savior foods with "special" ingredients and formulations. Choosing a pet food because a brochure says corn is evil or pets need special diets for their particular size and similar marketing hot buttons, are ruses at best or a show of company incompetence at worst.

This study is designed to provide criteria that cut through mere claims, marketing and propaganda to the core beliefs, credentials, philosophy and principles of the producer. The old adage, "You cannot get blood from a turnip" applies here. If a pet food company has no true health credentials and has an erroneous health and nutrition philosophy, how can healthy food and healthy pets come from that foundation?

Study Design: The following chart was compiled by requesting information from a wide range of natural pet food companies. We chose primarily those companies at the so-called premium end of the scale and those making claims about being innovative and healthy. Interviewers attempted contact by e-mail and/or telephone if the information required was not on the company's web site or in their literature. "NR" (no response) means the company did not provide adequate information in their literature, avoided answering the question when directly asked, or would not respond by attempted personal contact (at least 2 attempts). The significant NR gaps in the chart should be construed as a willful silence so as not to reveal damaging information, unresponsiveness, or an honest lapse in communication.

The 20 billion dollar worldwide pet food market is enticing to the business community. One could only imagine the heyday that would occur in the human food arena if people would apply the same foolishness to feeding their family that they do to their pets. If people would voluntarily eat only one "100% complete" food from a package at every meal, every day, think of the frantic race to capture that market!

Since virtually any person - regardless of nutritional or health skills - with capital can go to any number of private label manufacturers and have "shelf" formulas tweaked slightly to create a "new" brand, the pet food market is a flurry of wannabe moguls. They target a profitable niche and then create the illusion of newness, health, or danger to all pets that do not eat the new wonder brand. The gullible, convenience driven (want one solution in an easy-pour package) pet owning public is the target. It's a modern version of the old snake oil panacea ploy. Sadly, many aspects of the pet food industry have the flavor of a travelling snake oil medicine show. The discerning consumer must ask the appropriate questions of any producer claiming to produce healthy products. The fundamental issues that should be put out of the way before looking at such things as protein %, ingredients, methods of manufacturing and packaging would be the competency of the people in charge at the company, their nutritional philosophy and their efforts to responsibly educate the public. These logical and critical issues have never before been addressed. The reasons why will become apparent to the reader.

Questions That Matter:

Credentials - What are the scientific and health credentials of the owner of the company - the person(s) who determine how the product is designed and promoted? Nutrition is a serious health matter and consumers would be no wiser trusting in the judgment and products from someone without health and nutrition skills as in entrusting brain surgery to a banker. Virtually every pet food company implies that they are expert or have consulted experts. This universal attempt at expert legitimacy in the industry should tell the consumer that it is indeed an important prerequisite to pet food production and marketing. All that is left for the consumer then is to sort truth from fiction. Claiming that veterinarians and breeders have been "consulted' does not qualify as competency since veterinarians have at most one course in nutrition (unless they self-educate postgraduation), and breeders may have no education whatsoever relevant to nutrition, health or food processing. Also, these stamps of authority can be easily purchased. Claiming that nutritionists are consulted only paves the way for balancing of nutrients for the fallacious and harmful "100% complete and balanced pet food" claim. Regardless of who is "consulted,"if the person in charge of the company does not have the competency to sort choices then how can one have confidence in the final product?
The 100% Complete Myth - Does the company promote their product as 100% complete and advocate that it should be fed exclusively, or do they actively educate people that that is an inappropriate way to feed? No scientist knows 100% about anything, let alone nutrition! Exclusive feeding of "complete processed" pet diets is directly linked to a wide range of serious diseases and the practice has resulted in immeasurable death and disease to pets. The claim serves to bind consumers to purchasing a brand but does not advance health or consumer independence. Those who promote exclusive feeding of a processed pet food (regardless of its "special" ingredients) either are ignorant of the facts or are purposely deceiving and thus do not deserve consumer support.
AAFCO Testing - Do they conduct animal testing, including AAFCO pet feeding trials? Nutritional correctness begins with the right philosophy – animals require what they are genetically designed for, and the feeding results require lifetimes to measure. Caging animals and feeding them test diets for several weeks neither proves the 100% complete claim nor does it show sensitivity to the very pets the company claims they care about.
Education - Do they truly educate or merely market? Those putting themselves in a position to feed pets should have a clear and competent health message. At a minimum those presenting important health products (which pet food most certainly is) to the public should be skilled in nutritional science, biochemistry, food processing technology and health. They should be educating the public on how to become independently health sufficient through books, newsletters, presentations and articles, not merely promoting pet products with misleading sound bite laden marketing brochures or product labels. Pet food manufacturers claim to be about pet health and are thus posing themselves as doctors of sort. As a good doctor should be teaching patients what to do so that they do not need him, a pet-feeding "doctor" should be doing much the same, not attempting to create complete product dependence.
Experience - Do they have a significant history of creating pet health and product innovation? Those new on the scene with no real and competent nutritional or health contribution beyond what is already present in the market are clearly opportunists. On the other hand, many years in business do not necessarily prove merit either. To be taken seriously a company must show educational and product innovations that truly advance health. Mere pet product aesthetics – form, shape, color, flavor – ingredient sound bites, and propaganda about completeness and balance do not qualify.
Manufacturing - Does the company own their own manufacturing? Most brands are produced by the same private label manufacturers. In other words, essentially the same product (other than label and brochure claims) is coming off the assembly line but being put in different packages. Food processing can greatly impact the health value of food and a company that is serious about excellent products should either show innovation in manufacturing facilities they control, or have the expertise to properly monitor an outside manufacturer.
Fads - Does the company promote sound bite fad issues in a beguiling and obvious attempt to lure customers, or even to turn them away from other brands? Examples of obvious marketing promotions include exclusive feeding of so-called 100% complete foods, exclusive feeding of breed- age- and size-specific brands, boasts about not having boogeyman ingredients such as corn, wheat, soy, by-products, meals, digests, poultry, beef, etc., claims about organic ingredients, natural, human grade, USDA, FDA, AAFCO approval, feeding trials, meat, protein, omega-3s, rawness, etc. Although there may be elements in some of these features that might have something to do with health, but taken as a singular focus by consumers they can do more harm than good. Fad nutritional ideas make consumers reliant on a product, not informed as to how to feed for health.

Results:

A cursory review of the chart demonstrates that only one pet food company scores properly in all criteria. Most companies were extremely hesitant to answer the questions. Many tried to obfuscate and many simply would not reply. (For example, why would a company want the public to know that their supposed complex health products are being developed by people who do not have scientific, medical, or nutritional expertise and competence?) Why are questions from consumers like this not reasonable? Why are they not being asked?

It is clear from the number of non-responsive (NRs) companies in our survey that the industry by and large knows what is right, they just are not doing it either because they don’t care or it is too expensive to put resources into education to teach people to be health independent. Also, meaningful research and development requires staffing with capable people who are costly. It would also mean that the businessmen at the top would have to relinquish control of formulations and processing to those with competence and principles other than the bottom line.

This study may seem at first glance self-serving but it is simply the way the data falls because the focus of nearly the entire pet food industry focuses on profit and marketing related issues peripheral to true health. We could have used different criteria such as advertising effectiveness, marketing expertise, business expertise, financial resources, size of sales force, advocacy of 100% complete feeding, rate of growth, willingness to follow the market, promotion of nutritional fads – no corn or soy, human grade, no by-products, no meat meals, organic, natural and the like (See The Pet Food Ingredient Game) – prettiness of packaging and brochures, etc. (The company who won the present study would lose on that one...) Unfortunately money and fad ideas are the usual criteria to measure pet food company and product merit. Companies read business charts and profit and loss statements, not scientific and medical journals. On the other hand, using company resources to empower consumers with the knowledge to take control of their own health destiny is the furthest thing from their minds. Companies want consumer dependence, not independence.

No pet food company (other than one) has clearly brought the health of pets forward as the number one agenda. No other company actually teaches people how to be so health independent that they need not buy any processed packaged product. That is a measure of the underlying sincerity and honesty consumers should prioritize in their selection process, and a guide for where they should turn for honest health information.

Preface To The Chart:

Although the names of the companies have been X’d out, the data that remains reflects accurately the results (in spite of the fact that the contrast between others and Wysong is so remarkable). Since the information was gathered by telephone, e-mail and literature survey and those who responded (or did not) may not have properly represented the company in question, we decided that it would be most fair not to identify the companies. We also felt it best that you, the consumer, do the investigation. No argument ever defeats direct experience. Since many producers have been alerted now to the questions in this study and have had time to prepare, you may not get quite the same reaction our researchers did catching them off guard. Nevertheless the truth will emerge as you press them for answers.

Asking The Questions:

You must begin your investigation of a pet food manufacturer with distrust and skepticism. You cannot tacitly believe what is printed on a bag or in advertising. When money is involved, people (which companies are made of, remember) can mislead, distort, fabricate and outright lie. That is a fact of life. Just because a pet food package or brochure looks official does not mean that what is said accurately reflects what is really going on. There are no pet food policemen. Regulators only step in to make sure nomenclature on packaging is standardized. For example, they make sure that protein % is listed but they do not control what is actually put in the package that creates the protein. They make sure producers say "beef" and not "cow" but they do not control whether what is really in the product is ground up old leather coats or not. This is not to suggest that old leather coats go into pet food, just to say that it could happen and you, the consumer, would not know. Thus trust becomes everything.

An enormous amount of faith is extended when pet foods are purchased. Your job is not to find out which company "says" they are natural, holistic, organic, soy-free, human grade, veterinary recommended or the like, but to find out if what the company says should be trusted and if the company is really qualified to be entrusted with your pet's health.

These are the questions (left to right in chart) you need to ask companies to make your trust warranted:

What are the credentials of the owner of the company - the person who has final say about how the products are made? Several tried to distract or obfuscate when the investigators in our study asked this one, and most just refused to respond. For those who do respond, you will have to decide if a tax attorney, used car salesman, former pet store worker or businessman (some of the actual responses we uncovered) are who you should look to with confidence for overseeing your pet's nutritional health. It is not enough to say that a veterinarian or some other expert designed the products. (Almost all of them cite an expert somewhere at some time they have used.) Anybody can say such things and experts can be paid to lend their name. You must insist on getting at the credentials of the person who makes the decisions. (One claimed an advanced degree in nutrition and work toward a "PhD" but we could not find the evidence for it, and the advertising and literature written by this person abounded with myth and factual errors not characteristic of someone with advanced scientific education.)

The only parallel in the human food arena to 100% complete and balanced pet foods is baby formula. The companies producing these formulas are staffed with doctorate level researchers even though the government has long ago prohibited the complete and balanced claim on baby formulas (too much sickness and death when a fabricated food is fed exclusively). But the pet food industry abounds with companies with no credentials - yet they are allowed to market "complete and balanced" pet foods. It is an enigma and a contradiction all in one.
Does the company say, in one form or another, that their products can or should be fed exclusively because they are "complete and balanced"? This claim is intended to create consumer dependence and may be the greatest contributor to your pet's eventual failed health. (See The Myth of 100% Complete Processed Pet Foods, Wysong Institute) As Dr. Wysong's message has gotten out over the past three decades, some producers now hedge when asked the question. You will need to determine whether they actually teach people how to feed for health or just respond in a way to stay out of trouble on their indefensible position of feeding only one food meal after meal. If pressure from you the consumer mounts, companies will change their "complete and balanced" message. Some have already, but following the Wysong lead because of fear of losing customers is not a reason for you to extend trust to them.
Do they attempt to prove that their food is 100% complete by performing caged animal AAFCO feeding trials? Not only is this faulty science since a few weeks staying alive in a cage does not prove true health merits, but it is inhumane to the caged animals. Also, attempting to prove the 100% complete claim is proof that the pet food company does not understand the nutritional and health consequences of feeding singular foods. Although some companies now make claims about how they do not do such feeding trials, merely following Wysong's lead for fear of losing customers is not a reason to extend trust to them. If your heart and knowledge is in the right place, you lead, not follow.
Does the company produce literature that competently teaches people how to enhance their pet's health or is it mere product promotion? If a company's heart is truly in helping people and pets and they have important knowledge, then their literature should reflect that. It should make sense, accord with current science, be documented with scientific references and be abundant. Marketing brochures with polish, claims, endorsements, and lots of marketing hot buttons do not reflect an underlying interest in you, the consumer. Look for selfless information that helps you truly learn and become health independent, not just be a profit center for them.
How long have they been producing products and information with true health merit? Over the past thirty years Wysong has been first in virtually every pet health innovation that could be considered truly natural or holistic. But dozens of companies have come on the scene since, taken a few of the Wysong ideas and ingredients, even "borrowed" Wysong product names and lifted phraseology out of Wysong literature and then made bold claims about being "first" or the "only." When an innovation is already in the market, those who come from behind and copy it in one form or another show their true motive - profit. If the heart and knowledge is where it should be a company leads, not copies and follows. You will need to decide if upstart companies who copy, or older companies with a new "natural" facelift, deserve trust that your pet's best health interests are theirs as well.
Do they own their own manufacturing? Our researchers found that most all of the respondents were really uncomfortable with this question. Some refused to say, others did not answer and some misled. For example, one company with dried, freeze-dried, canned and frozen products said they manufactured all their own products. The facts we found were that they only did some of their own freezing but none of the dried, freeze-dried or canned - the vast majority of their business. All companies make claims about being "first," the "only" and "innovative," but it is pretty hard to support that claim when your products are being made in a private label manufacturer and are rolling off the same line as a hundred other brands. One newer company attempts to copy Wysong's important concept of cold processing by saying their product is cold produced. But their product is made in the same plant that heat processed foods are made in and on the same line!

It may be impossible for a growing company to gear up to produce all their products and meet demand, and thus using contract manufacturers may be necessary. Wysong must do some of that. However, we carefully stipulate formulas and processes in those circumstances. In the main we manufacture all of our own products and invest millions of dollars in research and in processing technology to do it. True innovation would be impossible for us otherwise. Most, however, find it much cheaper and easier to just talk the talk rather than spending the money and gaining the knowledge to walk the walk. You should press companies on this issue and form your own conclusions.

NR - means the company did not reply, did not reveal the information in literature, refused to reveal when personally contacted or provided vague or misleading information. Partial/? - means the company only produces some of its products and has private label manufacturers produce the rest. Most would not reveal the percentage.

*Spokesman stated they were the manufacturer but other information revealed that at least their canned, freeze-dried and extruded foods were manufactured by an outside private label company.

**This company is a large publicly traded company. As such they usually have professionally skilled people employed but their efforts are usually toward such things as production efficiency, profitability, conventional reductionistic nutrition and product design to capture sales. We could not find information that they teach people the dangers of the 100% complete myth or how to be health independent.

1. The question of what is the academic and technical expertise of the CEO, the person(s) who makes the final decision about how the foods are made and what goes into them. 1a - B.S. biology/chemistry; DVM, former practitioner and surgeon, Researcher, Educator, Food technologist, over 200 health newsletters, 300+ health, nutrition and medical inventions; 1b - businessman; 1c - pet industry; 1d - network marketing; 1e - degrees in Ag Business & tax law, Executive Vice-President of Business and New Product Development has no professional food, science, or health background; 1f - animal advocate; 1g - former vet clinic manager; 1h - public accountant.

2. The question of whether the company advocates that their pet food be fed as an exclusive diet to pets or that it be fed continuously as part of any feeding program.

3. The question of whether the company attempted to prove nutritional merit or the 100% complete pet food claim by subjecting caged animals to AAFCO feeding trials.

4. Company information was examined to see if they offered non-product oriented educational literature that teaches people the dangers of exclusive feeding of processed pet foods and instruction on how to feed pets without purchasing any commercially prepared foods at all.

5. The question of how long has the company been producing innovative pet products focused on health and educating consumers on how to make product independent health choices.

6. The question of whether the company owned the manufacturing facilities that produced the pet foods they promote.

Source Wysong Holistic Pet Food

Keeping Dogs Safe In Cars

2010-01-20T13:18:00.005-06:00

In this article, "How to Secure Your Dog While Traveling", we will look at the best ways to protect your canine when taking him along with you on car trips.

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Have you ever seen a dog fall out of the back of a pickup truck? Have you ever seen a dog hanging on a rope off the side of a pickup truck? Have you ever seen a panic stricken dog struggling to keep its balance in the back of a pickup truck? Pretty dismal situation for a dog, isn't it?

According to a SPCA representative it is the law to have your dog secured in a vehicle. There does not appear to be a guideline to how to secure your dog. Nor is the law being enforced.

However, if you love your dog, ensure its safety when you are traveling with it in any type of vehicle.

We secure ourselves with seatbelts and our small children and babies with appropriate sized car seats.

Why not protect our beloved pets?

There are many brands of dog cages available through pet stores. When purchasing one for your dog, buy one that offers enough room for the dog to turn around and lie down, but also is small enough to offer comfort and security. Dogs are feral animals, that is, they are happy in a den.

If caging your dog, make sure the cage is secure. Cages can slide around and get projected from an open vehicle in an accident. If your vehicle isn't large enough to accommodate a cage, then use one of the many seat belt adapters or harnesses that can be used to secure your dog. Save your dog from being tossed around in a car.

The simple act of slamming on your breaks to avoid an accident could cause your dog to fall off the seat and possibly get injured. Save yourself grief and possible veterinarian bills due to your pet being injured in your vehicle, SECURE YOUR DOG. And make sure your dog has ID tags or discs.

Remember................

BUCKLE UP, IT'S THE LAW.

SECURE YOUR DOG, IT'S THE LAW.

Reprinted with permission by Terrie Simpson, K9 Klearup. Terrie has been involved in the dog world for over 28 years and has achieved numerous awards with her Springer Spaniels in tracking and obedience. Over that time, she has amassed a good amount of knowledge about how to keep a dog healthy. She is now happy to give back by sharing her experience with other dog owners.

Get the best of the canine world right to your inbox - Signup today for the K9Kourier weekly newsletter at K9 Klearup and receive a FREE 41 minute MP3 download on "Natural Ways To Care For Your Canine".

Pet Food Guide For Health Issues

2010-01-20T07:48:00.001-06:00

I believe that pet lovers really try to do the best for their beloved animals. Many times the care we give our pets is lacking because of not enough information or bad info. A lot of the bad information we get is from big corporations using their marketing ploys on us.

The biggest bad marketing is for pet food. Pets are not supposed to eat by-products, corn, fillers and all the other junk in the bags of mass produced pet foods. Pictures of grain, chicken, fruits and vegetables does not mean our pets are getting those things in the package of food. Reading the ingredients isn't always easy either.

Did you know that certain health conditions can be helped with special attention to the pet's food? It's not too difficult to find a food with limited ingredients (limited but good) for the dog with ear infections. Or foods that offer relief to the dog with digestive problems.

The important thing to remember is to feed your pet a natural healthy food. Holistic pet food is the best way to add years to your pet's life and manage some health problems they may already have.

Wysong has a learning section that I refer to often. Visit this one to learn more about diet guides for pet health conditions.

We love our pets and with the right information we can give them the best care for many years!

Stop Dogs From Barking

2010-01-19T13:04:00.005-06:00

This guest post is brought to you by Dog Fence DIY's staff veterinarian Dr. Susan Wright. Dog Fence DIY will help you choose the right system for you, help you install it, and help train your pet to use your new pet containment system. Dog Fence DIY has a variety of stubborn dog fence systems to choose from at the best available price.

All dogs bark, and they bark for a number of reasons. They may have nothing to do and are seeking some attention and entertainment, they may be cross that the neighbor's cat is daring to step inside their backyard, or they could be feeling stressed and anxious. They could also be letting you know that someone suspicious is around - I'm quite happy for my dogs to bark under those circumstances!

Sometimes the barking can become excessive, and it can lead to disgruntled neighbors who are annoyed by the constant intrusion on their peace and quiet. What can you do if your dog is barking too much?

Dog owners usually respond in two ways when their dog is barking. They ignore the dog and hope it shuts up, which doesn't work. Alternatively, they get annoyed at the dog, and yell at it to be quiet, which also doesn't work.

It's very important that you work out why your dog is barking. Perhaps you own an intelligent, high energy dog and he's not getting enough exercise or mental stimulation.

Perhaps your dog has separation anxiety. If this is the case, you need to take great care in managing his barking, or you may stress him even more and make things worse. It may be worth your while visiting a veterinary behaviorist to get to the bottom of his barking problem, so you can start the right treatment for it.

Here are some general guidelines to help you manage your dog's barking.

1. Anti-bark collars will spray your dog with citronella, give him a little electric shock, or emit a shrill noise when he barks. The idea is that if he has something negative happen every time he barks, it will break his annoying habit. They don't always work.

2. If your dog is barking because he is bored, give him extra exercise. Take him to obedience or agility classes so he can use all that mental energy too. If you have to leave him, you can purchase enrichment toys which will keep him entertained while you're away.

3. One way to manage barking is to take your dog inside your home when he's noisy, particularly if he's barking at the neighbors or passers by. This isn't always possible, particularly if you're at work all day.

4. Muzzles can help control barking, but it's important that if you want to try this, you choose a muzzle that allows your dog to open his mouth and pant. This will prevent him overheating. He must also be able to drink with the muzzle on. Having said that, I'd not advise leaving your dog unattended with a muzzle on, so this isn't a good solution if you're not home.

5. Some people who are at the end of their tether will choose to have their dog surgically debarked. This procedure won't stop the barking, but it will make it quieter and more tolerable to your neighbors. Any surgical procedure has risks, and this really is a last resort. It may also not be as effective as you'd like, and your dog's bark, although quieter, is still annoying.

It can be very difficult solving a dog's excessive barking. It can take time and effort, and if you need a veterinary behaviorist, it can cost a few dollars. It's worth it though. Dogs bark for a reason and if you can resolve his problem, he'll be happier. So will your neighbors!

My favorite dog show and dog supply store Cherrybrook offers free shipping on orders $50 or more with code LSFFS. Expires Feb 28, 2010

Merrick Dog Treats Recalled Jan. 2010

2010-01-15T13:37:00.000-06:00

FDA Health Alert for Merrick Beef Filet Squares Dog Treats Packaged and Distributed by Merrick Pet Care
Products may be contaminated with Salmonella

The U. S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to use Merrick Beef Filet Squares for dogs distributed by Merrick Pet Care with a package date of “Best By 111911” because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The product was distributed nationwide through retail stores and Internet sales.

Although no illnesses associated with these products have been reported, the FDA is advising consumers in possession of these products not to handle or feed them to their pets.

In December 2009, the FDA conducted routine testing of Merrick Beef Filet Squares and detected a positive finding for Salmonella. A follow-up inspection found deficiencies in the packaging and manufacturing processes.

Salmonella can affect both humans and animals. People handling dry pet treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the treats or any surfaces exposed to these products. Consumers should dispose of these products in a safe manner by securing them in a covered trash receptacle.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella may experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Although rare, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their health care provider immediately.

Pets with Salmonella infections may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets may experience only a decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected, but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed any of the affected product or is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

The affected Merrick Beef Filet Squares were packaged in a 10-ounce green, red and tan re-sealable plastic bag. The “best by” date is imprinted on the top portion of the bag, which is torn off when the bag is opened. The FDA recommends that consumers who are unable to determine the “best by” date discontinue use of the product.

Consumers can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food and pet treat products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in their area. Please see http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/ReportaProblem/ucm182403.htm for additional information.

Caring For Your Dog's Feet

2010-01-05T14:07:00.005-06:00

Dog Health Care Article:

How To Care For Your Dog's Feet
And Save On Vet Bills Down The Line


Even though it may be an obvious fact, dogs have four feet. These four feet
have no protection. As the caregivers for our companions, we need to take
special care of our pets feet to ensure their pads do not become over calloused
or tender.

Be careful not to overexercise your pet, ensuring that they do not get
blisters or split pads. Exercise should start slowly and increase gradually.
It is not a wise idea to exercise your dog by forcing it to run alongside a
bicycle or car, as you cannot readily check for exhaustion or foot problems.
Your exercise program should end by checking the condition of your pets feet.

Grooming is an essential part of the care of our pets feet. Ensure your dog
gets it's nails clipped regularly. Overgrown nails will curl into the dogs pads.
Nails can also split if not clipped. Long nails can also cause a dog's feet to
spread or splay. Trimming the hair around the pads can also reduce the
amount debris that can get lodged between the pads which will cause injury.

After walks or exercise run your fingers over and between the pads checking
for stuck materials such as rocks, gum, thorns, glass, impacted snow/ice, etc.
Also check for sore spots. As you get to know your dog, check for spreading or
splaying. In older dogs conditions such as arthritis may cause splaying.

At certain times of the year there may be bio-hazards on the ground from
people using fertilizers, weed killers, or chemicals used for ice or snow removal.
It may be wise to wash your dogs feet with warm water and baking soda
regularly after your walk or exercise period.

If your pets feet are sore, reduce exercise and bathe the feet.
If the condition persists consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Your pets feet are their means of mobility.


Reprinted with permission by Terrie Simpson. Terrie has been involved
in the dog world for over 28 years and has achieved numerous awards
with her Springer Spaniels in tracking and obedience. Over that time,
she has amassed a good amount of knowledge about how to keep a
dog healthy. She is now happy to give back by sharing her experience
with other dog owners.

Get the best of the canine world right to your inbox -
Sign up today for the K9Kourier weekly newsletter at K9 KlearUp
and receive a FREE 41 minute MP3 download on
"Natural Ways To Care For Your Canine".

#1 Reason Pets Health Will Be Jeopardized

2010-01-05T09:30:00.006-06:00

Pet lovers wouldn't think of purposely risking their pet's safety or health. Yet it happens once or twice everyday for pets everywhere. Read on to see if you are guilty of this #1 Reason Pets Health Will Be Jeopardized.

Disease is typically not something that "just happens." It is not just genetics or something that "strikes us." It is by and large what we do to ourselves and our pets. We do not have to be victims, we can take control.

Consider this, domestic animals suffer from an overabundance of illnesses and diseases that are virtually absent in wild canine/feline populations. Obesity, dental problems, cancer, organ disease, arthritis, autoimmunities, diabetes, and heart and vascular diseases are virtually absent in the wild. But pets with these conditions fill veterinary offices.

The cause, therefore, must be something unique to modernity. It must be something that we force upon pets that is not normal to their natural living circumstance.

The starkest contrast between wild and domestic animals is in the foods consumed. Wild canines/felines subsist on a number of food sources in their raw unadulterated state. Domestic canines/felines are made to consume heat degraded processed pet foods meal after meal. These foods bare little resemblance to the foods they are genetically designed to consume.

These foods may have the approval of regulators and are called "complete and balanced," but clearly they are not.

You can change that starting today by selecting processed foods that are as close to nature as possible, rotating the diet, and supplementing with raw meats, bones, organs and other whole fresh foods as we will teach you in these Truths.

Wysong Pet Food

Thought for the day: "I think I could turn and live with animals, they are so placid and self-contained, I stand and look at them long and long." Walt Whitman

Word for the day: inulin- a group of naturally occurring plant polysaccharides that exert the prebiotic effect of enhancing the growth of beneficial (probiotic) intestinal microorganisms.

Dog Acne Cure

2009-10-17T13:23:00.006-05:00

How to Get Rid of Dog Acne

As humans we experience skin problems like acne at least once in our lives, but what most don't realize is that we aren't the only ones who need attention when it comes to annoying acne. Believe it or not, our dogs also have the tendency to develop what is commonly known as canine acne, a skin problem caused by the blockage of hair follicles due to substances like keratin and sebum that are plugging debris within the pores.

This kind of skin disorder is common among certain breeds, particularly for 5 to 8 month-old English bulldogs, Boxers, Great Danes, Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers.

So how can you tell if your dog has acne? Dogs that have this kind of skin problem develop multiply blackheads or comedones in areas like the muzzle, lips, and chin. If left untreated, canine acne can develop swellings, scabs, and more blackheads, which normally do not affect the dog unless these develop into a secondary skin infection that could cause irritation, itching, and of course pain. If you think your dog's lips or chin have blackheads and swellings that might develop into a chronic type of skin disease, the best solution is to take him or her to the local vet for treatment.

Unfortunately, most canine acne cases cannot be cured entirely but it can be controlled with proper treatment and medication.
The vet would normally base his or her findings on the dog's blackheads, but for further assurance he or she might perform a skin biopsy on the dog. This is also to ensure that the canine acne isn't caused by more severe problems such as mite infestations (demodecosis), ringworms, puppy strangles, and other allergies that could be causing the blackheads and swelling to develop.

Here are some options for canine acne treatment:

- The vet will usually recommend regular cleaning of the infected areas with anti-acne products such as benzoyl peroxide or mild anti-seborrhea shampoos in order to lessen and rid the dog of the bacteria that causes the plugging of debris within the skin and to remove such debris effectively.

- Antibiotics may be needed and prescribed if the canine acne becomes worse due to secondary skin infections that could cause incessant itching, scratching, and pain on the dog. The antibiotics are usually needed for 3 to 4 weeks, but there is a possibility that a swab test would be required for further observation. Make sure that the medications used are prescribed from a well-rounded veterinarian so as to prevent further pain and damage from happening to your pet.

- Of course, if things have gotten worse and you see your dog scratching endlessly on the infected parts (especially the face), it would be best to use an anti-inflammatory drug, which usually comes in the form of either a steroid cream or injection that will be able to lessen the discomfort your dog feels. Again, consult the veterinarian first before buying these drugs to ensure the safety of your dog's health.

I also recommend you check out products that naturally help to clear up canine acne by working with your dog's immune system. Some of these products will also help to relieve scratching and itching that may develop as a result of the acne.

Brandon Roe is the developer of K9 KlearUp -, the world’s only all-natural dog balm that helps clear up the 17 most common canine skin and coat problems... Guaranteed or your money back.

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Safe, Fun Exercise With Your Dog

2009-09-07T17:00:00.005-05:00

Dog Health Care Article:

How To Give Your Dog The Exercise He Needs To Stay Happy And Healthy - Without Overdoing It

In this article, "How To Give Your Dog The Exercise He Needs To Stay Happy And Healthy - Without Overdoing It", you will be presented with some tips and techniques on how to develop an appropriate dog exercise for you and your canine.

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One of the factors one has to consider when choosing a dog is the amount of time you are prepared to spend exercising your dog. Just like humans dogs need regular exercise in order to have a healthy life. The amount of exercise depends on the sex, age, health, and breed of dog. Males of most species of animals are generally more energetic and have more stamina than females. A puppy will have endless energy, where as a mature or overweight dog may not have the same level of energy. Dogs which have been developed as hunters, retrievers, herders, or work dogs require more exercise than a dog which has been bred as a companion dog. Dogs which have high energy and stamina also require a lot of exercise to stay healthy and happy. Non-sporting, non-working, and toy breeds require less exercise. The short leg and toy breeds of dogs will burn lots of energy on short walks or playing around home.

After you have decided on the type of dog based on the amount of exercise it requires and the amount of time you and your family can devote to your dog, the next factor to consider is who will exercise the dog and when. Dogs are creatures of habit and require regular routines. A regular walking routine will also help you in training your dog to relieve itself outdoors. Don't forget to "Poop and Scoop".

Before embarking on an exercise program for you and your dog, it cannot be stressed too lightly to have medical checkups with your physician and the dogs vet. Seek advice from professional trainers. The Canadian Kennel Club, breed clubs, special interest clubs, and veterinarians can all recommend a good professional trainer. Just like humans, dogs need to start with a moderate exercise program to condition and strengthen their muscles, joints, and respiratory systems. A dogs owner needs to choose proper exercise shoes and a dog needs to toughen up it's foot pads.

Be careful not to over-exercise either you or your dog. A devoted dog which has a strong desire to please won't give up until it collapses. Watch for signs of fatigue such as excessive panting, bleeding pads, vacant stares, or loss of color in lips or face. Make sure both you and your dog have ample water and are dressed appropriately. For the human this will be shoes, clothes and hat. For the dog, it will be collar, harness and leash, based on the type of exercise.

There are many ways to exercise a dog. Walking, running, free running, playing games and sports. Walking is a moderate exercise that is good for puppies, older dogs, overweight and ill dogs. Running is an exercise a dog can do in conjunction with it's owner as he/she jogs. It is not a wise idea to run your dog beside a bicycle or behind a vehicle. There is no assurance that the dog will not be hit by a passing vehicle. Because of the owners lack of proximity, they may not be aware of the dogs fatigue or condition of their foot pads.

Free-running allows the dog to run completely free. Caution should be exercised here. Check with your Municipal Government for a list of parks where the dog is allowed off leash. There are also factors to consider such as the other free-running dogs not having had their shots or not being socialized. Sporting dogs may take off after wildlife and open male dogs make take off looking for females in heat. Don't take that leash off your dog unless you are one hundred percent sure your dog will stop and return on command.

Playing is also a good source of exercise especially when space is limited or if you have a short legged or toy dog. It's also and excellent way to bond with your dog. Playing fetch with a ball, stick or Frisbee is a game that all dogs love. Tug of war is a good exercise for developing shoulder and leg muscles. Caution should be taken with puppies and older dogs who have few or loose teeth. In addition to regular daily exercise there are clubs to join where both the owner and dog get to exercise and socialize. There are obedience, tracking, agility, flyball, lure coursing, field, and hunting clubs.

Check with your local vet or the Canadian Kennel Club for more information to contact the professional trainers in these clubs.

Reprinted with permission by Terrie Simpson, www.k9Klearup. com . Terrie has been involved in the dog world for over 28 years and has achieved numerous awards with her Springer Spaniels in tracking and obedience. Over that time, she has amassed a good amount of knowledge about how to keep a dog healthy. She is now happy to give back by sharing her experience with other dog owners.

Get the best of the canine world right to your inbox - Signup today for the K9Kourier weekly newsletter at K9 Klear Up and receive a FREE 41 minute MP3 download on "Natural Ways To Care For Your Canine".

Facts About Puppy Mills

2009-09-07T10:03:00.001-05:00

THE TRUTH ABOUT PUPPY MILLS

Every year, millions of puppies are mass-produced at puppy mills. Most of these dogs are shipped to pet stores across the country. Many more are sold directly to the public, either through the Internet or newspaper ads. Pet stores are not required to inform their customers that their new dog came from a puppy mill, and classified ads are not obligated to tell potential buyers if the puppies they’re selling were born and raised in dismal conditions.

Even though most puppy mills are inspected and licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, loopholes in the system allow many mills to get away with poor living conditions for their dogs. The facilities where these puppies are bred are often filthy and overcrowded. Their construction usually consists of a number of small wooden or wire crates and cages that are stacked one on top of the other or cramped side by side. Some of the larger dogs in puppy mills, like those used only for breeding, are barely able to turn around in their tiny cages.

Because the dogs are often underfed and lack proper veterinary care, there are a number of medical issues commonly found in mill dogs, including epilepsy, cataracts, personality disorders, periodontal disease, and mammary tumors. Also, because the dogs receive little in the way of human companionship, their social skills are often lacking, making them problematic house pets.
Unfortunately, the shocking level of neglect and carelessness in puppy mills goes on mostly unhindered. The plight of mill dogs has yet to be resolved.

RESOURCES ABOUT PUPPY MILLS:

Last Chance for Animals

The Human Society of the United States

North Shore Animal League America

North Shore Animal League America, the world’s largest animal rescue and adoption organization, has rescued, rehabilitated and found permanent homes for many victims of these cruel puppy mills, and offers a free Puppy Mill Behavior Profile and Pet Rehabilitation Guide.

Puppy mills thrive because they exist out of the public eye. Though they are legal, it's a breeding factory for puppies that has been the cause of many behavior and medical problems. Learn more about the undercover world of puppy mills.

Puppy mills are factory-like facilities that produce large numbers of purebred puppies.

Puppy mills use the internet and newspaper ads to sell directly to the public, as well as selling their puppies through pet stores.

According to The Humane Society of the United States, exhaustive documentation on the problems surrounding puppy mills include the following: “overbreeding, inbreeding, minimal veterinary care, poor quality of food and shelter, lack of human socialization, overcrowded cages and the killing of unwanted animals.

Buying a dog from a puppy mill, either directly of indirectly, may likely lead to having an animal that will need urgent veterinary care or caring for whatever genetic diseases the animal may be carrying. These symptoms may not surface for several years into the animal’s life.

The greatest victims in the puppy mill problem are the breeding parents, because they will live their life in that cage and it generally ends fairly brutally.

There are about one to two hundred thousand dogs in puppy mills at any given time in the United States.

All breeds of dogs are at risk of being bred in a puppy mill; even larger ones like Saint Bernards.

It’s common to see chronic infection in puppy mills, such as chronic eye infections, chronic ear infections that lead to blindness and deafness. Dental disease is a also huge problem.

© The Humane Society of the United States.

Watch videos with Cesar Millan

More info National Geographic Channel

All Natural Female Seeks Male Companionship!

2009-07-22T10:46:00.003-05:00

This has to be one of the best singles ads ever printed. It is reported to have been listed in the Atlanta Journal.

SINGLE BLACK FEMALE seeks male companionship, ethnicity unimportant.

I'm a very good girl who LOVES to play.

I love long walks in the woods, riding in your pickup truck, hunting, camping and fishing trips, cozy winter nights lying by the fire.

Candlelight dinners will have me eating out of your hand.

I'll be at the front door when you get home from work, wearing only what nature gave me.. Call (404) 875-6420 and ask for Daisy, I'll be waiting....

Please scroll down ...

Over 150 men found themselves talking to the Atlanta Humane Society.

Underground Railroad Dog - Cat Rescue Brings Pets to MN

2009-07-20T20:35:00.004-05:00

To Jimmie Williams, the pickup truck looked like salvation on wheels.

"There they are! I can see 'em!" he shouted as the truck pulled into a parking lot.

Out tumbled three dogs, bedraggled after their three-day journey. Saved from being euthanized in Kentucky, they sniffed around the legs of their rescuers, looking a little confused.

"I can't tell you how good this feels," said Williams, who was delighted to be adopting a rescued dog.

The trip was another small triumph for a new — and controversial — transportation system for animals.

In only a few years, the network has sprung up, saving thousands of dogs and cats from euthanasia in states that can't — or won't — support their own animal-welfare systems.

Supporters call it a new "underground railway." And like the transportation system that saved slaves in the 19th century, this one runs only one direction — from south to north.

It can involve truck caravans carrying up to 100 dogs. Or it can include a 900-mile airplane relay from Virginia to Minnesota to save a single cat, as happened June 25.

The flow into Minnesota is swelling rapidly — despite the fact that this state kills more than 20,000 of its own dogs and cats every year.

Read full story here.

After reading the story I read every comment to get a good idea of reactions. The following comment echoes my feelings but I can almost understand a few other well written, well thought out comments.

"It is immoral and unethical to transport animals to areas that are still euthanizing. It is wrong to bring in more animals when an area is saturated already with animals sitting in their shelters. These groups that do so are the problem, not the solution. It is their duty to serve their community first and they are failing to do so. Not having the "right" kinds of dogs for their "customers" is not an excuse. For every animal that is transported into the area and adopted, a shelter animal loses its life. Then these same groups will turn around and criticize the shelter for euthanizing when the blood is really on their hands for taking homes away. Disgusting, absolutely disgusting."

Read full story here.

23 Dogs found dead and dying in cornfield

2009-07-20T18:47:00.003-05:00

I can't even try to understand why anyone would leave 23 dogs to die in a cornfield. It happened and now the jury says "Guilty on all counts." Denise Withee testified she had left almost 2 dozen dogs to die in the cornfield. The Iowa woman was convicted on 3 felony counts of abandonment and cruel neglect of animals.

I have so many questions for this person. Why did she have 23 dogs? Why did she dump them to die? Would she do it again if she thought no one would know?

According to state statutes she faces a maximum of 15 years in prison.

It's so sad that these dogs died - the guilty verdict is a step in the right direction for animal welfare and protection. Animals are not disposable! Animals are not garbage!

Full story from KHAS TV

Watch video

About Wysong - Best Dog Food 2009

2009-06-17T11:42:00.005-05:00

I will be posting a series for the Best Dog Food of 2009 - My pick Wysong over the next few weeks. Check back for details and helpful tips on finding the best pet food and supplements for your dog, cat, ferret or even horses.

About Wysong - Learn about the company, background and Dr. Wysong

For nearly thirty years we have let principle lead and have helped people achieve better health for themselves and their pets with competent and honest information and products. The premium, natural, and organic health products and information on this site represent tens of thousands of hours in research and development spanning nearly thirty years. We see our business as a place of trust, fiduciary responsibility, and conscience. Many of the “natural” changes you see in the market were begun right here at Wysong.

We were originated by, and are presently led by, health professionals who have come to see that nature is the ultimate origin of health. Our purpose is to help people take control of their own health destiny. Wysong products, and especially our information, make it easy to be healthy and fit because true health comes from an informed mind.

Our best product is information, much of which is free on this website. We offer Dr. Wysong's books, monographs, CDs, and newsletters (covering topics on supplements, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and other nutraceuticals, as well as holistic health, disease care, holistic veterinary approaches, preventive care, dieting, natural therapy, sports supplements, natural anabolics, alkaline water, orthotic insoles, skin care, beauty, personal care, natural shampoos, organic cereal, prescription pet diets, premium dog food, cat food, ferret food, equine food, and more).

Over 300 healthy human products, cat foods and supplements, dog foods and supplements, ferret foods, and horse feed and supplements are offered to you on our sites. What we discover of value in humans, we apply to animals, and vice versa. All creatures share the same need for natural nutrition as nature intended. All creatures can enjoy health by abiding the same natural principles.

We are a small company with a big goal - we want our work to help you and your loved ones be healthy. To do this we develop and manufacture our own products based on sound science and using nature as the principle. We are not middlemen and these are not ‘me-too’ products intended only to capture a market. Moreover, if you avail yourself of the education and health newsletters you will learn how to achieve the best health potential for you, your family, and pets, without having to rely on any manufactured products at all - even ours. As with any good doctor, we serve people best if we can teach them how to not need us.

If you are a thinking person serious about health, we are here for you.

About Wysong FAQ

1.Q: Where did the name "Wysong" come from?
A: That is the name of our founder and present director, Dr. Wysong.

2. Q: How long have you been in business?
A: Since about 1979. Dr. Wysong began with clinical and surgical inventions, and branched into the various facets you see today as his research demonstrated the problems in conventional medicine and the importance of prevention.

3. Q: What is Dr. Wysong's background?
A: Dr. Wysong has a B.S. in biology and chemistry and a DVM in veterinary surgery and medicine. At the college level he has taught human anatomy, physiology and origin of life courses. He also has practiced veterinary clinical surgery and medicine for over 30 years. Dr. Wysong has engaged in research and development of surgical, clinical, nutritional, food processing and nutraceutical products with an emphasis on prevention and natural therapeutics.
Publications include technical journal articles on nutrition, health care, embryology, and surgical techniques. He has authored a monthly health newsletter since 1987. His books include Lipid Nutrition - Understanding Fats and Oils in Health and Disease, The Synorgon Diet - Achieving Healthy Weight in a World of Excess, Rationale for Animal Nutrition, The Truth About Pet Foods and numerous technical product monographs.
Both the company by his name, and the non-profit Wysong Institute, were founded by him and continue under his direction to this day.

4. Q: Do you have other scientists?
A: There are several others with DVM, PhD or MD equivalent, as well as others with MS and BS degrees in the sciences. Although nature is the underlying principle at Wysong, leading edge science is used to discover and apply that principle.

5. Q: Does this make you different from other companies?
A: We think so. For most companies the emphasis is on marketing. There may be name dropping of "Dr." consultants, but these individuals usually have no authority over product design and in many cases (in the pet food industry particularly) no real expertise in the field. There is also liberal use of words such as "science," "clinical," "studies," and the like - whether or not there is underlying substance. In contrast, Dr. Wysong directly designs, oversees and controls products and processing.

6. Q: Are you a health food company?
A: Since many people equate "health food," with "weird food," we don't like the association. In our food divisions, we create healthy foods backed by science, not lore. Wysong, in effect, bridges the gap between nature and science.

7. Q: Where are you located?
A: Our corporate and research headquarters are located in Midland, MI. We also have manufacturing operations in Lake Mills, WI.

8. Q: Are you approved by government regulations?
A: We are inspected and under the purview of the FDA, USDA, OSHA, and AAFCO.

9. Q: Can I buy stock in your company?
A: No, we are not a publicly traded company.

10. Q: Are there job opportunities with Wysong?
A: Yes. Please send an e-mail to wysong@wysong.net with your cover letter and resume.

11. Q: Do you manufacture your products or do you have others do it?
A: Yes, we conceive, design, and directly manufacture almost all of our products. This distinguishes us from most pet food companies.

12. Q: How do you control the quality of your products?
A: In order to control quality you first must understand a lot about food processing and the potential dangers within foods. We have professionals on staff who work with Dr. Wysong to control a variety of factors that many manufacturers are not even aware of - such as mycotoxins, food-borne pathogens, antinutritional factors, oxidant status and toxin contaminants, to name a few.

13. Q: Do you do laboratory research on animals?
A: No. We believe that caging animals for studies is unnecessary. When we want to gather data, we ask for help from real pets in real homes and use veterinary clinical consultants across the country. Nobody gets hurt. Please see our article on Animal Testing and Feeding Trials.

14. Q: What do you do to be environmental?
A: All that we can. The world is a finite resource and we treat it that way. We take all the measures we can to reduce energy consumption. We reduce, reuse, and as a last resort, recycle. We have an in-house recycling center, compost organic waste and encourage garage sale reuse among employees. Keep in mind that the ultimate goal of environmentalism is health. If an action - such as recyclable packaging that improperly protects nutrients and causes toxin formation - creates harm to health, we put health first.

15. Q: Isn't it kind of weird making both human and animal products? Hope you don't mix them up.
A: The technology Dr. Wysong developed for animals applies to humans, and the technology he developed for humans applies to animals. So why not? We and our fellow biological creatures are not so different as you might imagine. We also use our products to teach. Many people come to learn how to better care for themselves and their family because of interest triggered in what they learned from Wysong animal foods. Or vice versa. And no...we don't mix them up - they are made separately. Even if we did, no harm would come because the same level of quality is in all of our products.

16. Q: How do you decide what products to make?
A: First off, we do not see the point of making things that are already available just to try to gain profit. We make things that, in our opinion, are not made well enough yet. We also make what we would personally prefer to use.

17. Q: There are so many choices out there, how do I decide?
A: Since companies and their advertising/marketing partners can easily confuse people, you need to be informed. Cool ads, movie stars, words like "natural" and "science," fancy graphs, pretty packaging and the like is not that education. Asking questions like this is a start. If a company cannot give you any real depth, get suspicious. Please see our article How To Choose a Pet Food Company.

18. Q: Why don't I see your company advertising or in all the major stores?
A: Our primary focus has been and is education, research, and development. We are not a marketing firm, so what advertising you do see will be with an educational emphasis.

19. Q: Why are some of your products quite expensive?A: Because they are expensive to produce. Quality has a price.

20. Q: It just seems that there are similar things out there for a lot less money, don't you think?A: Health is not a place to be budget-minded. It's a pay now or pay later type-thing. There are many important health features in Wysong products which are not easily discerned on labels. (Pet food regulators strictly limit what can be said on labeling.) In fact, it is possible to create products that have virtually the same label as Wysong, but cost a fraction of what it costs to produce Wysong. Since such deception is possible, you must read company literature carefully to discern if those behind the products are marketers saying words or serious scientists committed to health.

21. Q: Where is Wysong headed in the future?
A: You can count on Wysong being very creative. We will continue to lead, not follow, and bring you state-of-the-art information and products to enhance health for both humans and animals.

Also see: Wysong As A Holistic Company

10 Tips to Choose a Pet Food Company

2009-06-15T10:15:00.003-05:00

It is virtually impossible for consumers to know the health value of packaged pet foods by viewing or feeding them. Processing makes products non-descript, and, furthermore, manufacturers can cleverly make about anything look like anything they like, e.g., starch, textured vegetable protein and dyes can look like a pork chop. Additionally, taste enhancers can make non-foods palatable and short term feeding trial results do not reveal the true health measure of a pet food’s value – long, active, vital life, free from chronic degenerative disease conditions.

Judging merit by reading advertising, marketing brochures and pet food package labels can also be deceiving. Although it would seem that regulation would not permit false and misleading information in the marketplace, this is simply not the case. So assuming that what is said in advertising is true because it is in a reputable publication, or on a beautifully designed brochure or package is a dangerous mistake.

So if all the commonly used criteria for judging the merit of a pet food are invalid, what is the concerned pet owner to do? As in all other important decisions in life, gathering information and applying reason is the best way to the best answer. This process is even more important in food decisions because health is at issue.

Ultimately a pet food can be no better than the competency and the principles of those producing it. Everything flows from that. If the pet food producer’s main objective is profit, then health will be a secondary consideration. Evaluating manufacturers, therefore, becomes the most critical element in making pet feeding choices. The following criteria will help you in this evaluation.

1. PET HEALTH PHILOSOPHY: Does the literature and pet health philosophy make sense and clearly put pet health as the number one priority, or is the primary objective marketing and sales?

2. LEADER CREDENTIALS: What are the credentials, experience and accomplishments of the people in charge? Is the leader a marketing person, a board of directors concerned primarily about profits, or someone competent in health and nutrition?

3. PET HEALTH INFORMATION LITERATURE: Read their literature, don’t just test feed the product or read package labels. Is their literature mere marketing claims, or do they educate and provide logical and documented scientific proof for the rationale of their product? Additionally, do they propose that the only way to pet health is through feeding their products? If so, be assured that they are lying...

4. MANUFACTURING CONTROL: Find out if the pet food company marketing the product is also the owner of the company manufacturing it or in close control of formulations and manufacturing parameters. Consider that anyone off the street can go to any number of pet food manufacturers and have them make a food (such contract manufacturers have files full of ready-to-go formulas), add micro amounts of “special” ingredients, create a new label and then make unsubstantiated claims about the superiority of the “revolutionary new” product.

5. THE “100% COMPLETE & BALANCED PET FOOD” MYTH: Does the company promote the claim of “100% complete and balanced?” This claim is a myth and is directly responsible for far-reaching nutritional diseases in pets. Use of the claim proves a manufacturer does not properly understand animal nutrition and pet health and is under the mistaken (but profitable, since it misleads consumers into thinking they should feed only their processed food) view that manufactured foods can be perfect.

6. FADS OVER FACTS: Does the company follow fads or does it lead with solid responsible information? Fads include high fiber, low cholesterol, low fat, “natural,” no preservatives, four food groups, high protein and the like. Such singular focus on faddish pet food fallacies demonstrates either an incomplete understanding of nutrition or a motive to profit from misinformed consumers.

7. INGREDIENT BOOGEYMEN: Does the company incite fear mongering about “boogeyman” ingredients? Current examples of such nutritional boogiemen include: soy, corn, wheat, fat, “by-products,” seaweed, ash, meat meal, yeast and magnesium. Popular misconceptions, dubious field reports and poorly conducted science lie at the base of such beliefs. If a pet food company uses such fallacies to promote their products, they either do not understand pet nutrition or desire to play on popular ignorance for financial gain.

8. FOODS AS DRUGS: Since the body can only experience health and healing from natural foods and a natural environmental context, it is presumptuous to claim a processed, manipulated, fraction-based food can do it better. In fact, such fabricated foods may create serious side effects and are far inferior to whole natural nutrition. Pet food producers who create and promote such foods attempt to capitalize on the awe of supposed advanced manufacturing technology and medicine. The illusion is created that a processed pet food, just because it is promoted like a prescription drug, is somehow high-tech and scientific, when in fact it may be no more so than most other processed pet foods.

9. COSMETICS OVER PET NUTRITION: Most pet food producers target food cosmetics rather than real nutrition. Flavors, shapes, packaging, bonuses, discounts, coupons, pricing, guarantees and the like are essentially unrelated to health and nutrition. Emphasis on such features should alert the consumer that the producer may be interested primarily in mass marketing, not serious pet health and nutrition.

10. INNOVATION: Since nutritional science is a rapidly growing and expanding field of knowledge, a producer truly interested in pet health should be highly innovative. Adapting new knowledge to formulations, processing, packaging and storage should be ongoing and these innovations should be clearly communicated to consumers. Most pet food companies don’t lead, they follow. Consumers would be wise to follow leaders, now followers.
We invite your comparison.

Freeze Dried Raw Pet Food Recall - Nature's Variety

2009-06-14T20:41:00.002-05:00

Freeze Dried Raw Product

Nature's Variety News - June 12, 2009

Nature’s Variety recently identified two lots of Freeze Dried product that didn’t meet our quality standards. These products do not represent a health hazard to your pet. We have voluntarily withdrawn distribution of these specific products:

Freeze Dried Raw Chicken Formula (UPC # 69949 60151) with a “best if used by” date of 05/25/10
Freeze Dried Raw Beef Formula (UPC # 69949 60251) with a “best if used by” date of 05/25/10

From the Nature's Variety site:

Our distributor and retailer partners have kept control of these products, and because we retrieved these products so quickly, it is very unlikely that you purchased this batch of food. If, however, you believe you may have purchased one of these products, you may contact Nature’s Variety at 1.888.519.PETS (7387) for a full refund or replacement.

We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused you. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact us by clicking CONTACT US at the top of this page, or call our Customer Service Team directly at 1.888.519.PETS. We will be happy to respond to you as quickly as possible.

Our Commitment to Quality
At Nature’s Variety, we’re committed to product quality. Our team is passionate about providing nutritious products, formulated with high quality meat, poultry, and fish protein. Our Quality Assurance Team takes extra care to ensure the wholesomeness of our premium foods.

Nature’s Variety has and will continue to enforce strict quality standards as we offer our nutritious foods to your special pet. Thank you for your continued trust in Nature’s Variety. Be assured, your pet’s health and happiness is our first priority.

Dog Skin Problems Cures

2009-06-08T19:09:00.004-05:00

If your furry friend suffers from Hot Spots, Flea Bites, Mosquito Bites, Spider Bites, Eczema, Skin Rashes, Blisters, Chronic Scratching, A Dull Coat, Dry, Itchy, Flaky Skin, Scabbing, Split Pads, Acne or Burns, this is an important message for you...

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If you've had ever had a dog with a skin or coat problem, you know the frustration when the prescribed method of treatment does not work, or ends up doing more harm than healing (we all know about the dangerous side effects of drugs).

The honest-to-goodness truth is, the most effective remedies are ones that work with your dog's natural healing processes, not against them. And when it comes to clearing up their skin and coat, there's only one totally natural, 100% organic product on the market that is guaranteed to help clear up the 17 most common canine skin and coat problems out there...

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Dog Whisperer Training Not For All Dogs

2009-05-27T16:16:00.006-05:00

Before you listen to the TV dog trainers and try what they teach - think again and please read this new study.

A new study shows how the behaviour of dogs has been misunderstood for generations: in fact using misplaced ideas about dog behaviour and training is likely to cause rather than cure unwanted behaviour. The findings challenge many of the dominance related interpretations of behaviour and training techniques suggested by current TV dog trainers.

Contrary to popular belief, aggressive dogs are NOT trying to assert their dominance over their canine or human “pack”, according to research published by academics at the University of Bristol’s Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research.

The researchers spent six months studying dogs freely interacting at a Dogs Trust rehoming centre, and reanalysing data from studies of feral dogs, before concluding that individual relationships between dogs are learnt through experience rather than motivated by a desire to assert “dominance”.

The study shows that dogs are not motivated by maintaining their place in the pecking order of their pack, as many well-known dog trainers preach.

Far from being helpful, the academics say, training approaches aimed at “dominance reduction” vary from being worthless in treatment to being actually dangerous and likely to make behaviours worse.

Instructing owners to eat before their dog or go through doors first will not influence the dog’s overall perception of the relationship – merely teach them what to expect in these specific situations. Much worse, techniques such as pinning the dog to the floor, grabbing jowls, or blasting hooters at dogs will make dogs anxious, often about their owner, and potentially lead to an escalation of aggression.

Dr Rachel Casey, Senior Lecturer in Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare at Bristol University, said: “The blanket assumption that every dog is motivated by some innate desire to control people and other dogs is frankly ridiculous. It hugely underestimates the complex communicative and learning abilities of dogs. It also leads to the use of coercive training techniques, which compromise welfare, and actually cause problem behaviours.

“In our referral clinic we very often see dogs which have learnt to show aggression to avoid anticipated punishment. Owners are often horrified when we explain that their dog is terrified of them, and is showing aggression because of the techniques they have used – but its not their fault when they have been advised to do so, or watched unqualified ‘behaviourists’ recommending such techniques on TV.”

At Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, rehoming centre staff see the results of misguided dog training all the time. Veterinary Director Chris Laurence MBE, added: “We can tell when a dog comes in to us which has been subjected to the ‘dominance reduction technique’ so beloved of TV dog trainers. They can be very fearful, which can lead to aggression towards people.

“Sadly, many techniques used to teach a dog that his owner is leader of the pack is counter-productive; you won’t get a better behaved dog, but you will either end up with a dog so fearful it has suppressed all its natural behaviours and will just do nothing, or one so aggressive it’s dangerous to be around.” Source ScienceDaily